Hacking the Purl Soho City Gym Shorts into a paper bag waist version is a clever way to take a classic free pattern and make it even more beginner-friendly. By straightening the hem, you cut out the most difficult part of the original design – sewing those tight curves with bias tape. This simple kids’ shorts version is much faster to assemble, especially if you’re sewing for multiple kids at once and want to skip the extra bulk of traditional binding.
What makes this hack a total parent-win is the efficiency. You get all the style with half the construction time! Adding more length makes them perfect for everyday play, and the simplified hem means you can finish a pair in a single sitting. It’s a great project for using up mid-weight cotton or linen scraps, and the result is a trendy, comfortable staple that kids actually want to wear.
More sewing fun! Beginner simple linen top tutorial. Free running belt sewing pattern.