Pants to Shorts

I wanted to do an easy tutorial to begin with, so why not something season appropriate; turning an old pair of pants into cute shorts. One of my sisters cleaned out her closet recently, and I snatched a few things that I thought I could fix, including a pair of striped pants that were much too short, but the waist fit well. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the "before" since I hacked off the bottom before I thought, "oh, I could use this as a tutorial," but I think you'll get the idea.

Step 1: try on the pants and mark/ pin where you want the edge of your shorts to be, add about 2 inches for the hem and cut straight across.

Step 2: Try on the shorts again. If there's a flare at the bottom like this: 

...then you will need to follow the next few steps. If you like how it looks, you can skip to step 5

Step 3: Turn your new shorts inside out and lay a pair of shorts that fit well on top, also inside out. (This might also work with skinny jeans) Align the seams on the outer edge.  

Step 4: Pin along the inside edge of the top shorts, then sew along the pin line, continuing straight to the bottom edge of your new pants. Cut off the extra seam allowance on the inside of the leg. 

Step 5: Roll your new shorts' hem edge over 1/4 to 1/2 in and press, matching the side seams, and, if you have them, stripes. This will help keep your hem flat. (Sorry, this picture was taken right side out, but I would recommend doing this step with the pants right side in.) 

Step 6: Fold over another 1 and 1/2 inches, and press again. (Still matching the stripes.) (This one is right side in again.)

 

Step 7: Stitch right along the edge of your last fold. 

Step 8: Turn right side out and you're done! Now go wear them. 

Let me know what you think of my first tutorial! I would be glad to answer any questions you may have for me.