How to Make Your Own Jorts: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Making your own jorts from old jeans is one of the most satisfying DIY clothing projects you can tackle. It's economical, sustainable, and gives you complete control over the length, fit, and style of your shorts. Whether you're upcycling worn-out jeans or customising a thrift store find, this guide will walk you through every step of creating professional-looking denim shorts at home.

What You'll Need

Before you start cutting, gather these supplies:

• Jeans to convert: Old pairs with worn knees are perfect candidates, but any jeans that fit well through the hips will work
• Sharp fabric scissors: Dull scissors will make cutting difficult and result in uneven edges
• Measuring tape: For marking consistent lengths
• Fabric chalk or washable marker: To mark your cutting line
• Ruler or straight edge: For drawing a straight cutting line
• Seam ripper (optional): For removing existing hems or distressing
• Sandpaper or cheese grater (optional): For creating distressed effects
• Needle and thread or sewing machine (optional): For hemming

Choosing the Right Jeans

Not all jeans make equally good jorts. Consider these factors when selecting your base pair:

Fit Matters Most

The fit through the seat and thighs will remain the same after cutting, so choose jeans that already fit well in these areas. You can't fix a too-tight seat by cutting the legs shorter. The waist can be slightly adjusted with a belt, but major alterations require more advanced skills.

Fabric Weight

Medium-weight denim (10-12 oz) is easiest to work with. Very lightweight denim may fray excessively, while heavyweight selvedge can be difficult to cut cleanly. Standard commercial jeans are usually in the ideal range.

Condition Considerations

Jeans with worn knees are obvious candidates—you'll cut off the damaged part anyway. However, check that the fabric above the knee isn't also worn thin, as this will affect durability. The crotch area should still be in good condition with no weak spots.

Step-by-Step Cutting Guide

Step 1: Determine Your Length

Put on the jeans and stand in front of a mirror. Use a piece of masking tape or a safety pin to mark where you want the shorts to end. Keep in mind:

• You'll lose about 2-3 cm to fraying if leaving raw hems
• Add 3-4 cm if you plan to create a rolled cuff
• Add 2-3 cm if you plan to sew a finished hem

When in doubt, cut longer. You can always cut more off, but you can't add length back.

Step 2: Mark Your Cutting Line

Take off the jeans and lay them flat on a hard surface. Fold one leg over so you can see both legs side by side. Using your measuring tape, measure from the crotch seam down to your desired length on each leg. Mark this point on both the front and back of each leg.

Connect your marks using a ruler and fabric chalk, creating a straight line across each leg. Make sure both legs are marked at exactly the same length by measuring from the same reference point (the crotch seam is most reliable).

Step 3: Cut the First Leg

Cut approximately 5 cm below your marked line on the first leg. This gives you buffer room—you can always cut more off to match if needed. Cut slowly and steadily, keeping the scissors perpendicular to the fabric for a clean edge.

Step 4: Test the Length

Try on the jeans with one leg cut. Check the length in the mirror from multiple angles, sitting and standing. If it's too long, take them off and cut a bit more. Repeat until you're happy with the length.

Step 5: Cut the Second Leg

Now use the first leg as your guide. Lay the jeans flat, fold the cut leg over the uncut leg, and mark where to cut so both legs match exactly. Cut the second leg.

Step 6: Try On and Adjust

Put on your jorts and check that both legs are even. Look in the mirror, walk around, sit down. If one leg is slightly longer, make small adjustments until they match perfectly.

Hem Options

You have several choices for finishing your jorts:

Raw Hem (Frayed Edge)

The classic DIY jorts look. Simply leave the cut edge raw and it will naturally fray over time and washing. For immediate fraying:

1. Wash your jorts on a regular cycle
2. Tumble dry on medium heat
3. Remove and pull at the loose threads to encourage fraying
4. Repeat 2-3 times for a well-worn look

For controlled fraying, cut a horizontal line about 1 cm above your final edge and pull out the horizontal threads, leaving the vertical threads hanging.

Rolled Cuff

For a cleaner, preppy look:

1. Roll the hem up about 2-3 cm
2. Roll again for a double cuff
3. Press with an iron to set
4. Optionally, add a few stitches at the side seams to hold the cuff in place

Sewn Hem

For a finished, store-bought appearance:

1. Fold the raw edge under about 1 cm and press
2. Fold under another 1-2 cm and press again
3. Pin in place
4. Sew close to the inner fold using matching thread
5. Use a straight stitch on a sewing machine or a blind hem stitch by hand

Customisation Ideas

Distressing

Create worn-in patches by rubbing sandpaper, a cheese grater, or a pumice stone over specific areas. Focus on natural wear points like the front of the thighs and around pockets. Work slowly—you can always distress more but can't undo it.

Bleaching

Create an ombre or tie-dye effect with household bleach. Dilute bleach with water (1:3 ratio), dip or spray your jorts, and watch the colour lift. Rinse thoroughly and wash immediately after achieving your desired effect. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.

Patches and Embroidery

Personalise your jorts with iron-on patches, fabric paint, or embroidery. This can also cover any mistakes or existing stains. Position embellishments strategically to draw the eye where you want it.

Pocket Exposure

For the trendy look of pocket bags peeking out below the hem, cut your jorts shorter than the pocket length. Leave the white pocket material visible for a casual, effortless vibe, or trim the pockets shorter if you prefer a cleaner look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting too short too fast: Always start longer than you think you want
• Uneven legs: Measure from the same reference point on both legs
• Using dull scissors: Results in jagged, uneven cuts
• Cutting through both layers at once: Can lead to shifting and uneven results
• Forgetting about shrinkage: If your jeans will shrink when washed, cut slightly longer

Caring for Your DIY Jorts

Homemade jorts require the same care as any denim shorts. Wash in cold water, turn inside out, and avoid high heat drying if you want to minimise further fraying. If you do want more fraying, hot dryer cycles will accelerate the distressed look.

Making your own jorts is a skill that pays dividends every time you look at a worn pair of jeans and see potential instead of trash. With practice, you'll be able to create custom shorts in minutes, perfectly tailored to your preferences. Start with a pair you won't miss if things go wrong, and work up to customising your favourite old jeans into new summer staples.