VIDEO: Sew the Loretta Shorts
Perfect for the boardwalk or your own backyard paradise, the Loretta shorts feature fabulous pockets and an iconic (and comfortable!) ‘50s s
Perfect for the boardwalk or your own backyard paradise, the Loretta shorts feature fabulous pockets and an iconic (and comfortable!) ‘50s silhouette. This standalone pattern looks perfect with all your vintage-inspired tops (Hepburn anyone?).
But wait! This is also an expansion pattern. These shorts are part of the Charm Patterns “L Series,” which means they mix and match with the Lamour Dress and Liz Dress bodices to make your vintage playsuit fantasies a reality. They also coordinate with the Stanwyck Skirt bib so you can make little shorts overalls!
In this video, I hold your hand through the most challenging parts of the construction process. Make sure to check out my separate post for the instructions file and the pattern (available to the Sewing Circle tier and above).
Have fun sewing these and don't forget to use the hashtag #lorettashorts when sharing your photos.
xoxo,
Gertie
Sew the Loretta Shorts (June 2020 - exclusive to Charm Patreon members) (YouTube)
Comments (67)
Ok. I have made other shorts and pants and this pattern has be so confused. The bum area is belled all out and not flattering at all. I have tried a few ways to make it not a sit closer…What am I doing wrong???
I'm really struggling with this, my brain cannot grasp the actual sewing together of the pocket pieces 😭😭😭
OK, I was scrolling around and saw the physical photos 📸 this morning. Huzzah. Going to try again.
Is there any way this video can be uploaded on YouTube too, privately? I just like having all the Gertie videos saved in the same playlist
I'm also having trouble getting it to load properly on Patreon. I would also love to see it on YouTube private link.
I need to add 3 inches I believe at the waist because it only goes up to 20. This is very challenging
I'm really hoping to see this pattern available in the plus size range too!
Thank you for the great pattern! Made my first ever muslin because I was worried about the fullness and I was so wrong, it’s the perfect fit. Can’t wait to sew a denim version with a bib this weekend.
any idea on what kind of fabric Gertie is wearing n the video for her shorts? looks like a nice weight to hang well! I'm slightly intimidated, but I want to give it a try!
Nevermind... Just slow internet.... 😂
I can't find the video on how to make the shorts... Help please.
Really helpful video / tutorial. Thank you!
What pages would you print for a size 4/6 with a bust b/c cup? I'm lost in the pages and there are 56 of them. Thank you!
Has anyone done a swayback adjustment (also is it needed) for the Loretta Shorts.
Which top are you wearing. It’s so cute!
Rita Blouse
I know we are (in France), in the middle of a heat wave but could you recommend fabrics we could use to make a autumn/winter version ? Have a nice day !
First time making one of your patterns...I cut the size based on measurements but I am more short-waisted than the pattern. I had to adjust a bit. I will make a size smaller the next go around. I think it came together nicely.
Hi Gertie, I don't see where on the waistband pattern piece there is an indication to sew L shaped underlap - same for instructions. But I saw you had sewn it in the video. Did I miss something? Thanks in advance for you help 😊...Edit: I figured it out! I found the instruction and the notch. It's a gorgeous pattern! Thanks for all you do!
Where did you find the answer? I
Hi Gertie would these work if I made them longer to knee length?
You can certainly lengthen them if you like. I think the proportions are more flattering if they’re on the shorter side (mid thigh or above) but that’s just me.
Does anyone have any pictures of the steps? I’m having the same issue as a lot of others in that the angle is off on the video so I can’t visually piece it together and I need visuals, written explanations seem to scramble in my brain - somehow I can finish a rose dressing gown without help but can’t get to step 2 on these shorts :(
Did you watch the part where I explain how the pieces go together? That’s almost more important than the sewing part! It’s filmed flat so the angle shouldn’t be an issue. :)
I too struggled with the video and gave up with it due to the angle not being helpful. I got there in the end though xx
Sorry it didn’t work for you! I’m doing my best here in quarantine! 😢
Hello! Can someone please tell me how to tell where the overlap is on the waistband? Thanks!
It’s an underlap on the right side of the zipper opening :)
Is anyone else CONFUSED? The most crucial parts are not filmed form the correct angle. :-(****
Is there a step I can help you with? (Please remember that I’m still in quarantine and filming everything without a crew so go easy on me! 😂😘)
Just finished my muslin and it worked perfectly! I love it . Thank you
Made this for my teenage daughter and she loves it!! I’m pairing mine with the princess bodice. Waiting on boning to finish it up!! So exciting
Made the size 12 based on my measurements, they turned out nice. I have a big bootie, which has a habit of making everything ride upwards. They looked good on but I think I'll make the length a little longer to help with cheek peek. I have a mumma tum and it's a very flattering pattern indeed! Thanks so much! 😊
Same with me, I tried going up a size but still had the same problem, looking into trying rise adjustment if I can find an easy explanation how to do it 🙃
Size 18 with some tweaks. I think the front looks great but if you have a butt they tend to bell out in the back. Not bad though for the first attempt at these!
Everything is cut out and ready to go for the test pair. I have to say I am already impressed with the sizing. As a plus-size girl, it is sooooo nice to have your patterns available without having to spend a day grading up and I see your sizes are very friendly. This is sooo appreciated!! I can't wait to share the first pair and make many many more. Your patterns are always just the loveliest and I have been a fan for many years :) Thanks so much Gertie, xo
I so love this pattern but I wonder how it would look on my mummy belly that I have after 4 munchkins 🤪
Can this pattern be made in a more lightweight cotton fabric?
That’s not one of our official recommendations but you can certainly try it! You want something that is crisp with a substantial amount of body so the pockets don’t droop.
Ahhhh prepping for this pattern today! I’m so excited!! Thank you x3
I would like to see pictures of someone in a size 20......does it fit well or need adjusting?
I think with quarantine it was hard for Gertie to get photos of anyone but herself! I'm sure someone will post photos very soon in the FB group <3
I'm looking forward to this, but have to make some changes. I need extra length (which will take some tweaking). I also want to line because the shorts fabric I have from my stash is too thin wear as is. I'm thinking bag line so I don't have to worry as much about potential shrinkage (even though I always prewash). Top will be either Hepburn or Rita.
Love it! I will definitely be making these into a playsuit! Perfect timing too; I was shopping for a pattern yesterday but could not find any uncut or in my size. Thank you!
I am so excited! I have been talking about making shorts for weeks!! Thank you xx
If I wanted to make these as pants would I just draw the legs longer or do I need to flare/taper them out a bit?
It all depends on what leg silhouette you want! I would definitely test them first—I originally planned to a pant length variation but the extra width at the hips makes the proportions in a pant a little difficult. So just test to make sure you like them :)
Is there a big disadvantage to finishing the seams with overlock/zigzag before sewing the pieces together on this one? I usually do that with fraying fabric.. but if there’s a con to it? <3
Nope—I talk in the video about which seams you can finish ahead of time and which you would want to wait until after seaming.
Could I sub in an invisible zipper? They're all I have!
Sure :)
And so now we see what’s been below the waist. That photographer of yours does some great teasers!!
Where in the world is that beautiful denim from?
B&J! Links to fabrics used are in the instructions file.
Love love love this se and love that top, as wellll!
I'm so excited about this! I was planning on making a vintage inspired playsuit but was struggling to find just the right shorts pattern. The timing of this couldn't be more perfect. Thank you!
LIVING for these! I have the perfect fabric. Can’t wait to get sewing!
Awesome. Just the short pattern I was looking for....room in the legs !
💓💓💓 I used to have a pattern similar to this that I made a bizziolion shorts from but I have since misplaced the pattern and was getting ready to pull one apart to pattern off of. So glad I don’t have to! Once again you felt the pulse of the community and met it with a fantastic pattern. Can’t wait to see it mixed with the Liz and Lamour!
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!!! This is beautiful!!!! Thank you Gertie for sending us off to a fab summer start!!
So cute i might actually wear shorts now
Fabulous shorts pattern and very versatile! Thanks for all these awesome coordinating patterns
YAY!!! Thank you! ❤
This is just what I needed , thank you
Wow again!! Just what I really wanted for the summer!! It looks fabulous!😍😍😍
Love it <3
I was literally looking for a good shorts pattern yesterday! Gertie and Melisha come through again!!