Make your own Pattern Tutorial~

Have you ever wanted to make something and couldn't find a pattern? OR are to cheap {like me} to pay 7 or 9 or 15 dollars for pattern in the store or online? Well my mom taught me a secret. She showed me how easy it is to make a pattern from something you already have. Like cute little ruffle pants or shorts for my little girl. She has a few outfits that are my absolute favorite with ruffle pants or shorts. And when my mom showed me how easy it is... i was VERY excited. So i thought i would post a tutorial to show you ladies just how easy it is. That is if you sew! :) And even if you don't...maybe this will get you started. Just a warning...this is a long post with lots of pics. :)

I looked up and the kids were doing this......

I guess they were starved for television since i don't turn it on much in the summer time.
Look at those chubby little legs! ;) Don'tcha want to just pick him up and squeeze him? hehe!! And yes that is our livingroom floor waiting to be refinished. And no we don't usually have cords laying around and tv armoirs open but the hubby is still working on some stuff back there. Messy messy....but just keeping it real for ya! Anyway...i took this time to do a quick project.

I got this SA-weet little outfit online a few weeks ago. It was originally an $90 dollar outfit and i got it for $20!! I got it a size bigger cause it's gonna be a christmas gift for little miss. Don'tcha just love the pink smocking against the brown??!! Just GAW-jous!

Here are the cute-e-patootie shorts that go with it. I just love little ruffle shorts. Gotta make a few more for summer. :) This is what inspired me to make a pattern and tutorial.

Here is the list of supplies of what you will need:
Pants or shorts
Scissors
Roll of Brown Mailing Paper
Pencil {i used a pen cause that is all i could find}
Straight Pins {make sure to use these...i didn't cause of time}
Measuring Tap

Roll out your mailing paper.

First fold your shorts (or pants) in half so that the back seam is to your right. {see where the crotch area sticks out alittle}. This is how to lay pants to get that double cut. This is were you need to start getting out your straight pins. Lay the shorts out and start to pin the bottom just right above the ruffle. Put a pin about every 2 inches. This will keep your shorts from moving during the tracing of the pattern. Also...i noticed in the picture that i didn't turn the shorts inside out....you want to do this. It will give you a better outline. I have done this before and knew what it should look like and was able to adjust my copy. But for first timers.....turn it inside out. SORRY about that!! :-O


Start at the bottom right and trace/outline your shorts. Now make sure to give yourself a half inch for the seam. See how i didn't trace right up against the fabric. Also make sure to stretch out the elastic waist so that you get the "true" measurement of the waist. You might want to enlist the hubby for alittle help on this. :)

RUFF...but finished pattern. I like to mark where my seam will be.

Make sure to also give yourself atleast an inch...maybe 2 for the elastic waist band. See where i added extra length.

I also write front and back and how many pieces to cut out.. {just like a real pattern}.

Ok...now the left side is where your fabric will be folded {doubled} for cutting.

Just cut along your marks....maybe alittle better and straighter than your marks....haha!

TA-DAAAA!!! You have a pattern!!

Now for your ruffle. Sorry i didn't snap a pic of me doing this. Kids were not watching Dora at this point and i forgot. Just lay your pants back down on the paper. Making sure to do this where you have room for a long strip.
Now measure the length and double it { you will need the extra length for the pucker of the ruffle} This is your "Ruffle" pattern.

Now measure how long you want the ruffle {width of the ruffle}and double it too. You are going to want to fold the fabric in half for this cause it gives it a more finished look. Also make sure to give yourself an extra half inch for the seam.

See the seam.

And there you have it. A pattern!! I will be showing you how to use that pattern soon. Maybe that will help you to understand some of the crazy markings {if you do not sew}. :)