Thread Theory Women's Bamberton Shorts

Buy the Women's Bamberton Shorts sewing pattern from Thread Theory. The drawstring waistband and side seam panels provide plenty of opportunity for contrasting or coordinating colour schemes, and the mock fly and topstitched details elevate this project from just a quick sew. The legs are roomy with deep front slash pockets, and you can choose patch pockets with flaps or welt pockets for the back.

The Bamberton Shorts can easily transition from beach to town depending on material choice. Sew them as quick-dry surf shorts, comfy linen summer shorts, or in lighter breezy materials such as seersucker. The styling options are vast with the woven and knit waistband variations.

A matching men's version is available here.

Sewing level: Confident beginner

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you’ll need to download the digital instructions, as we don’t print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Suggested fabrics: 

Daily wear shorts: Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, cotton, seersucker, cotton and linen blends. Sturdy knit, woven or ribbing fabric for the waistband (or use self fabric for the waistband). Lightweight cotton or muslin for the pocket lining.

Beach cover up or active wear style shorts: Light to medium weight woven water repellent or water resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon. Fabrics could have no stretch, slight stretch or 2-way stretch. Spandex or 4-way stretch fabrics will be too stretchy for this pattern. Optional: jersey mesh for pocket lining.

Fabric requirements: 

Sizes A – P

115 cm (45″) wide fabric: V1 self, 1.3 m (1 1/2 yd) // V2 self, 1.8 m (2 yd) // V3 self, 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) // V3 contrast side panels and pockets, 0.9 m (1 yd) // V1 ribbing and V3 self/contrast waistband, 0.5 m (1/2 yd) // Pocket lining, 0.7 m (3/4 yd).

150 cm (60″) wide fabric: V1 self, 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) // V2 self, 1.7 m (1 3/4 yd) // V3 self, 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) // V3 contrast side panels and pockets, 0.9 m (1 yd) // V1 ribbing and V3 self/contrast waistband, 0.5 m (1/2 yd) // Pocket lining, 0.7 m (3/4 yd).

Sizes Q - FF

115 cm (45″) wide fabric: V1 self, 1.8 m (2 yd) // V2 self, 2.3 m (2 1/2 yd) // V3 self, 1.8 m (2 yd) // V3 contrast side panels and pockets, 0.9 m (1 yd) // V1 ribbing and V3 self/contrast waistband, N/A // Pocket lining, 0.7 m (3/4 yd).

150 cm (60″) wide fabric: V1 self, 1.3 m (1 1/2 yd) // V2 self, 1.8 m (2 yd) // V3 self, 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) // V3 contrast side panels and pockets, 0.9 m (1 yd) // V1 ribbing and V3 self/contrast waistband, 0.5 m (1/2 yd) // Pocket lining, 0.7 m (3/4 yd).

Sizing: A – P and Q – FF (approx. UK 4/6 – 18/20 and UK 20/22 – 34/36, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size charts and finished garment measurements.

Notions: 19 mm (3/4″) wide braided elastic (optional: elastic up to 3.8 cm (1 1/2″) is compatible with this pattern and can be used to create a more structured appearance to the waistband); drawstring cord, the length of double your waist measurement; 0.9 m (1 yd) of interfacing (not needed if making swim trunks); two 1.5 cm (5/8″) buttons for V1 back patch pockets // Optional: aglets or beads to finish the ends of the drawstring cord.

PDF pattern includes: Step-by-step instructions; US letter/A4 print-at-home pattern (20 pages for A-P, 24 pages for Q-FF); 36″ wide roll feed copy shop pattern (1 sheet for A-P, 1 sheet for Q-FF); A0 copy shop pattern (1 sheet for A-P, 2 sheets for Q-FF) // Layers: Yes // Projector file: Yes.

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