Wooohoooo y’all, Katie was NOT kidding when she described this pattern as “Pin-up style shorty shorts.” These puppies are SHORT.
‘Scuze my white legs. Sorry not sorry.
These are the Rite of Spring shorts from Papercut Patterns and I am 1000% in LOVE with them. I couldn’t imagine how they were going to turn out based on the pattern art and photos – in some ways, they kind of look like underwear, almost – but having made them, I do they think they are definitely just like those pin-up style shorts that we are always gawking over in Time Magazine photos or whatever.
Just be sure you’re ok with showing a LOT of leg because, well, they’s short.
I cut these in the very smallest size – XXS – and shaved an extra 1/4″ off each seam to get a close fit. That’s it! I am actually surprised – and DELIGHTED – at how well these fit straight out of the package, especially considering how much trauma I went though to get my Clovers to fit. I was expecting to have to mess with the crotch length, the depth, the rise, all that shit – but they’re pretty perfect. So yay!
I have so many favorite parts about this pattern, I don’t think I can just narrow one thing down. I love the curved side seams that make your waist look half the size it actually is. Piping is optional – but if you’re making these, I strongly encourage the piping, especially if you’re working with a busy fabric.
I love how the back curves down too – for a little extra butt coverage. I think my very very favorite thing is that the back hem is actually faced with self-fabric – so if it flips up, you still see the right side. I mean, I might be showing asscheek or whatever but GOD FORBID you see the wrong side of the fabric amirite 😉
Oh, and the rise is super high – like past the belly button high – so these are totally suitable to wear with crop-tops.
And look at how the hem flips out on the sides! DARLING, JUST DARLING.
Putting these together was surprisingly quick and easy. There are only a 4 pieces, and even with the piping and the zipper I still had them done within a couple of hours. They also just use the tiniest scrap of fabric (I mean, duh, they’re tiny as it is – but sometimes shorts suck up a surprising amount of fabric, you know?). I should’ve measured, but I think I used something like half or 5/8 yard. The fabric is actually leftover from my Miette Wrap Skirt, and the piping is leftover bias binding from my Blue Lace Robson Trench.
The pattern calls for an invisible zipper in the back, but I was in major stash-bust mode so I subbed in a lapped zipper. I think an invisible zipper would definitely look nicer, but this isn’t so bad!
I’ll confess, I was hesitant about adding a zipper right up the middle of that back seam because I wasn’t sure if it would backfire and look terrible. I don’t think it does, though – it’s totally inconspicuous!
I didn’t do the best job of putting these together, as they’re more so a wearable muslin (oh you just wait and see what I have planned for this pattern…), but I think they’ll actually get a lot of wear during Me-Made-May! Polka dot shorty shorts, yay!
Here you can sort of see the polka-dot piping. Unfortunately, my fabric had the polka dots printed so that they kind of don’t show up on the bias strips… so my piping is only half-assed polka dots. Oh well!
If you’re lurking on this pattern as hard as I was, be aware that Papercut Patterns is currently offering free worldwide shipping. HOT DAMN, Y’ALL. Butt shorts for everyone! 😀
LLADYBIRD 
Absolutely adorable! I don’t know if I could get away with that short length, but you look fantastic! And thanks for the heads up on free shipping 🙂
I LOVE your shorts. They are so so so cute. I think I’m going to have to make a pair now!
Cuuuuute! Oh I just want to smack you in your cute little polka dotted face.. well, actually it’s your polka dotted fanny. 😉 I really think the shape of those is adorable, and the polka dots totally make it even more so but without being too cutesy. Just right!! There’s nooo way I’m showing that much leg though, but it seems like it -might- be able to be lengthened in a way that would keep that cute little flair.
I bet they could be easily lengthened just by extending the hem. And I totally know what you mean, there aren’t a lot of people wiling to show so much leg ha! But they’d probably still be just as cute a little longer 🙂
What is the inseam? 1″? 2″? It looks like the hem might be 1″ from your photos…but it’s so hard to gauge. Not to get too personal (not that I think you’d be easy to offend) but what sort of underwear do you wear with these? I mean, can you get away with a brief? Or are they so cheeky that you need a thong?
I can measure when I get home but I’m pretty sure it’s somewhere around a 1″ inseam. The hem is also around 1″, so even just making a more narrow hem would lengthen them.
And you’re right – I’m not offended haha. I’m just wearing regular underwear with them 🙂 I don’t even own a thong – I require full butt coverage. You probably want something that cuts a little higher than a brief (or those underwear shorts things), but just a standard bikini works fine for me 🙂
Oh wow! These are AMAZING! I love them! Pity I don’t have the legs, or the weather…
Wow those turned out great and you are definitely rocking them! I would be so nervous about flashing some buttcheeks that I don’t think I could pull off.
Btw, where did you get your fabric? I assume it’s 100% cotton? I bought some black and white polka dot fabric from fabric.com and it’s pretty see-through. I’m pretty bummed that anything I make from it will need lining.
I was worried about the cheek flash, but srsly – I contorted every way in front of the mirror and you can’t really see them! The back extends enough to cover ’em, at least for me 🙂
This fabric is from Mood! They don’t sell it on the site, but maybe call the store and see if they still have any in stock? It’s a linen by Marc Jacobs 🙂
If you haven’t made anything out of it yet, you could try flatlining it with a white muslin or broadcloth? That way you done have to create a separate lining. I have this same problem with a light pink cotton with black pin dots–SO cute, but SO not PG. 🙂
Super Cute!
Very Very Nice
These are FANTASTIC! I am not a shorts girl myself (I live in curvy land) but I love that vintage look. You pull it off so well. 🙂
I bet you could rock them! I think this kind of short looks SO CUTE on someone with a bit extra curves 🙂
Hmmm… I’ll have to put it on my wishlist for patterns! I need to cut sometimes and sew it SOON… I’m out the next few weekends for work/play but my Friday afternoons are opening up so I might have a good window of opportunity there.
Also I will be asking you for zipper lessons soon.
Love, love, love! One question–do you think you could add pockets? Either in the side seams or back pockets? I really need pockets on my shorts.
Also, cute top! Did you make it?
I thought the same thing,but I don’t know if you can make these with pockets and still keep that smooth line. You could probably hide them in the side seams, but anything you stick in there will end up bulky – which for me, is the LAST thing I want with this type of garment! I’ll just carry a purse, ha 🙂
And no, I didn’t make the shirt! It’s something I picked up from a friend’s yard sale 🙂
Or you could be like me and just stuff your phone and cards in your bra and make your man servant (I mean husband/boyfriend/girlfriend… whatever, I’m not judgmental) carry the rest.
So, despite being a size 18 my husband is now begging me to make these for hanging out at the lake.
PLEASE DO. I’m thinking these would look amaaaazing on someone with a fuller figure!
You really have the perfect figure for these shorts! They look so frickin’ cute on you!!! Nice job 🙂
Too cute!
Yowza… these are HOT! And for some reason, at first glance I thought you were wearing them with roller skates. 🙂
Oh my goodness! I just ordered the pattern last week and can’t wait to get my hands on it, but your version made me want it even more… I had a lot of ideas but never thought of polkadots, but they are oh so perfectly cute!
These shorts are HOT. I didn’t notice the zipper at all. If I had tiny legs like you I would live in shorts in the summer. But I’d rather wear a skirt and sip a sugary cocktail than work my quads.
lol I don’t work my quads either – at least not intentionally 🙂 I get most of my exercise through cycle-commuting haha 🙂
I really need to get over my fear of biking or move to a flatter part of the city. I love biking, but so many people get hit in my town and by my work 😦
Oh I hear ya – cycling with ignorant drivers on the road is SCARY. Not even gonna pretend like I don’t occasionally take the sidewalk when I feel unsafe (when people are whizzing by at 50+mph… yep, that’s unsafe time, ha). I’m lucky that my current commute is almost entirely bike lanes and quiet neighborhoods – otherwise I’d probably stay in my car, too!
These are too short for me, personally, but they look amazing on you. And I can appreciate all the amazing details that have been included on this cute little pattern. The kind of shorts I wish I would wear, but know I wouldn’t.
Lol great shorts and entertaining post. What a great way to stash bust! just wish I was ten (ok maybe 15) yr younger! Don’t think I would dare now X
Wowzers, those are some rad shorts! I bet you could have nothing but fun wearing them. Enjoy
You really rock those shorts! Now I’m struggling to convince myself I can afford that pattern.
If it helps, they’re about the same cost as a Colette or Sewaholic pattern… except freeeeeeeee shipping (can you tell that I hate paying for shipping, haha!) 😉
They’re an awesome pair of shorts and look fantastic on you :-). Maybe I’ll have to add them to my summer wardrobe list – hard not to with free international shipping!
“I mean, I might be showing asscheek or whatever but GOD FORBID you see the wrong side of the fabric amirite”
as usual you’re killing me. and you’re adorable and hot. i’m pretty sure i’m allowed to hate you right now.
You say this, knowing that you have the most perfect bootay EVER. I’m pretty sure I’m allowed to hate you for the same reason. I’d destroy a small cities for dat ass 😉
I concur. Oona bootay is phenom.
Wow, they are like pin-up shorts! Very Marilyn Munroe, they look just lovely on you.
Awesomeness!!! Thanks so much for the heads up, because I am in desperate need of me-made shorts. You are too cute in these, even with the white legs, which we are all blessed with this time of year. Can’t wait to try these out.
You look too adorable in these, perfect for your figure. I spot a runner with toned legs.
Polka dots for the win.
Hehe they’re actually cyclist legs 🙂 I did just start running a couple of weeks ago, but right now I’m only up to about 3 minutes (SLOW) before I start wanting to die 🙂 Working on it, haha!
Well they are killer, keep it up they look great.
These are darling on you! And how mini they are too! heh I’m sooo living vicariously through you since I don’t wear shorts… like ever. Not even at home around the house.
I have to ask, will you be wearing these shorties out and about? I fear you may be stopping traffic if you do. heh
Heck yeah I’m gonna wear them out! I figure I have short shorts that are just as short as this – except much more low-waisted. Can’t be much worse, I guess!
What’s up, Whistle Bait? Daaaaannnng, Girl! Those are some seriously hot hot-pants. I want to make a pair out of some kind of bathing suit/play suit material and make a matching retro crop top. That would be the cutest!
OMG that would be really cute! Do it dooo it!
Not many people could pull those shorts off, but you definitely can! You look fantastic!!
Your comments always make me laugh. Shorts that short on me would definitely be “butt shorts” and I don’t think the general public should be subjected to that nonsense but your version looks great!
Your shorts are so cute! They’re certainly pin up with the high waist and cute polka dots. Perfect summer shorts.
They look more fabulous with your piping.
Wheet whoooo )(that’s me wolf whistling by the way)!!! I’ve loved these shorts for ages and it’s great to see them made up as I’ve not seen any versions before. They’re as cute and hot as I thought they would be!
They look great:)
These are awesome!! LOVE the polkadots – am sure they’re somehow perfect for the vintageness – more super high-waisted bottoms I say!! 😉
I don’t know if these would work on my big ‘ol butt, but they look so adorable on you it makes me want to try anyway! Love the polka dots! 🙂
Totally pulling them off. You should rock some roller skates in these babies.
Oh yes! 2 or 3 babies ago, I’d be rockin those right next to you! Hee hee. Look at those bicycle thighs! You look adorable! Good for you! Wear the shit outta those! You could do anything from gold flash dance to daisy duke in that pattern. Can’t wait to see.
Yeah – I was thinking two babies ago as well…but as I think more I’m wondering if the high waist couldn’t help hold all the extra skin in….ummm…if I only looked half as good as this that’d be okay, right?
Wow sexy!!!!! Great little shorts. You can totally pull them off. I love the piping detail and the slimming effect of it. Not that you need it. Very cute!
These look amazing! I might have to give them a go myself!
Sooo cute! Love the polka dots too – perfect fabric choice!
So cute and uber-flattering! Polka dots for the win, always.
Totally wolf-whistled at my screen!!! Daaaannnng guurll!! You look fiiine in those shorty shorts!! Haha! I love them! So great for summer frolicking! Also… would make some sweet swim suit bottoms…..
Those are such super cute shorts! Love the spots, so quirky! You look awesome in them 🙂
I love these shorts and I hope that the weather permits you to wear them throughout the month of May! This also would be great for summertime to pair with a vintage bathing suit. Perfect beach attire that is much better than a sun dress.
Oh, and you’re not white. If you want to see a white girl, hop on over to my blog!
Hi there,
WordPress told me I should check out your blog and I’m glad of it!
I’m now a new follower and I’m really loving your style!
~Jen
http://www.diaryofamadmama.wordpress.com
They are super cute! You’re right, just like those vintage pictures.
BOOTY SHORTS FOR EVERYONE!
i gotta get my hands on some of these— screwwwwww all the skirts i was planning!
Whoa, those really are short! You looks so cute, though, and what a great, quick project after the Robson!
Ahhh, I loveee these shorts! They look incredible on you. I’m always in love with the super high waisted pin up type shorts. I must get better at sewing now so I can make these!
xo,
Em
I am so totally sold on these! I’ve been wanting to make a little vintage style play suit and THESE WILL BE THE PERFECT BOTTOMS. Also tres cute for boating when you don’t want to totally be in a swim suit, but don’t want to be a party pooper. Yours are darling, can’t wait to get my pattern and get stitchin.
Omggg that sounds adorable!!! DO IT DO IT
I also bought this pattern immediately upon release of the Covent Garden collection — I loved them SO MUCH, even though there shouldn’t be any room in my life for shorty-shorty-shorts. I’m 29 and far from waifish, but what the hell, right?! Yours look super duper awesome (great use of that fabric, btw) and hot! Totally makes me want to sew a polka dot pair too, even if I’ll only wear them in my house or at the beach.
Whatever, I’ll be 28 in a couple of weeks and I have big thighs and I still wear ’em! Shorty shorts are the best! 😀
These look ADORABLE on you! Seriously, it’s ridiculous! I can’t even take it! Great job, girl, and way to use up leftover fabric!
Those are so cute! You look hot, girl! If only I could pull off shorts, in general, let alone shorts like these. Maybe they’d work for a cute little boating outfit, though. Hmm.
Wow, you manage to take things that I don’t like on pattern envelopes and make me like them. Perhaps because you don’t have that sad, underslept, tragic-poem-heroine look of the models and instead make everything happy and bright. I’m not a little person but in my new enthusiasm for body diversity acceptance I’m keen to try anything once, so maybe these will end up on me!