Ever wonder if you could add a real zipper to the front of the Liberty Jane jeans? Well, in today's post, we're about to show you how....
Today's pattern hack was inspired by a post originally shared by Donna of Sweetscraps on Liberty Jane Patterns in 2011. Thanks for the great hack Donna!
I'm going to add a zipper to the front of a pair of cut-off shorts -- it's been so warm here lately that it's been hard to think of wearing much else! :) You'll need all the normal pieces for a pair of jeans or shorts, plus:
One rectangle 1" wide x 2" long (this becomes the Facing) One rectangle 2" wide x 2 1/4" long (which will be the Fly). And of course, you'll need a zipper! The regular kind works great.
Are you ready? Let's get started!
Line up one side of the pants front with one side of the zipper -- right sides together. Pin. You want about 1/8" of zipper tape showing beyond the raw edge, so that way when you sew at 1/4", the teeth will be close to the seamline. Set this aside for a minute.
Fold the fly piece in half (it should be 1" wide), and sew a curve along one lower edge. Clip and turn right side out.
Use the fly to sandwich the zipper tape to the Pants Front. The raw edges of the Front and Fly should line up, but you should still have about 1/8" of zipper tape showing.
Stop stitching right at the bottom of the fly, and clip into the seam allowance on the Front side just to the stitching.
Press and topstitch! If you want, you can also zig zag here. Just be sure to leave the clipped edge of the seam allowance free....
Sew the Facing piece to the other Crotch edge on the other Front piece. Clip into the seam allowance as you did before, and then fold the facing around to the wrong side. Press. (I zig-zagged my facing first, just to keep all the edges tidy.)
Close the zipper, and then line up the two fronts so that the facing edge covers the zipper entirely.
Hold the facing in place; pin the free side of the zipper tape to JUST the facing. Stitch.
Sew a bar tack over the bottom of the zipper, and cut off any extra tape. Finish sewing the rest of the front crotch seam.
Then, re-fold the Front over the facing; carefully topstitch to hold everything in place. Be sure not to catch the Fly when you topstitch!
Whew! Congrats! Now you can finish sewing the pants together.
When you reach the waistband step, you have two options: 1) sew the waistband as directed in the pattern, in a circle or 2) sew a modified waistband to let you open the pants fully at the zipper, which I'll show you next...
Cut a waistband 3/4" longer than the pattern calls for. (This extra is to account for the width that the fly adds.) Press under 1/4" along one long raw edge, and pin the waistband to the inside of the pants. Leave 1/4" extending beyond the opening on either end. Sew!
Fold the short ends back on themselves, and pin. Cut a piece of elastic 3/4" longer than the pattern calls for (I used 11" of 1/4" wide elastic). Include the elastic when you sew this seam. Tricksy, right? :) You should have a loop of elastic floating around the waistband, just kinda hanging out.
Now turn the waistband right side out, and carefully fold it over the elastic as you pin it into place. Sew that waistband down!
At the front openings, sew squares to hold the front edges of the waistband flat.
Finish off your pants by adding a small snap or a little patch of velcro at the front.
Congratulations -- you just added a real working zipper to the front of a pair of jeans!
Thanks everybody, and have fun with this!
For Pixie Faire, Melinda and Cinnamon
100 Comments
marie
February 03, 2023
Shorts!! You can do Jeans too!! And zippers can be placed on sides for decoration!! On legs too!! Anywhere you want!!
Oduvan4ikSiff
August 23, 2021
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Lee Ann
June 22, 2018
These are the neatest shorts which would match up with about any top you have.
Gaile
March 24, 2018
You make it look so easy I’ve sewed all my adult life and still have a hard time with a zipper. They’re cute and look so cool
Patti Z
July 22, 2017
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Lace Overlay Tank Top by Liberty Jane or the Popsicle Top by Oh Sew Kat!
Feriba
July 22, 2017
I think these shorts would look cute with a sleeveless shirt
Darlene R
June 28, 2017
I think these shorts would look really cute with anything!
Bonnie
July 29, 2016
Add belt loops to the shorts, and do a ravel hem to the legs. Pair them with a scoop neck tee, a western necklace, and a western belt, complete with a big silver buckle. Would drive all the cowboy’s crazy!
Lynda Johnson
July 29, 2016
I think these shorts would look good over a swimsuit with her red crocks while having lunch before going to the beach.
Mary
July 29, 2016
I think these shorts would look really cute with a trendy tunic, a floppy hat, and a cute shoulder bag. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Donna
July 14, 2016
Great tutorial. Thanks for giving me credit
sue
June 03, 2016
These shorts would look really cute with a Hawaiian print t shirt.
Janice
June 03, 2016
Thank you for this cute shorts pattern. I think they would look really cute with a white peasant blouse trimmed in lace.
Christina
August 03, 2015
These would look great with the Trendy t-shirt and the Dollistocks shoes.
Linda
August 03, 2015
I think these shorts would look good with almost any one of the several patterns for shirts or dress found at Liberty Jane. Love them all
Donna
August 03, 2015
Denim shorts go with anything!
jj
August 03, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the bikini top from the Doll Tag Clothing pattern!
Lorraine M
August 02, 2015
Thank you so much for this tutorial! These shorts would look great with any of the Pixie tops. They are simply adorable!
Nina
August 02, 2015
The lace embellishment on a white tank top that I made using another pattern hack featured here would look perfect with the silver studs on the shorts.
Grace
August 01, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with The Trendy T-Shirt or any of the cute tops on Pixie Faire.
Laura T.
August 01, 2015
Since these shorts are denim I think they would look adorable with just about anything! Thanks for the tutorial-so cute!
Elizabeth
August 01, 2015
“I think these shorts would look really cute with a California cami”
Gerda
August 01, 2015
I think these shorts would look really good !
Jennifer
August 01, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a white and red striped crop top and some cat ears. Thank you for hosting this wonderful giveaway.
Kathy Osterby
August 01, 2015
I’d love to see these shorts paired with an eyelet ruffled tank top.
connie
August 01, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a pair of worn cowboy boots and a sleeveless buttoned front blouse made from red paisley or gingham. In honor of all the hard working girls (excuse me and boys) that have shown projects this year at the Indiana county and state fairs. This is where budding seamstresses are publicly encouraged to become great.
Go 4-H’ers.
Lea
August 01, 2015
These shorts would be PERFECT with a little sweater tucked into them! Maybe the new sparkly sweater from American Girl?
Susan Rees
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with a red striped T Shirt.
Karen Ann
July 31, 2015
Really cute with about any of the summer tops!! hot here too!! Thanks for all you all do!!! God Bless You!!
Barb
July 31, 2015
These shorts a darling. I want to sew them in larger sizes!!!!!! Thank you for giving so many free pattern away. I am having so much fun sewing for my granddaughter’s doll!!!!
Rhondda
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Avery shirt from 123 Mulbery Street teamed with Carrick Bend sandals from Miche Designs .
Patricia H.
July 31, 2015
As jeans, these shorts would look cute with any Western style shirt. As a cotton print, these shorts would look cute with any tank top. No matter what fabric is chosen, these shorts are just plain CUTE.
Billie
July 31, 2015
Thanks for the great tutorial!! I think they would look great with
a white lace tank top!
Elona
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with any one of the many patterns I have bought from Pixie Faire!!
Judith
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a peasant top!
Karen
July 31, 2015
Too cute! Love these cut-offs – would look great with a white tank top and a yellow denim cropped jacket; matching Miche canvas shoes and the girl is good to go!
Christine
July 31, 2015
These are so cute. I’ll bet a white lacy tee or tank, longish sweater and short boots would even more adorable!
Marla
July 31, 2015
Thanks for the chance to win these! I think these shorts would look great with a white lacy shirt.
kate
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would be great with a baseball style tee!
Nancy
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Rodeo Cowgirl shirt made from a red print bandana scarf. Add a Cowgirl felt hat in white using a pattern from Matilda’s Closet. A pair of brown leather Cowboy Boots from the pattern designed by Stacy and Stella . Our AG girl is ready to kick up her heels at the square dance party.
Katy
July 31, 2015
almost any top! They are wonderfully constructed.
diane o.
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look good with just about any top. They seem to be the perfect “go to” shorts for any time. Love your patterns. Keep up the good work!
Sandra Cox
July 31, 2015
i think these shorts would look really cute with a teal colored tank and off white lace over the shoulder t-shirt! Also add Teal Liberty Jane Shoes with the same off white lace over the front of the shoe.
Patricia Clark
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Roebuck Bay Lace Back top. :)
Patricia Clark
July 31, 2015
TY for sharing a great tutorial
Linda N
July 31, 2015
Wow…these cutoffs would look good with anything! I am so excited to try this idea!!
Marian
July 31, 2015
These shorts would be great with a cropped top. Perfect for summer!
Alicia C
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with a california cami, with a colorful or flowery pattern!
chris
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cue with the Cortina top.
Janet
July 31, 2015
I think the zipper front jean shorts would look great with a lace back top and a pair of lacy janes.
Vera Z.
July 31, 2015
“I think these shorts would look really cute with the “Breezy Front Summer Top”.
Sarah
July 31, 2015
I think that these shorts would look cute with really any t shirt and or graphic top
Deb W
July 31, 2015
with any top you make ….cute shorts!!
Lori Morton
July 31, 2015
Awesome shorts!!! I would pair with any of the tanks & tee’s really. But favor the Summer Breeze top. Bandeau top, and the Avery shirt (in small red check gingham!). The NOT! for Knits tank & Tee are great too! :)
Thanks for chance to win your Give-a-way too!
Sherry
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Liberty Jane baseball T shirt.
Susan Hefley
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a little peplum top with cap sleeves and rhinestones!
Mary Angerer
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look very cute with a clean white tee shirt!
Pat
July 31, 2015
So cute and very clever. Thanks for the “how to”. :)
Tove
July 31, 2015
“I think these shorts would look really cute with the Peplum Top pattern on my granddaughter’s American Girl.
Thanks for all the wonderful patterns
Pam
July 31, 2015
The think these shorts would look cute with a bathing suit of tank top over.
Julie
July 31, 2015
What a great tutorial. It makes it look very easy to do. I think these shorts would look really good with a short sleeve shirt with puff sleeves.
kim
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would be really cute with the trendy t shirt tie dyed and flip flops.
KIMBERLE
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a one shoulder tye dyed fitted top.
Kayla
July 31, 2015
Cute shorts and just the thing to hang out on a summer day. I think these shorts would look cute with the Off-The-Shoulder tee and tank, or maybe a chiffon peasant mid-length sleeve shirt with shoulders peeking out a bit. Time to relax in style, right?
Tammy
July 31, 2015
These zipper shorts are so cute, they would look good with about any top. White tank with a black lacey cover up would be really cute. So many choices, we will have to make these shorts in several different colors.
Carol S
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Cortina top.
Crystal
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a sweet little lace tank top and cute sandals. And as an FYI, there is a company that sells two-inch and four-inch zippers!
Sharon Howell
July 31, 2015
I think these would be cute with a tank top or a raised waist top (short dress).
Pat
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with a sleeveless button front pink shirt.
Donna D
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a t shirt you made.
Emily
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a bright yellow bustier top, red sandles and a simple necklace.
Sally
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with the light rose hand knitted tank top I made for my AG Saige!
Cheryl
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with a cool, flowy gauze tank top.
Carm
July 31, 2015
These shorts would look really cute with a short sleeved peasant top.
Diamondnel
July 31, 2015
I can’t think of any top these shorts would NOT look good with. Fancy or casual. It would all work beautifully.
Donna
July 31, 2015
These shorts are adorable! They would look so cute paired with the Bandeau Top!
Janic3 Ferguson
July 31, 2015
These shorts would look really cute with the knitted Sunshine halter top from 123 Mulberry Street. Use sparkly white yarn to pick up on the embellishments on the shorts. Give her some lightweight, white and blue sandals and a knitted purse to match the top.
Lucy
July 31, 2015
It’s sooo hot right now. I think any cut off top will be needed.
Barb
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a swimming suit.
Carole
July 31, 2015
These shorts are so cute. Will have to make some with a a zipper! I love the decorative stitching on the pockets and of course the bling is great! I think any of the sleeveless tops would look great with them!
Jazmin P
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look nice with a shirt that has a sparkly design and the shirt color pink. Added to the outfit a necklace with a feather and a gold ring.
Jo
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a tank top on my granddaughter’s dolls
Caro
July 31, 2015
A tie dyed top would be cute…with a headband or long decorated ‘ribbon cords’ on a hair clip. Kinda hippy style.
OR
A short shirt that ties in front…kinda ‘40’s’ style
Mariam
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a gold, lace tank.
Leigh
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look adorable with a red halter top!
Kathy Jarvis
July 31, 2015
These are the cutest darned shorts I’ve see for the American Girl doll!
“I think these shorts would look really cute with…” the MAE PULLOVER KNITTING PATTERN. It’s a short-sleeved, hooded pullover…..really cute! I’d love to win these shorts for my great-granddaughter…..she loves things for her doll “that does stuff”!
dorrie
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with the off-shoulder tee in a tie-dye fabric.
Tinkerbelljan
July 31, 2015
Thanks so much. My daughter wants zippers in all of her doll clothes now. I was so happy to find this hack today. I think the zipper just makes the shorts so realistic and if possible, more adorable. Thanks so much. My daughter says the shorts are just precious and she really wants me to win them for her.
Laura
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a sleeveless white T-shirt with a diamond picture on it and a pair of strappy sandals.
Sue
July 31, 2015
classic jeans shorts go with everything but I think I would pair them with the cool looking sorrento top. even our doll friends need cool clothes in this heat.
Karen Bastin
July 31, 2015
Love these shorts!!! The light colored demin and the bling and decortive stitching makes them just AWESOME!!!
Patti Z
July 31, 2015
Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial with us today. I think these shorts would look really cute with the Summer Breeze top from Doll Tag Clothing.
Carrie
July 31, 2015
These would be adorable with any casual shirt, or worn over a swim suit for beach attire!
Jane Whiteley
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the printed Off-the-Shoulder Tee featured in a previous tutorial, plus a tank.
Barb
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really good with the Roebuck Bay lace back top!
pat c.
July 31, 2015
these shorts would look great with the off the shoulder tee shirt
Diane
July 31, 2015
Really would look cute with a halter top.
Peggy
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts will look really cute with a sleeveless button up shirt in white with silver studs for the buttons.
Doreen
July 31, 2015
The shorts would look great with a cropped top or any of your tops. Even a bikini top at the beach
Kris Blakla
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look great with a shorty top.
marie
February 03, 2023
Shorts!! You can do Jeans too!! And zippers can be placed on sides for decoration!! On legs too!! Anywhere you want!!