Shortening basketball shorts is a relatively straightforward DIY project that allows you to customize the length to your liking. Here are the steps to make basketball shorts shorter:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Basketball shorts to be shortened
- Measuring tape
- Fabric chalk or washable marker
- Sharp scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board (optional)
Instructions:
1. Measure and Mark:
- Put on the basketball shorts and stand in front of a mirror or have someone help you.
- Use a measuring tape to determine the desired length you want for your shorts. Measure from the waistband down to where you want the shorts to end.
2. Mark the Shorts:
- Take off the shorts and lay them flat on a clean, flat surface.
- Use fabric chalk or a washable marker to mark the desired length on each leg of the shorts. Make sure the marks are straight and even on both sides.
3. Cut the Shorts:
- Carefully cut along the marked lines with sharp scissors. Take your time to ensure a straight and even cut.
- If you want a curved or angled hem, you can cut the shorts at an angle for a stylish look.
4. Fold and Pin the Hem:
- Fold up the raw edge of the shorts to create a hem. The amount you fold will depend on your preference and the fabric’s thickness. Typically, a 12 to 1-inch fold is sufficient.
- Use pins to secure the folded hem in place. Pin all the way around both legs of the shorts.
5. Sew the Hem:
- Set up your sewing machine with a matching thread color, or thread a needle with matching thread if you’re hand-sewing.
- Starting at one side seam, sew the folded hem in place all the way around the leg. Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the thread.
- If you’re hand-sewing, use a running stitch or a whipstitch to secure the hem.
6. Remove the Pins:
- Carefully remove the pins from the hem.
7. Finish the Other Leg:
- Repeat the same process for the other leg of the shorts, ensuring that the length matches the first leg.
8. Optional: Iron the Hem (Recommended):
- To give your shorts a polished look, heat up an iron and ironing board.
- Gently press the hem with the iron, following the fold you created. Be sure not to press too hard or use excessive heat, as some basketball shorts may be made of synthetic materials that can melt or warp.
9. Try On and Adjust:
- Put on the shorts to ensure that you are satisfied with the new length. If you’d like them shorter, you can repeat the process and trim further.
By following these steps, you can easily shorten your basketball shorts to your preferred length and create a custom look that suits your style and comfort.