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Short culottes with paper bag waist – Free sewing pattern download PDF #UP1010

Posted on May 12, 2023November 25, 2025 by Zelena

Note: If you’re viewing this post in a language other than English, your browser might be using automatic translation. While that’s helpful, some words or phrases might not come through exactly as intended.

All the sewing patterns I share on my blog are completely free. You never need to subscribe, pay, create an account or share personal information to access my content. The only products I sell are tutorials available on my Ko-Fi shop. If you ever see an ad telling you to โ€œsubscribe,โ€ โ€œdownload,โ€ or โ€œsign up to view content,โ€ please ignore it; itโ€™s not from me.

Thanks for understanding!

Embrace relaxed summer style with these culotte-style shorts, designed for both comfort and flair. The paper bag waist, complete with belt loops and a fabric belt, cinches at the waist for a flattering fit, while the roomy silhouette ensures all-day ease. Side pockets add a practical touch, making these pull-on shorts the perfect choice for a laid-back, sunny-day look. A must-have for any warm-weather wardrobe.

1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance included!


Material

  • FABRIC: 1.3 m chambray, double gauze, linen, seersucker, silk, viscose
  • All-purpose thread
  • Universal needle
  • Roughly 1 m of knitted elastic (2.5 cm wide)
  • Safety pin
  • Loop turner

Important: Fabric requirements are based on a fabric width of 150 cm (59″). If your fabric is narrower, additional yardage may be required.


Download the free PDF sewing patternโ€ฆ

โ€ฆ and once youโ€™re done, share a photo of you wearing proudly your new shorts with #unfetteredpatterns or tag us @unfetteredpatterns!

UP1010-A4-Letter_compressedDownload

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!

If you want to adapt the length of your garment to your height, check this helpful tutorial here!

XXSXSSMLXLXXL
Bust85 cm89 cm93 cm99 cm105 cm113 cm121 cm
Waist64 cm68 cm72 cm78 cm84 cm92 cm100 cm
Hips92 cm96 cm100 cm106 cm112 cm120 cm128 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.

  1. Attach the pocket linings to the front pieces.
  2. Sew the side seams and inseams.
  3. Sew the legs together at the crotch.
  4. Assemble and press the waistband (folded lengthwise).
  5. Sew the waistband to the garment, leaving an opening for the elastic (catch also the pocket linings when sewing).
  6. Create a casing – topstitch the waistband 3 cm above the waist.
  7. 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.
  8. Make the belt loops (turn to right side with the loop turner) and cut the two pieces in three to get six belt loops.
  9. Fold the belt loop ends 1 cm in and place on the garment, according to markings. Edge-stitch the ends.
  10. Make the belt.
  11. Hem the bottom of the legs (turn once 3 cm)

Good luck with your sewing project!


You can support me on Ko-Fi! Every little bit helps cover the costs of pattern-making software, illustration tools, fabrics, threads, and more. If a donationโ€™s not possible, you can still support the blog by liking, sharing, and commenting on my posts. Thanks so much!

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Related

11 thoughts on “Short culottes with paper bag waist – Free sewing pattern download PDF #UP1010”

  1. Pingback: Short Culottes With Belt โ€“ Free Sewing Pattern - Do It Yourself For Free
    1. Ana Bordon says:
      February 26, 2025 at 1:44 pm

      the most great and fitted patterns that can exist …. Than you

      Reply
  2. honeylovesthumper says:
    June 15, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    I made these! Thank you ๐Ÿ˜Š 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. ๐Ÿ’•

    Reply
  3. Natasha says:
    July 14, 2023 at 6:42 am

    Iโ€™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 donโ€™t know but too tired to figure out. Otherwise it was one of the best patterns i have encountered assembling- wise. thank you!

    Reply
  4. Natasha says:
    July 16, 2023 at 8:40 am

    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!

    Reply
    1. Bernie says:
      May 31, 2024 at 7:14 pm

      so there should be 4 pieces, 2 x lining 2 x fabric? That doesn’t make sense otherwise.

      Reply
  5. Vanessa says:
    May 29, 2024 at 7:24 am

    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

    Reply
    1. Unfettered Patterns says:
      May 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm

      You’re welcomed! The closest I have is this shirt https://unfetteredpatterns.wordpress.com/2023/06/14/up1019-free-sewing-pattern/

      Reply
  6. Linda says:
    June 22, 2024 at 5:33 pm

    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?

    Reply
  7. Nina says:
    August 4, 2024 at 11:26 pm

    It is the best blog ever. I wish you success in your life

    Reply
    1. Unfettered Patterns says:
      September 10, 2024 at 10:38 am

      Thank you Nina!

      Reply

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Hi, Iโ€™m Zelena โ€“ welcome to my sewing corner!
Iโ€™m a professional patternmaker with over a decade of industry experience, and Iโ€™m here to share stylish, free sewing patterns and tips to inspire your creativity. Whether youโ€™re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, I hope youโ€™ll find something here to spark your next project. Thanks so much for stopping by

Happy sewing!

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