This culotte is a breezy and comfortable summer outfit piece. It has an elasticated waist «paperbag» style, a belt, belt loops and side pockets for functionality. Designed for linen, its baggy fit makes it an easy fitting project! Download your free PDF sewing patter now.
1 cm seam allowance included!
Material
- 1.3 m of linen, double gauze or viscose fabric
- All-purpose thread
- Universal needle
- Roughly 1 m of knitted elastic (2.5 cm wide)
- Safety pin
- Loop turner
PLEASE NOTE! Fabric requirements are based on a width of 150 cm (59″). If your fabric is narrower, you may need more fabric!

Download the free PDF sewing pattern…
… and once you’re done, share a photo of you wearing proudly your new shorts with #unfetteredpatterns or tag us @unfetteredpatterns!
Need help to print your pattern? Check our detailed tutorial here! Also, find out how you can customize your pattern for A0 printers and projectors here.
Sizing Guide
This pattern is drafted according to the following body measurements. Standard height is 1.64 m (5.4 ft). Check this tutorial if you want to add sizes to your pattern!
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
Bust | 85 cm | 89 cm | 93 cm | 99 cm | 105 cm | 113 cm | 121 cm |
Waist | 64 cm | 68 cm | 72 cm | 78 cm | 84 cm | 92 cm | 100 cm |
Hips | 92 cm | 96 cm | 100 cm | 106 cm | 112 cm | 120 cm | 128 cm |
Finished garment measurements
- Rise (bottom of crotch to waist): approx. 31 cm
- Inseam (bottom of crotch to hem): 10 cm
Construction Order
The following points break down all the step you need to complete this project. However, please note that they only cover the basics!
Reminder that seam allowances are 1 cm wide, unless stated otherwise.
- Attach the pocket linings to the front pieces.
- Sew the side seams and inseams.
- Sew the legs together at the crotch.
- Assemble and press the waistband (folded lengthwise).
- Sew the waistband to the garment, leaving an opening for the elastic (catch also the pocket linings when sewing).
- Create a casing – topstitch the waistband 3 cm above the waist.
- With the safety pin, thread the elastic in the casing. Overlap the ends by 2 cm and sew in place (rectangle stitch or zigzag stitch). Close the opening.
- Make the belt loops (turn to right side with the loop turner) and cut the two pieces in three to get six belt loops.
- Fold the belt loop ends 1 cm in and place on the garment, according to markings. Edge-stitch the ends.
- Make the belt.
- Hem the bottom of the legs (turn once 3 cm)
Good luck with your sewing project!
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the most great and fitted patterns that can exist …. Than you
I made these! Thank you 😊 It was my second sewing project so I had to youtube a couple of tutorials but they turned out fabulous and fit brilliantly. I’m making them again, though with the belt a little longer for a more showy bow. 💕
I’m lost at the very beginning. How do you attach the pockets? Do i cut from the front parts to make side pockets? Or it should be inserted? Or i don’t know but too tired to figure out. Otherwise it was one of the best patterns i have encountered assembling- wise. thank you!
Haha! I cracked the code! So after you place one of the pocket side to the side of the front piece and stitch it right sides together with a smaller seam allowance than the o.g. (here its 1cm ,so i used 0.5 cm) , you do the same with the back piece. Press the pocket sides away, and then you can sew the front and back together with the pockets at the same time! Similar like here: http://www.craftsy.com/post/how-to-sew-pockets
Thanks for the free patterns!
so there should be 4 pieces, 2 x lining 2 x fabric? That doesn’t make sense otherwise.
Hi Zelena, I made these beautiful pants from you. Thanks for the pattern! Do you also have a pattern for the matching blouse from the photo?
Best regards from Germany
Vani
You’re welcomed! The closest I have is this shirt https://unfetteredpatterns.wordpress.com/2023/06/14/up1019-free-sewing-pattern/
Thank you for this pattern! I’m a little bit lost with the waistband, because the two pieces (front and back) are too short to fit on the upper piece of the shorts (one piece of the waistband is only about a 1/4 of the length of the upper length), how do I have to attach it to the shorts?
It is the best blog ever. I wish you success in your life
Thank you Nina!