The shorts course for a Father’s Day gift

If spring is any indication, we’re in for a warmer-than-usual summer, and now is a good time to start thinking about warm weather apparel.

This week’s project serves two purposes: It will make a nice Father’s Day gift, and it can teach young seamstresses a few sewing basics.

For a small investment in time and money – and with minimum sewing skills – you can whip up a pair of baggy shorts for Dad to wear at barbecues or other outdoor events. Of course, he can also lounge around the house in them if he prefers.

Most of the major pattern companies offer one or more patterns for baggy shorts, usually in their “unisex” and “simple to sew” categories. Both patterns are basically the same, but the “simple” versions generally cost a lot less – a couple dollars as opposed to $6 and up.

If you’re lucky, the pattern will include sizes ranging from small to extra large in one package, but most contain either small to medium or large to extra large, with options for long, medium and short lengths.

The patterns we saw also were designed to have a faux fly front and side pockets, but if this project is tackled by a youngster with little or no sewing background, we recommend omitting the fly and the pockets.

This is easy to do, and what you’re left with is five simple seams, a hem on each leg and an elastic casing at the waist – a perfect first-time learning experience.

Once you have your pattern, have some fun selecting the fabric. A medium-weight cotton or blend is best for shorts, and the selection of prints and solids is endless.

You can also use sport nylon, but again, for a first-time effort, we recommend the cotton or blend for ease of sewing.

We went a little crazy and chose John Deere and NASCAR/Mickey Mouse prints, a patriotic theme with the Fourth of July in mind, and some really cool red-hot chili peppers on a black background.

The steps are simple: Cut out the pieces according to pattern directions, stitch the center-front and center-back seams together, stitch the front and back together at the sides and crotch, hem the legs and make the elastic casing at the waist.

Most patterns suggest 5/8-inch seams, and to make a simple hem, just fold the fabric over (to the inside) 1/4-inch twice and stitch along the top edge of the fold.

Making the elastic casing will be the trickiest part for a beginner, but it’s not hard.

Assuming that you are using two rows of 1/2-inch elastic, fold the fabric over (to the inside) 2 inches and pin in place so that the fold will be even all around.

Stitch along the top of the fold very close to the edge all around, then drop down at least 3/4-inch and stitch all around again. This will form the top casing for one row of elastic.

Fold the unfinished edge of the fabric under and stitch all around very close to the fold, making sure to leave at least 3/4-inch between the center stitching line and the bottom stitching line. This will form the bottom casing for the second row of elastic.

Cut two lengths of elastic to the desired waist measurement.

Now, using a seam ripper or sewing razor blade, carefully cut the thread at the center-back seam so you can insert the elastic.

Attach a small safety pin to one end of the elastic and run it through the casing. You may have to finagle a bit at each seam to get the pin through, but take your time. Pin the other end of the elastic with a big safety pin so it doesn’t inadvertently disappear into the casing.

When the safety pin emerges at the end of the casing, secure the two ends of the elastic together with a few hand stitches and remove the pins. Repeat the process for the second row of elastic.

With both elastic pieces secured, carefully hand-stitch the seam (where you cut it with the seam ripper) back together.

Turn the shorts inside out, and with very sharp scissors make several cuts in the seams where they curve in the crotch area. Be very careful not to cut through the seam, but just up to it. This is to prevent bunching and make a smooth seam at the crotch.

The final step is to press the seams open and the hems flat with a steam iron.

With that, Dad will have a pair of stylish baggy shorts for summer, and the novice seamstress will have a great first project under her belt.

You can e-mail Jonetta Rose Coffin at jrocoffin@aol.com.

You’ll need:

* Shorts pattern

* Fabric

* Sewing pins

* Scissors

* Thread

* Sewing machine

* Elastic

* Seam ripper or sewing razor blade