PATTERN: The Loretta Shorts
Are you ready for summer? Even if you're not leaving your own backyard, this pattern will get you through the sultriest of days. The Loretta
Are you ready for summer? Even if you're not leaving your own backyard, this pattern will get you through the sultriest of days. 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! I named this pattern for country icon Loretta Lynn (she knows how to wear a pair of dungarees!).
Download the instructions and pattern files at the bottom of this post and make sure to watch the video tutorial in my separate post!
Have fun sewing these and don't forget to use the hashtag #lorettashorts when sharing your photos.
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (165)
Hi, is the sewing pattern for the Hepburn top also available on your Patreon, please? I was hoping to sew this to go with the Loretta shorts. I am still learning how to use this app and this page. Thank you :)
Hi, Clarice! The Hepburn Top is not available on Patreon. It's one of our Charm Patterns, available for sale to the public at https://charmpatterns.com/shop/hepburn-top
Can anyone tell me if these shorts are high waist or mid waist?
Hi team, as someone previously posted, I am not seeing the new instructions for the expanded size range. I do not have a computer and only use my devices for Patreon. Help!
The "Loretta Shorts Instructions" PDF file has the 18-34 information. Same name, different file!
So excited for the expansion since I got fluffier. Will the instructions be updated to include size 18-34 yardage?
Yes, the instructions have been updated for the 18-34 range.
I have a really cute seersucker that has flowers embroidered into it. Could it work for this?
I couldn't find a test 1" square on the A0 file, is there anything else on the file that could be used to check scale?
Hi Kate, typically you can trust the printer calibration for AO files since they're being printed on professional printers, but you can also compare the waistband measurement against the finished measurement listed in the instructions (make sure to add seam allowance!).
I hope you will expand these to larger sizes. They are absolutely beautiful.
I'm super keen to see these in the expanded size range. I'm also keen on making I pair of longer pants too
Any update on when we might get these in the 18-34 size range please?
I was just coming to see if there was an update! I would also love an 18-34 especially since I would turn them into trousers! :)
The problem has been fixed.
i hope this has been fixed now
The links to pairings in this post have been hacked :-( They lead to yucky pop up malware sites
Where can I find this top?
Same question lol!
Hello! I just joined the pateron after many years of watching from afar. I'm making the Loretta shorts as my first sew. I'm making a muslin first as I haven't sewing clothing in 20plus year. Watching the video though, I'm just a little bit confused with the waistband. In the video, there is a little under/overlap section at one end of the waistband, but I don't see anything like that on the pattern itself. Am I missing something? Do I need to add the notch overlap on my own? I'm sewing a size 20.
I really want to make these but they do not have my size I thought they came in 18 plus also. I need a size 24
Took up sewing after many years this christmas, did loretta shorts and barbie top and now can’t wait for summer to come so i could take my new babies out for a spin! PS the video was super helpful! Even i (as not very experienced sewing enthusiast) managed to sew something that actually look like pants! Heading on to new projects… 🤩
Just made the Loretta shorts and super-pleased with them. Used some soft denim that was left over from another project and it works well. Watched the video first and the pockets came out perfect. Now all I need is some hot weather.
Hi I am about to sew the Barbie top with a knit fabric and will have enough left over to make the Loretta shorts, which I think will be a super cute (very Barbie) look. I was wondering if the pattern can be used for knits? Should any adjustments be made?
hi Gertie or anyone that can answer me, i am an amateur dancer, i was wondering if these could be made using vinyl or pleather for one of my costumes or would i have to modify the pattern in some way? thanks in advance Mandy
I just made my first pair of these and I am so in love with them! I'm a beginner to sewing and from watching your tutorials & the clear instructions these came together so easily. Thank you for all your amazing patterns, Gertie!
Hi again, just sorting myself out to make these and I see the question about seam allowance being included. Is it definitely included? Because the sewing instructions say: "NOTE: use 5/8 in (1.5 cm) seam allowances on all seams." but is that already included? Or do I add that? Sorry, I tried to see if the video had the answer and I confused myself even more. Can't wait to make them!
The seam allowance is already included! :)
I love that fact that this includes some plus sizing
Is the waistband the same as the Stanwyck Skirt? I'm about to cut out my full circle in wool cashmere and wondering if the Loretta waistband is the same dimensions I won't have to print those pieces and instead add it to my share-wear pieces. Anyone can answer if they know :) I'm making a straight size 12. Edit: I'm just going to work this out and if anyone else wants to know I'll update it here :)
Good plan. Thanks!
I made a Muslin and these shorts are so cool! The are bunching slightly under the waistband though, both on the front and the back. I wonder if I need to adjust for being short waisted, or if I should go up a size?
Sounds like maybe you have some extra length? I would try removing length before going up a size--seems like that would exacerbate the problem.
Sorry but I have printed out my pattern and I wonder if it already has the seam allowances included? Thanks
Yes, 5/8 inch seam allowance is included. See Sewing Instructions page 4, top of first column.
Made a pair of these and I love them! Thank you Gertie 💖 the huge pockets are amazing, they’ve already been filled with soft toys on our socially distanced walks 😂 I made the leg a little longer just by drawing a few extra inches on the bottom of the pattern. I’m still learning to love my newish body shape and these fit so nice around the waist on the first try, I made size 18 😄
I’ve been sewing for 50+ years and never has a lapped zipper application turned out so well. Your method is genius!
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you! ❤️
So excited about these! Just a question about sizing. My waist is a 28.5", upper hip is 35" and lower hip is 39"... what size should I do? Is it 6? I've never made a shorts or pants before...
I would start with the 6. Unless you prefer more room in the waist, in which case I would go up to an 8.
Thank you!
Is there a video anywhere that demonstrates the application of the zipper reinforcement tape (where it begins and ends) and the folding method of the lapped zipper? These are two new techniques for me. Thanks so much!
Try the Stanwyck Skirt video, it’s linked in the Loretta instructions.
I love these, I made them (watched the pocket video about 12 times) and I love them in theory. . . I put them on and the crotch is about 2 inches too low. Anyone know how I could alter that problem or do I just need to start over an alter the pattern? Btw, great pattern, only 5 pieces and it took me about 4 hours from start to finish!
That’s a fit adjustment that would need to be made on the pattern. I always test shorts and pants in muslin first in case I want to make any adjustments. :)
Super! Cutting tonight! Thanks ❤️
Ok, , I just read thru the comments and didn't see this question. When I look on the layout instructions for 60" fabric, I'm assuming it is folded in half with the grain. When I look at the waistband pattern piece, the grain arrows indicate the piece should be vertical rather than the horizontal direction the picture on the layout indicates. Is the instruction layout wrong, the arrow on the waistband OR is it a user error (which is where I usually default to. 😂) Thank you...
The layouts are correct! With a straight grain line, you can really place the arrow so it's parallel to the selvages OR parallel to the fold--so technically it's correct too, though I'm sure there are some grain line sticklers who would disagree with me!
I also joined because I saw these shorts!!! I love the look of them with the bib!
Joined this patreon purely because of these shorts!! Can't wait to make them - and all the other projects now that I am here!!
Hi! So cool! Could we move the zip to the center front if we only do the short? Thanks!
Oh man, my hips are a 2 and waist is 10! This is going to be tough. I don't know how these are going to look on me.
Hi gertie, I have some denim fabric with a lace border. Do you think this would be ok for the shorts? x
Can you use the Jane set Bodice with these Shorts?
No, the interchangeable patterns all start with the letter L. Jane has negative ease so it wouldn’t be able to match a pattern with positive ease. :)
You released this at the perfect time!! I wanted to make shorts with grey corduroy (not a typical summer fabric^^;) and I think the swingy fit of these will make it work.
I just LOVE the option with the bib!!!
<3
OMG the Loretta shorts and the lamour top is so stinking cute in the large polka dot!
I absolutely love them and already downloaded the pattern but I'm at a loss for chosing my size. I'm all over the place: 32,5 waist, 36,5 upper hip and 41 lower hip. What should I do. Pick depending on my waist and grade down to hip? I would like my shorts al little narrower on the bottom then in Gertie's pictures. Please help! (might also post this in the FB group)
I don’t think you’re really all over the place! I would choose by your waist and taper in the short leg a bit if that’s the silhouette you would prefer.
Love these so much 🙌🏻
these shorts scream Summer 2020 !! thank you so much Gertie <3
i love this but my emailed pattern says dressing gown....?
The file is correct, just had the wrong pattern name on it. The file has been fixed and updated :)
Thank you so much!!!! I need a pair of shorts so badly!!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
So excited for this!!!
Great Gertie Content! Thank you! On the polka dot romper top, does that special band have black piping? I couldn't tell from the directions.
It does have piping! ❤️
Maggie, Gertie says you can lengthen the shorts! I'm ditto on the legs!
Thanks, I must have missed that bit in my haste to download the pattern!
Oh these shorts are lovely but I would look a scream in them! I expect my daughter would love them but my legs are unfit to be on display! I wonder whether longer legs would make a lovely 'divided skirt' with suitable drapey fabric. This has got me thinking. Off to look at my fabric stash!
I love the black number that's awesome
I’m excited for this, but no idea how to grade for a 14 waist and an 18 hip with this style of pocket. Any tips of where to start?
I would start with the finished measurement chart in the instructions and make sure you really want to grade out to the 18 (there are 7.5 inches of ease in the lower hip so you may be able to get away with less). Then I would suggest watching the second scene in the video, which shows you how the pattern goes together—that should help you understand how to grade between sizes at the pocket :)
It's currently 4°C where I am, so I have a few months to perfect a few pairs of these!
Oh my god that's so exciting! I was happy to see the shorts, but as a playsuit with the Lamour Starburst bodice!!! Thankyou so much!!!
So fabulous!!
I am living for these shorts. That is so cute!
I'll immediately get fabrics for this when my exams are over! The dotted playsuit is soooo cute <3
Super cute!
I'm super excited about these!!! I'm loving the Patreon content <3
I love this so much. I’ve been delaying making the Liz and Lamour because of being at home. Now I can make a play suit!
OMG That is so cute!!!!!
These look amazing!!! I am obsessed with the massive pockets. A lack of pockets in women's clothing is the reason I took up sewing. Gertie has yet to let me down!! :D
Yay!!!! I hoped it would be shorts!!!! Can't wait to start on this project!!!
What a wonderful thing to wake up to! Love it! Can't wait to get my pattern printed!
Omg yass!!! These are so so cute!!
Ok, I have a question for anyone who gets their patterns printed out. I was looking at PDF Plotting.com. (https://www.pdfplotting.com/product/bw-pattern-printing/) It has options for what size pattern I want to print. How do I know? Thank you!
it's A0
Adorable!! I'm so excited!
They look amazing! I’ll give them a go and just have to hope they look as lovely on me!!x
This shorts pattern is totally awesome with all the additional options. I just wish I had more time to sew!
I’m soooo confused about step 2 if anyone does it I’d love with all my little heart to see a picture even a drawing. I’m going to keep going but I think I must be wrong
Did you watch the video in the separate post? I show you how to do that step plus all the pocket steps.
Yasss! This girl need some cute shorts!!
Oh man I am in loveeeeee with these :D Can't wait to make some after work today!
OMG! I can't wait to make a jumper with the Liz top and the Loretta shorts!!!!!!
Awesome! Where can I get the gorgeous legs to to with the shorts. ;-)
Wooohooo! 🥳 I can’t wait to make these and pair them with my Rita blouses. Yay 😁
These are adorbs!!! I love it. Makes me think of Celia in "the Help" the first time we see her is poolside with some fun little shorts like this!
Super cute thanks! I might already have fabric in my stash...
Thank you!!!! It’s already swamp land here in the South and this is perfect.
OMG GERTIE I LOVE THESE!!!!
I can’t wait! I have the cutest fabric in mind!
Soooo cute!!!!
I've been wanting to make vintage shorts and these look soooooo great! Can't wait to get started!!
I never would have guessed shorts based on the "hints" you gave! I don't own a pair of shorts, but maybe I'll have to give Loretta a go!
Okay, I just looked at Ravelry and Amy's wearing a pair of denim shorts with the boardwalk blouse, so that just sank it for me. : D
Love love love!
😍😍😍
I've literally just made a pair of denim shorts and now I think I'm going to have to be making another pair as these are fabulous 💕
Hooray! It's shorts! <3
Loretta Lynn is the BEST. I also can’t wait to make these.
If only I hate my legs and cant wear shorts due to having a skin condition crying cos there really lovely .. aw have fun charmers thank you gertie .you always look stunning
You could wait until winter and wear some thick tights under :) that would be super cute!
Yes!
I’m dead 😵
So Cute! Excited to make these!
Liz play suit here I come!
Omg😍😍😍😍🥰
Thank you so much for all this gertie work, the overalls version of the Stanwyck is to fall backwards 💞🧵
Thank you so much. Your patterns are so versatile. I'm excited to make a playsuit!
OMG! I felt that it would be compatible with "L" pattern series, but I definitely didn't expect shorts! Looks great <3
Wonderful - so happy!
I deleted the file and redownloaded, it's there, yay
It seems only page 2 for the A0 was available for download
Both pages have always been in the file!
These would go perfect with the blouse I just made! Off to find some white twill...
So cute!
FYI, The A0 pattern is missing pieces and A4 is misslabeled as the Rose Dressing Gown.
I don’t see any pieces missing from the A0? Fixing that other typo now :)
That polka dot set is to die for 🥰 which bodice is that from ?
Lamour. All expansions are explained in the instructions!
So cute!! And practical too!
amazing!!!!
Oh my gosh. All of these are soooo freakin cute 😍❤️
Oh my GAWD yes yes yes and yes. These are going high up on the “to make” list right now!!!! <3 Wow Thank you Gertie (And Melisha) <3
Yes! Shorts! So excited and I love Loretta!
These are so cute!! However, the tiled pattern posted is for The Rose Dressing Gown :)
the first page says rose, but its the shorts
Yes! I've been trying to figure out playsuit patterns! Perfect timing!
This is simply perfection! So excited for the possibilities! 😍
Gah - so gorgeous!!!!!
❤️😎
I am in love. So much more than what I expected.
I haven’t worn shorts in... since... I legit don’t remember. But! I’m ready!
Love them, was just making shorts from GSVC book, so definitely adding these to list of this weeks makes. Thank you
SHORTS!!! :D
Oh my gosh. I'm so in love with this! I love that the shorts combine with the Lamour bodice to make a playsuit. I can't wait to try this out. Those overall shorts are so cute as well! <3
Just <3 this look!!
These are SO CUTE
Wow this is gonna be perfect
Yay!! Thank you!
so cuuutteeee!! Those little shorts overalls! Can’t wait to mix and match these for all the playsuits!
Oh my gosh!!!
Yessss!! 😻😻😻😻
They're adorable!
Oooooohhhhhh, love them with the bib!
OMG!
Oh. Em. Gee. THOSE OVERALLS!!! 😍
Perfect timing! Can't wait to make them!!
Perfect!! I'm very excited!
Just what I needed!! So fantastic! Thank you!