DIY Guide: How to Make Your Own Jorts

Jorts, or denim shorts, are the perfect summer staple. They are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for any casual occasion. However, if you want something unique, why not make them yourself? It might sound intimidating, but making your own jorts is actually quite simple. And the best part is, you can customize them to your liking. Here’s how to make jorts in relaxed English.

First off, you will need a pair of jeans that you no longer wear or don’t mind cutting up. Make sure they are relaxed fit, so they don’t cling to your legs once shortened. You will also need a ruler, a fabric marker or chalk, fabric scissors, and sandpaper. Once you’ve gathered all these items, you can get started on your DIY jorts project. So, let’s get cutting!

Materials Needed

Before making the jorts, you need to gather all the necessary equipment and materials. Here’s a list of things you need:

1. A pair of jeans

Choose a pair of jeans that you want to convert into shorts. Ensure that the jeans fit well around your hips and thighs for the perfect fitting jorts.

2. A ruler/measuring tape

You’ll need them to measure the length of the shorts and mark the distance to make the cut.

3. A pair of fabric scissors

Fabric scissors are a must-have tool for cutting denim and other thick fabrics. It’s essential to use sharp scissors to get clean cuts.

4. Sandpaper

You can use sandpaper to distress the denim for that rugged look. You can also use a pumice stone.

5. Chalk or fabric marker

It’s recommended to use chalk instead of a fabric marker. You can use chalk to draw the cut line or mark where you want to tear and distress your shorts.

6. Iron and ironing board

Iron your jeans before cutting them to remove any wrinkles and ensure they are smooth. You can also use the iron to create a clean hemline.

7. Sewing machine and thread

A sewing machine is optional, but it can help you sew the hemline, which gives the jorts a more polished look.

8. Pins

Use pins to keep the fabric in place and ensure that each cut is straight.

9. Bleach (optional)

You can bleach your jorts to brighten them or create unique designs.

10. Safety pins (optional)

You can use them to create unique designs or hold the fabric together while you sew.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jorts

Now that you have all the materials, follow these simple steps to make your jorts:

1. Measure your shorts

Measure the length of your shorts, you can do this by trying on the jeans and deciding how long you want your shorts to be.

2. Mark the cut line

Using your ruler and chalk, mark where you want to cut your jeans. You can also mark where you want to distress your shorts using the chalk.

3. Cut the jeans

Using your fabric scissors, cut along the cut line you marked with the chalk. For best results, cut the jeans a little longer than you want them to be so you can cuff them later.

4. Distress your shorts (optional)

You can use sandpaper or pumice stone to distress your shorts. You can also use scissors to make small cuts in the denim and pull out some of the threads for a more distressed look.

5. Hem your jorts (optional)

If you want a clean hemline, you can hem your shorts using a sewing machine. To hem, fold the bottom of the shorts, iron, and then sew with a straight stitch using a thread that matches the color of the jeans.

6. Bleach your jorts (optional)

If you want your jorts to have a unique look, you can bleach them. Mix bleach with water in a ratio of 1:5 and soak the shorts in the solution for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water afterward and let them dry.

7. Cuff your jorts

If you cut your shorts longer than you wanted, you can cuff them by folding the bottom of the shorts to your desired length.

8. Wear and Enjoy

Voila, your jorts are ready! Wear them out and enjoy your new look.

9. Experiment with Different Designs

You can experiment with different designs on your jorts, such as painting them with fabric paint or adding patches. Let your creativity run wild.

10. Care for Your Jorts

Wash your jorts inside out in cold water and lay them flat to dry to avoid shrinking and fading. Avoid using a dryer to prevent the jorts from wrinkling.

Choosing the Right Denim

When it comes to making jorts, choosing the right denim is essential as it will greatly impact the final product. Below are the factors to consider when selecting the denim material:

Weight of the Denim

The weight of the denim material should be considered when making jorts. It is often suggested to use denim with a weight of 11 ounces or more. Heavyweight denim is more durable and less likely to fray or wear out quickly.

Stretch or Non-Stretch Denim

Depending on your preference, you can choose between stretch or non-stretch denim. Stretch denim will offer more comfort, while non-stretch denim will result in a more classic look.

Color

The color of the denim material should also be taken into consideration when making jorts. From light blue to deep indigo, there’s a wide range of colors to choose from. It is recommended to choose a traditional denim color for a classic look, but you can always experiment with different shades.

Wash

The wash of the denim material will give the jorts a unique finish. Different washes are available, from raw denim to stone wash, acid wash, and distressed wash. You can choose a wash that aligns with your personal style.

Quality

The quality of the denim fabric is critical when making jorts. A higher quality denim fabric will lead to a more durable and long-lasting final product.

Length of the Shorts

The length of the shorts will impact the amount of denim fabric you need. Consider the desired length of the shorts before purchasing the denim fabric to ensure that you have enough material.

Patterns and Designs

Denim fabrics with unique patterns and designs can be used to add a creative edge to your jorts. You can opt for stripes, floral patterns, or even embroidery to make your jorts stand out.

Brand

The brand of the denim material is also important when making jorts. Famous denim brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, and Lee offer high-quality denim options that are perfect for jorts.

Price

The cost of the denim material should also be considered when making jorts. High-quality denim materials can be more expensive, but it is often worth the investment, as they last longer.

Texture and Feel

Finally, the texture and feel of the denim material should also be taken into consideration. Test the fabric’s texture before purchasing it to ensure that it feels comfortable to wear. Denim materials can be stiff to the touch, but they will soften with time and wear.

Choosing the Right Fabric

Now that you have your old pair of jeans ready to be transformed into jorts, it’s important to choose the right fabric to work with. The type of fabric you use will affect the final look and feel of your jorts, so consider these options:

No matter which fabric you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s the right size and fit for your intended jorts. Remember that you’ll be cutting the fabric, so opt for a larger size if you’re unsure.

Preparing the Fabric

Before you begin cutting your fabric, it’s important to wash and dry it first. This will help prevent any future shrinkage or warping that may occur. It’s also a good idea to iron out any wrinkles or creases to make cutting the fabric easier.

Measuring and Cutting

Once your fabric is prepped, it’s time to measure and cut your jorts. Use a ruler to mark how short you want your jorts to be, keeping in mind that you can always cut more later if necessary. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and cut too little, rather than too much.

Once you have your desired length, use a straight edge to cut your jorts in a straight line across both legs. For a more frayed or distressed look, you can also use a pair of scissors to create small cuts or run your jorts through a washing machine to give them added texture.

Finishing Touches

Lastly, it’s time to add any finishing touches to your jorts. If you want a more polished look, you can use a sewing machine to hem the edges. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed feel, you can roll up the edges of the jorts for a classic cuff.

Now that you know how to make jorts, it’s time to start transforming your old jeans into a new summer staple. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of determination, you can have a unique pair of jorts that perfectly fits your style and personality.

Time to rock your jorts!

We hope this guide has helped you unlock your inner fashionista and sparked some inspiration for your next DIY project. Remember, fashion is all about expressing your unique style and personality, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun while making your jorts. We thank you for taking the time to read our article and hope you’ll join us again for more exciting DIY fashion tips in the future. Now go out there and rock those jorts with confidence!