Beginner $9 Simple

Gym Shorts

Simple elastic-waist gym shorts drafted to your waist and hip measurements. A great beginner project with minimal pieces and a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Generate This Pattern

Enter your measurements and customize. Preview before you buy.

Drafted from 5 of your measurements. No size chart approximation.

What You Get

Pattern pieces: Front Panel, Back Panel, Waistband Front, Waistband Back, Side-Seam Pocket Bag
Download formats: Tiled PDF (US Letter and A4 for home printing), projector file for no-print cutting, A0 large-format for copy-shop printing
Construction steps: 1. Prepare side-seam pocket bags / 2. Sew center front seam / 3. Sew center back seam...
Materials guide: Fabric recommendations with yardage estimates, notions list, needle and thread guide, and machine settings
Scale check: 1:1 verification square so you can confirm print accuracy before cutting any fabric

Customizable Options

Fit: Slim (+2.5″) , stretch fabric only / Regular (+4″) / Relaxed (+6″)
Side pockets: None / Side-seam bag ×2
Drawstring exit: Metal grommets (2) / Worked buttonholes
Back elastic width: ¾″ / 1″ / 1½″
Brief liner: None / Athletic mesh liner
Rise style: Ultra low (2000s, −2.5″) / Low rise (−1.5″) / Mid rise (body rise) / High rise (+1.5″) / Ultra high (paperbag, +3″)
Seam allowance: ⅜″ / ½″
Hem allowance: ¾″ turned & stitched / 1″ (cuff roll)
Hem side split: None / 1″ side slit (running/basketball) / 2″ side slit (running)

Style Variations

Drafted from 5 of your measurements

Every dimension is drafted from your measurements. No grading, no size charts.

What we draft	Source
Waist circumference	Drafted directly from your waist measurement
Hip circumference	Drafted directly from your hip measurement
Crotch rise	Drafted directly from your rise measurement
Thigh circumference	Drafted directly from your thigh measurement
Inseam length	Drafted directly from your inseam measurement

Fabric Recommendations

Supplex nylon or poly-spandex
Nylon taslan

Customer Reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use knit fabric for gym shorts?

Yes - athletic knits, jersey, or woven fabrics like nylon and polyester all work well. The elastic waist accommodates stretch and non-stretch fabrics.

How do I choose the right inseam length?

The pattern lets you set your preferred inseam. A 5-inch inseam hits mid-thigh, while 7-9 inches sits closer to the knee.

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