Design Notes: The Workwear Short — Designed for Upcycling, Built to Last

Made to be made from anything

I wanted to design a pattern specifically for upcycling. Whether it’s an old pair of pants, a thrifted jacket, or that fabric you’ve had in your stash for ages, this pattern is meant to be cut from something that already has a story.

When I first started drafting the Workwear Short, I was torn — should it have a classic button fly, or something simpler? A button fly felt timeless, but I kept coming back to the idea of accessibility. I wanted this short to be truly beginner-friendly, so that anyone, no matter their sewing experience, could make a sturdy, everyday pair of shorts without stressing over fiddly closures.

That’s why I landed on a faux fly. It gives the look of a traditional workwear short but keeps the construction approachable and satisfying (& so easy!).

This short might look simple at first glance, but there are so many small details I’m proud of. The on-seam pockets aren’t just your standard side pocket — the construction is extra durable, meant to hold up to heavy use (and they won’t bag out over time). If you want to see exactly how they come together, I filmed a full tutorial you can watch here on YouTube.

I also added a drawcord at the waistband. It’s a small thing, but it means you can adjust the fit easily, and it adds that laid-back utility vibe I love.

At the end of the day, the Workwear Short is about creating something that lasts. A piece you can wear again and again, knowing you made it yourself, possibly from garments that might have otherwise gone to waste.

I hope this pattern makes you feel inspired to look at what’s already in your closet (or your local thrift shop) a little differently — and to dive in, knowing it’s approachable even if you’re newer to sewing.

If you make a pair, please share them with me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing how you bring these designs to life, in your own way. #tsrworkwearshort

Thanks for listening <3

Meg