If you’ve been anywhere near sewing Instagram, Pinterest, or even ready-to-wear kids’ clothing lately, you’ve probably noticed it too — terry toweling is having a real moment. Not the scratchy stuff we grew up with, but soft, modern toweling in gorgeous colours that feels playful, practical, and perfect for little bodies. That’s exactly why these Towel Shorts caught our eye.
They tap straight into that retro-meets-modern trend we’re seeing everywhere right now. Toweling shorts feel nostalgic in the best way, but also incredibly sensible for summer: easy to pull on, forgiving in fit, and ideal for beach days, pool time, or just running around the backyard after a swim. This pattern feels very “now,” without being trendy-for-the-sake-of-it.
Quick Pattern Overview
- Pattern type: Children’s shorts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Format: PDF sewing pattern
- Sizing range: Baby / child sizes (as listed by the designer)
- Designed for: Summer wear, beach outfits, everyday play clothes
- Where to find it: Etsy (PDF sewing pattern)
Skill Level – What You Really Need to Know
This is a genuinely beginner-friendly pattern, making it a great option if you’re newer to garment sewing or sewing for kids. The construction is simple, the pieces are manageable, and there’s nothing intimidating hiding in the instructions.
Terry toweling itself is forgiving to work with, which makes this pattern even more approachable. If you can sew straight seams and handle an elastic waistband, you’ll be able to make these shorts without stress. It’s the kind of project that builds confidence quickly — always a win.
Fabric & Material Suggestions
Fabric choice is what really makes this pattern shine.
- Best fabric: Terry toweling (looped or brushed, depending on preference)
- Alternatives: French terry, lightweight sweatshirting, soft jersey
- For hot weather: Lighter-weight toweling for breathability
- Fabrics to avoid: Very heavy or stiff toweling that may feel bulky
Terry toweling is trending right now for good reason — it’s absorbent, soft, and perfect for kids who move from water play straight into playtime. These shorts are ideal for using modern toweling in fresh colours or classic stripes.
Fit, Sizing & Wearability Notes
These shorts are designed with comfort firmly in mind. The fit is relaxed, easy to pull on, and perfect for active kids who don’t want anything restrictive around the waist.
Because they’re elastic-waist and not overly fitted, sizing is forgiving. That makes them especially good for fast-growing kids or for sewing ahead of the season. They’re also the kind of shorts kids actually want to wear — always a good sign.
Before You Start Sewing This Pattern
- Pre-wash toweling to account for shrinkage
- Check stretch and recovery if using French terry
- Use a ballpoint or stretch needle if needed
- Test elastic length before final stitching
- Read instructions fully before cutting
These small steps help ensure a comfortable, long-lasting finish.
Customisation & Styling Ideas
This pattern is simple in the best possible way, which makes it easy to customise.
You could:
- Sew matching shorts for siblings
- Use contrast elastic for a fun detail
- Pair with a simple tank or tee
- Make multiple pairs for beach holidays
- Try stripes, solids, or colour-blocked toweling
They’re the kind of shorts that work just as well thrown over swimmers as they do as everyday summer wear.
Who This Pattern Is Best For
This pattern is a great choice if you:
- Sew for babies or young children
- Want a truly beginner-friendly garment
- Love current fabric trends like terry toweling
- Prefer practical, washable kids’ clothing
You may want to skip this if:
- You prefer structured or tailored garments
- You dislike working with knit or looped fabrics
- You’re looking for a more detailed sewing project
Why We’re Sharing This Pattern
We love sharing patterns like these towel shorts because they perfectly reflect what modern handmade children’s clothing is all about — comfort, practicality, and fabric-led design. With terry toweling trending so strongly right now, this pattern feels timely, wearable, and genuinely useful.
It’s a quick sew with a big payoff, and exactly the kind of pattern that makes Sewing Pattern Saturday so much fun to curate.
About Sewing Pattern Saturday
Sewing Pattern Saturday is a regular series here on CraftGossip where we highlight sewing patterns created by independent designers, with a strong focus on Etsy sellers and small businesses. It’s our way of supporting talented pattern makers while helping sewists discover patterns that are wearable, well-designed, and genuinely enjoyable to make.
Find the Pattern Here
You can find the Towel Shorts Beginner PDF Sewing Pattern on Etsy ?
