HACK || Retro Alex Shorty

March 23, 2021

When we worked on our planning and decided on the Alex Jogger Pants & Shorts being March's "Pattern in the spotlight", I knew I wanted to do a shorts hack for my girl. She is not into pants at all (or shorts for that matter) - it's all twirly dresses & skirts for that one! So I set out to hack the Alex jogger and "girly" it up a little! Inspiration struck when an increase of summer outfits started to appear on social media, specifically retro inspired sport shorts! And with the Alex jogger pants already having a subtly sifted side seam, I knew creating a binding finish would totally transform the look. Let's get hacking! 

Prep & supplies

Next to your Alex Jogger Pants pattern and supplies mentioned in the tutorial, you don't need any additional materials. I printed all the pattern pieces needed for the shorts and decided on the front pockets. 

Sewing the shorts

Step 1 - Sew the Alex jogger shorts until step 6 ("The Gusset") of the tutorial. I topstitched around the gusset at the front and the back. Your side seams should still be open.

Step 2 - The Alex jogger shorts length hits mid upper leg, but I love a shorter look for this style. Fold the wrong sides of the front and back together. This way you have a good view of the total bottom leg. I decided to shorten the total length by 3 cm and marked this down at the bottom of the shorts. Cut off the excess fabric.

Step 3 - Next, draw in the rounded corners on both sides. Cut off the excess fabric through all the layers.

Step 4 - Measure the length of the edge from side to side. This is the length of your bindings.

Binding

Step 1 - Cut 2 strips measuring the edge length x 4 cm (1,5"). Place the shorts with the wrong side up. With the right side of the binding facing the wrong side of the shorts, start pining the binding along the edge. At the rounded corner, make sure to pull the binding slightly to create a bit of tension. This will help create a beautiful round edge later.

Step 2 - Serge the binding to the shorts. Repeat for the other side. Place the shorts with the right side up. Press the seam allowance towards the binding.

Step 3 - Fold the edge of the binding in and fold it over, this way enclosing the seam of the shorts. Pin in place.

Step 4 - Stitch the binding, using a knit stitch or a small zigzag stitch. Give it a good press and admire your work!

Step 5 - Overlap the side seams, lining up the stitch lines of each side. Pin in place. Stitch through all the layers over the binding stitches, until the round corner. Repeat for the other side.

Finishing up

Now, all that's left is to attach your waistband. Finished! I for one, absolutely love this cute Alex retro shorty! 

Happy sewing! 

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