DIY Mens Cargo Shorts: Free Sewing Patterns & Guide

Ready to ditch those store-bought shorts and create something truly your own? Look no further, guys! This guide dives into the world of mens cargo shorts sewing patterns, giving you the lowdown on everything from finding the perfect pattern to mastering the essential sewing techniques. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or a complete beginner, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources to craft a pair of cargo shorts that fit perfectly and reflect your unique style. So, grab your sewing machine, your favorite fabric, and let's get started on this exciting DIY adventure!

Why Sew Your Own Cargo Shorts?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why you should even bother sewing your own cargo shorts. I mean, you can just buy them, right? Well, sure, but here's the thing: sewing your own clothes offers a ton of advantages. Firstly, customization is king. You get to choose the exact fabric, color, and details. Tired of those flimsy, pre-made pockets? Beef them up! Want a specific inseam length? You got it! Sewing puts you in complete control of the final product. Secondly, fit is everything. How many times have you bought shorts that just don't quite fit right? They're either too tight in the waist, too baggy in the legs, or the dreaded camel toe situation. With a sewing pattern, you can tailor the shorts to your exact body measurements, ensuring a comfortable and flattering fit. Thirdly, quality and durability are in your hands. You can select high-quality, durable fabrics that will withstand wear and tear. Plus, you'll be able to reinforce seams and add extra stitching for added strength. Forget those shorts that fall apart after a few washes – these will last! Fourthly, it's a sustainable choice. Fast fashion is a major contributor to environmental waste. By sewing your own clothes, you're reducing your reliance on mass-produced garments and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. Finally, it's incredibly rewarding. There's nothing quite like the feeling of wearing something you made yourself. It's a confidence booster, a conversation starter, and a testament to your creativity and skill. It can become a new hobby or even a side income for you, if you are good at marketing and sales. Now that you know why sewing your own cargo shorts is awesome, let's move on to finding the perfect pattern.

Finding the Right Mens Cargo Shorts Sewing Pattern

The key to successful DIY cargo shorts is finding a pattern that suits your skill level and style preferences. Luckily, there are tons of resources available online and in local fabric stores. Here's a breakdown of where to look and what to consider: Firstly, online pattern retailers are a treasure trove of options. Websites like Etsy, Mood Fabrics, and independent pattern designers offer a vast selection of cargo shorts patterns, ranging from classic styles to more modern and trendy designs. Make sure you filter by garment type, keyword and sizes so you can narrow down your search. Secondly, free patterns are a great option for beginners or those on a budget. Many websites and blogs offer free sewing patterns, including cargo shorts. While the selection might be more limited, these patterns can be a great way to get started and practice your sewing skills without spending any money. Some good resources would be sewing websites that include free sewing patterns. Thirdly, fabric stores often carry a selection of sewing patterns, including cargo shorts. This is a great option if you want to browse patterns in person and get advice from store staff. The staff there can provide valuable insight into your choice of fabrics to use. Fourthly, consider your skill level. Be honest with yourself about your sewing abilities. If you're a beginner, choose a simple pattern with clear instructions and minimal details. As you gain experience, you can tackle more complex patterns with more advanced techniques. Fifthly, read reviews. Before you buy a pattern, read reviews from other sewists. This can give you valuable insights into the pattern's accuracy, clarity of instructions, and overall difficulty level. Finally, check the size chart. Measure yourself accurately and compare your measurements to the pattern's size chart. Don't assume that you're the same size in every pattern – size charts can vary widely. By taking the time to find the right pattern, you'll set yourself up for success and avoid frustration down the road. In the next section, we'll explore the different types of fabrics that work well for cargo shorts.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Cargo Shorts

The fabric you choose will significantly impact the look, feel, and durability of your cargo shorts. Here's a guide to some of the best fabric options for this project: Firstly, cotton twill is a classic choice for cargo shorts. It's durable, comfortable, and relatively easy to sew. Twill has a distinctive diagonal weave that makes it resistant to wrinkles and wear. Secondly, ripstop cotton is another excellent option for cargo shorts. It's a lightweight, yet strong fabric that's resistant to tearing and ripping. Ripstop is often used in military and outdoor gear, making it a great choice for rugged cargo shorts. Thirdly, canvas is a heavy-duty fabric that's ideal for workwear-inspired cargo shorts. It's incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, canvas can be more difficult to sew than other fabrics due to its thickness. Fourthly, linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric that's perfect for summer cargo shorts. It has a relaxed, casual look and feel. However, linen wrinkles easily, so it's not the best choice if you're looking for a crisp, polished look. Fifthly, stretch fabrics like cotton spandex blends offer added comfort and flexibility. These fabrics are great for cargo shorts that you'll be wearing for activities like hiking or biking. When choosing your fabric, consider the following factors: Weight: Lighter-weight fabrics are more comfortable in warm weather, while heavier-weight fabrics are more durable and suitable for cooler temperatures. Durability: If you plan on wearing your cargo shorts for rugged activities, choose a durable fabric like ripstop cotton or canvas. Care: Consider how easy the fabric is to care for. Some fabrics require special washing or ironing, while others are more low-maintenance. Color and print: Choose a color and print that you love and that complements your wardrobe. Remember to pre-wash your fabric before cutting out your pattern pieces to prevent shrinkage. Now that you've chosen your fabric, it's time to gather your sewing supplies.

Essential Sewing Supplies for Cargo Shorts

Before you can start sewing, you'll need to gather a few essential supplies. Here's a checklist to get you started: Firstly, sewing machine is the most crucial tool for this project. Make sure your machine is in good working order and that you have the appropriate needle for your chosen fabric. Secondly, sewing pattern is what you have already chosen in the previous step. Print and cut out your pattern pieces carefully, following the instructions provided. Thirdly, fabric is also the most crucial item that you need to decide depending on what kind of usage you have in mind for the shorts. Pre-wash, dry and iron your fabric before cutting. Fourthly, thread is the material that you will use to sew your fabric together. Choose a thread that matches your fabric in color and weight. Fifthly, scissors or rotary cutter are used to cut out the pattern pieces. Fabric scissors are ideal for cutting fabric, while a rotary cutter and cutting mat can be more efficient for cutting straight lines. Sixthly, pins are used to hold the pattern pieces in place while you cut them out. Seventhly, measuring tape is used to take your body measurements and to measure the fabric. Eighthly, seam ripper is used to remove stitches if you make a mistake. Ninthly, iron and ironing board are used to press the fabric and seams. Tenthly, buttons, zippers, or snaps are used for the closure of the shorts and pockets. Eleventhly, interfacing is used to add structure and stability to certain areas of the shorts, such as the waistband and pocket flaps. And lastly, marking tools like fabric chalk or a marking pen are used to transfer pattern markings onto the fabric. With your supplies gathered, you're ready to start cutting out your pattern pieces and sewing your cargo shorts!

Sewing Techniques for Mens Cargo Shorts

Sewing cargo shorts involves a variety of basic and intermediate sewing techniques. Here's a rundown of some of the most important ones: Firstly, cutting fabric accurately is essential for a well-fitting garment. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and follow the pattern's cutting layout carefully. Secondly, sewing straight seams is the foundation of any sewing project. Practice sewing straight lines on scrap fabric before you start working on your cargo shorts. Thirdly, pressing seams is crucial for a professional finish. Press each seam after you sew it to flatten it and remove any wrinkles. Fourthly, installing a zipper or button fly can seem intimidating, but it's a manageable task with patience and clear instructions. Follow the pattern's instructions carefully and don't be afraid to practice on scrap fabric first. Fifthly, creating pockets is a key element of cargo shorts. There are many different types of pockets you can create, from simple patch pockets to more complex bellowed pockets. Sixthly, attaching a waistband is a crucial step in finishing the shorts. The waistband should be snug but comfortable and should sit at your natural waistline. Seventhly, hemming the shorts is the final step in completing the project. Choose a hem that suits your style and the fabric you're using. Finally, topstitching adds a decorative touch and reinforces seams. Use a slightly heavier thread for topstitching and sew close to the edge of the seam. With practice and patience, you can master these sewing techniques and create a pair of cargo shorts that you'll be proud to wear. Now go forth and create!