DIY High-Waisted Shorts

Although summer is coming to a close in many areas around the country, there is still summer-like weather all over! September also marks the time for county fairs. There's nothing better to wear to the fair on a hot sunny day like a cute pair of denim shorts! I was inspired by this picture I found on Pintrest (btw follow my Pinterest click here ) :

Definitely didn't want to cut up my Levis, so I headed to the local Goodwill to see what I could find.

I found these gems, and I was ready for a good DIY project!

Here are the pants as a whole.

 The classic Levis pocket is what really sold me. Not to mention, they were only $3! For the shirt and the pants I paid $6.94!

Let's Start

  Step One:

Try on the jeans to could compare the fit to the length desired. *Or if you have a pair of shorts with the perfect length, you can totally use those for guidance. Just note if the pants are a different rise, you might want to still try them on to make sure the length and the fit match perfect for your taste. I used chalk because it is easy to wipe off if I made a mistake. 

Step Two 

Next, mark a few inches longer so the bottoms could be rolled up to be glued and/or stitched together. Unless you wish to fray the bottoms, but I would still suggest cutting a little longer than originally planned. Remember, you can always cut the fabric off, but it won't look right if you have to sew it back on. 

Step Three

Cut the pants on the second line. You can use fabric scissors if you have them, but if not regular scissors work perfectly fine! I used regular scissors. 

Step Four

Try on the jeans and make sure they are the perfect length for you. Don't forget to roll them up to see how them at that length. Try different rolling styles that you like. Adjust markings if you plan to make any type of cutting alterations.

Step Five

This step is optional, but I decided I wanted to customize these and put a few rips in the front and on both the pockets. I used the chalk again to mark placement. You can customize yours any way you'd like. Bleaching, adding studs, patterned fabric, dip dying, anything!

Step Six

To fray the jeans I placed a magazine in the jeans (to prevent cutting the other side of the pants). If you don't have a magazine or some thick paper that you don't mind cutting up, you can use the legs of the pants just cut and fold them over a few times. 

I then started to carefully fray the pants, taking my time so I don't create huge holes. If you are worried about this part like I was, then try using the fabric left over from the pants and practice. Don't start on your jeans until you figure out the best method for you. What worked best for me was cutting a line with medium force (the line is noticeable, but not completely cut through). The I went back over it gently with short strokes, a few times until it looked the way I liked.  I can make a tutorial on this later. 

Step Seven

I took two different types of glue to adhere the folds. I started with E-6000 to glue the bulk. 

I used the glue gun to secure the border.

 I find that this glue hold up to washing quite well. But I usually will stitch a few places in the fold for a little extra support. 

Final Result

Super easy styling

Now these turned out great. I'm sure you can tell by looking at the pictures they were a bit big on me. I knew they were big, but at $3, who can pass on that kind of deal?

So I gave them to my sister. She lives in Texas and can enjoy them for a lot longer than I can. If you make an awesome custom piece of clothing, don't forget to sign the tag and give them to a friend!