Mixed-Print Cotton Shorts with Elastic Waist | Simplicity S1165

Okay, sometimes you just need a fun project to put a smile on your face. That’s why I made a bunch of DIY cotton shorts with elastic waistbands.

They are actually made of quilting cotton, in various prints. Some of them are made in one print, and others are mixed and matched. 

I’ll tell you all about the fabric, notions, process, and share my photos. Maybe you’ll end up making some too!

Simplicity S1165 Pants Pattern

I’ve used Simplicity S1165 sewing pattern to make countless shorts and even some pants. I actually wrote on the envelope, “perfect shorts pattern.”

I want to remind myself of how nice my creations come out. These shorts have pockets in the front and the option to have them in the back too.

This pattern is easy to sew, and I think it’d be a nice one for beginners. You’ll need to know how to put elastic in a casing to make the waistband.

Materials

Here’s all the stuff I used to make my shorts. Medium-weight fabrics seem to work best, and I have lots of them. 

Fabric

Now, I solely used quilting cotton to make this batch. As I mentioned, I made some in one fabric and made multi-colored ones because I had less than a yard here and there.

I had bought my materials at Joann a long time ago, and made various projects. So, when I only had a little bit left, I got creative. 

Having under one yard isn’t enough to make a whole pair of shorts in one color. For reference, I’d need about 1-1/2 yards (1.5 yards) of fabric to make a pair.

Now, I’m always on the fence about using quilting cotton because it can be scratchy and stiff. But this fabric was just fine.

The suggested fabrics are linen, silky types, crepe de chine, cottons, and jersey.

Notions

I used 1-inch wide knit elastic for the waistband. This gives me enough hold without putting pressure on my waist. 

Now the sewing pattern calls for 3/4 inch (0.75-inch) wide elastic, but I prefer using at least 1 inch width. So, I’ll adjust the waistband for this, which isn’t much.

Also, pom trim is listed as a notion, but I didn’t use it. I might try it next time though, because it’s cute.

Needle

I used a size 80/12 universal needle for the fabric, and it worked just fine. If you make shorts in jersey, be sure to use a ballpoint needle for knits.

Thread

I used matching Gutermann sew-all thread in my sewing machine. It’s made of 100% polyester.

Note that some people like to use 100% cotton thread when sewing quilting fabric, but I’ll use what I have on hand.

For the serging, I used Maxi-Lock spun thread, and it’s made of 100% polyester.

Sewing My Shorts

Making the shorts was easy. The most time-consuming part was cutting the fabric.

Prepping

I had pre-washed my fabric a long time ago. I always do that as soon as I bring it home from the store. 

Cotton woven fabric is super easy to cut, as it’s stable. But I cut the multi-colored shorts from many smaller cuts of fabric in my stash, and some were weirdly shaped. 

So, I laid them out on my cutting table and knew I’d cut many pairs of shorts.

I had to find the pattern piece that would fit in the cut of fabric. Plus, I wanted to mix them all up as much as possible, but still aimed to make them look cool.

So, I cut the right and left front sides from the same fabric, and the backs matched each other too. This was a bit tricky because I still had to cut on the grain. 

It was fun to see how I could barely squeeze some shorts out of what I had!

Construction 

Once I got the cutting out of the way, sewing the pieces was fairly easy. The first thing I did was sew the patch pockets onto the back shorts.

Then the front pocket is folded in half vertically, so it makes the pocket and facing. This is sewn onto the front shorts. 

After the front and back pieces are attached. The inside seams are next, following the waistband.

Then, I put the elastic through the casing and fit the shorts. Done!

Well, I know I made that sound easy. Actually, there aren’t many pieces or steps, and that’s why a beginner could try this.

Adjustments

As with all my shorts and pants, I had to adjust the crotch. 

So, it’s extended an inch on the top of the back waist, an inch on the back, and another 1/2 inch (0.5 inch) added near the crotch point. I also added a little to the back side.

If you look at my pattern pieces, the back especially looks doctored up. But it’s necessary for a good fit.

This is from making mockups and then making adjustments. Then I transfer my changes to the pattern. 

Once the fit is right, you’ll have the pattern to use over and over, unless your body changes and then it’s back to square one. 

Another adjustment I made was to extend the inseam by 2-1/2 inches (2.5 inches). The pattern is pretty short on me, as is.

Note that I prefer to have at least an inch hem on my shorts, so I accounted for that too. 

That didn’t always happen because I didn’t have enough fabric. When in doubt, I’ll shave off the inseam length to save the crotch length.

I also made my shorts with my ruffle waist hack, because I love the way it looks. So that required adding more to the waistband and sewing an extra line across to make the casing.

Finishing Details

I didn’t add any finishing touches, unless you’d count those patch pockets on the back. Now, I’m really thinking of adding some embellishment to my next pair!

Project Notes

I feel like you can get really creative when sewing these shorts. But, if you’re not ready to go bold, you can make a pair just using one print at first.

Then, you can experiment by mixing and matching on your next pair. I like to go with a color palette.

For example, I went with bright colors, because that’s what I had. I also had some muted and fall tones, but didn’t use them as I felt they wouldn’t look right with the bright ones.

Go way out and pair with a colorful top like my V-neck knit top! Or go with a solid or two-toned one.

At the end of the day, it’ll be your creation and experiment any way that makes you happy. 

Final Thoughts

Making shorts in mixed prints was such a fun project. Sometimes we need to stretch our imaginations like this.

Besides that, I have a ball wearing these around the yard and while traveling. Maybe you’ll come up with some unique ones of your own!

More Sewing Projects 

I have many other related posts on my blog. You might want to check them out.

• By the way, you can check out my shorts with contrast pockets for a more subtle look.

• My ruffle waist shorts hack is an easy way to modify an elastic waistband pattern.

• Would you like to learn more about comfy waistband elastics? 

• And what about learning how to put elastic in a casing? 

• I’ll tell you more about making clothes with quilting cotton.

I’d love to hear all about your sewing journey!

Originally published: October 19, 2025