Play Shorts

$9.00
 

Introducing the delightful Kids Play Shorts pattern by Lowland Kids, perfect for your little ones' summer playtimes! Create an adorable and practical addition to your child's wardrobe with this easy-to-sew, beginner-friendly pattern.


Pattern Type:
PDF - Letter, A0, Projector 

Skill Level:
Beginner - anyone with a machine can do it! 

Fabric amount requirements:
NB - 4T: 1/2 yd
5T - 9/10: 3/4 yd

Materials: 
* French terry fabric works best but any knit fabric will work
* Drawstring (optional)
* 1" or 1 1/4" elastic

Additional Sizes Examples and Pictures:
Click HERE

Additional Details:
Once payment has gone through you will be able to download your files immediately! You will also receive both a confirmation email and an email with a link to download your files. The confirmation email will give you the option to view your order where you can download your files. Lots of options! Be sure to check your promotions/spam/junk folders if the email with the file links doesn't come to your inbox.

Please don't share the file with anyone, though you are welcome to share a printed size with others. 

If you have any issues feel free to email hello@lowlandkids.com

 

Kids - Rompers/One piece swimsuits

Size Height Trunk Inseam Waist Hips
NB 19-21" (53cm) 24" (61cm) 6" (15cm) 14" (35cm) 15" (38cm)
0-3M 21-24" (61cm) 26" (66cm) 6.5" (16cm) 15" (38cm) 15.5" (39cm)
3-6M 24-26" (66cm) 27" (69cm) 7.5" (19cm) 15.5" (39cm) 16" (40cm)
6-9M 26-27" (69cm) 28" (71cm) 8.5" (21cm) 16.25" (41cm) 16.5" (42cm)
9-12M 27-29" (73cm) 29" (74cm) 10" (25cm) 16.75" (43cm) 17" (43cm)
12-18M 29-31" (78cm) 31" (79cm) 11.5" (29cm) 17" (43cm) 18" (46cm)
18-24M 31-33" (83cm) 33" (84cm) 12.25" (31cm) 18.5" (47cm) 18.5" (47cm)
2T 33-36" (91cm) 35" (89cm) 13" (33cm) 19.5" (49cm) 19.5" (49cm)
3T 36-39" (99cm) 37" (94cm) 14" (35cm) 20" (51cm) 21.5" (54cm)
4T 39-44" (112cm) 40" (102cm) 15.5" (39cm) 21" (53cm) 22.5" (57cm)
5T 44-50" (126cm) 41" (104cm) 17" (43cm) 21.5" (54cm) 23" (58cm)
6/7 48-52" (132cm) 43" (109cm) 18.5" (47cm) 22" (56cm) 24" (61cm)
7/8 50-56" (142cm) 45" (114cm) 20" (51cm) 22.5" (57cm) 25" (63cm)
8/9 54-58" (147cm) 47" (119cm) 21.5" (55cm) 23.25" (59cm) 26" (66cm)
9/10 56-62" (157cm) 49" (124cm) 23" (58cm) 24" (61cm) 27" (68cm)

Kids - Pants

Size Height Inseam Waist Hips
NB 19-21" 6" 14" 15"
0-3M 21-24" 6.5" 15" 15.5"
3-6M 24-26" 7.5" 15.5" 16"
6-9M 26-27" 8.5" 16.25" 16.5"
9-12M 27-29" 10" 16.75" 17"
12-18M 29-31" 11.5" 17" 18"
18-24M 31-33" 12.25" 18.5" 18.5"
2T 33-36" 13" 19.5" 19.5"
3T 36-39" 14" 20" 21.5"
4T 39-44" 15.5" 21" 22.5"
5T 44-50" 17" 21.5" 23"
6/7 48-52" 18.5" 22" 24"
7/8 50-56" 20" 22.5" 25"
8/9 54-58" 21.5" 23.25" 26"
9/10 56-62" 23" 24" 27"

Kids - Shorts/Tops/Dresses

Size Height Chest Waist Hips
NB 19-21" (53cm) 15" (38cm) 14" (35cm) 15" (28cm)
0-3M 21-24" (61cm) 16.5" (42cm) 15" (38cm) 15.5" (39cm)
3-6M 24-26" (66cm) 17" (43cm) 15.5" (39cm) 16" (40cm)
6-9M 26-27" (69cm) 17.5" (44cm) 16.25" (41cm) 16.5" (42cm)
9-12M 27-29" (73cm) 18" (46cm) 16.75" (43cm) 17" (43cm)
12-18M 29-31" (78cm) 18.5" (47cm) 17" (43cm) 18" (46cm)
18-24M 31-33" (83cm) 19.5" (49cm) 18.5" (47cm) 18.5" (47cm)
2T 33-36" (91cm) 21" (53cm) 19.5" (49cm) 19.5" (49cm)
3T 36-39" (99cm) 22" (56cm) 20" (51cm) 21.5" (54cm)
4T 39-44" (112cm) 23" (58cm) 21" (53cm) 22.5" (57cm)
5T 44-50" (126cm) 24" (61cm) 21.5" (54cm) 23" (58cm)
6/7 48-52" (132cm) 25" (63cm) 22" (56cm) 24" (61cm)
7/8 50-56" (142cm) 26.25" (66cm) 22.5" (57cm) 25" (63cm)
8/9 54-58" (147cm) 27.25" (69cm) 23.25" (59cm) 26" (66cm)
9/10 56-62" (156cm) 28.5" (71cm) 24" (61cm) 27" (68cm)

Youth

Size Height Chest Waist Hips Trunk
7 50" (127cm) 25" (64cm) 21" (54cm) 26" (66cm) 43" (109cm)
8 52" (132cm) 26" (66cm) 22" (56cm) 27" (69cm) 45" (114cm)
9 54" (137cm) 27" (68cm) 23" (58cm) 28" (71cm) 47" (119cm)
10 56" (142cm) 28" (71cm) 24" (61cm) 29" (74cm) 49" (124cm)
11 57" (145cm) 29" (74cm) 25" (64cm) 30" (76cm) 50" (127cm)
12 58" (147cm) 30" (76cm) 26" (66cm) 31" (79cm) 51" (130cm)
13 59" (149cm) 31" (78cm) 27" (69cm) 32" (81cm) 52" (132cm)
14 60" (152cm) 32" (81cm) 28" (71cm) 33" (84cm) 53" (135cm)
15 61" (155cm) 33" (84cm) 29" (74cm) 34" (86cm) 54" (137cm)
16 62" (158cm) 34" (86cm) 30" (76cm) 35" (89cm) 55" (140cm)
17 63" (160cm) 35" (89cm) 31" (79cm) 36" (92cm) 56" (142cm)
18 64" (163cm) 36" (92cm) 32" (81cm) 37" (94cm) 57" (145cm)

Women's

Size Bust Waist Hips
XXS 31" (79cm) 25" (64cm) 32" (81cm)
XS 33" (84cm) 27" (67cm) 35" (89cm)
S 35" (89cm) 29" (74cm) 37" (94cm)
M 37" (94cm) 32" (81cm) 40" (102cm)
L 39" (99cm) 35" (89cm) 43" (109cm)
XL 43" (109cm) 38" (97cm) 47" (119cm)
1X 47" (119cm) 42" (107cm) 51" (129cm)
2X 52" (132cm) 46" (117cm) 56" (142cm)
3X 57" (145cm) 50" (127cm) 61" (155cm)
4X 62" (158cm) 55" (140cm) 66" (168cm)
5X 67" (170cm) 60" (152cm) 71" (180cm)

Men's

Size Chest Waist Hips
XXS 31" (78cm) 26" (66cm) 31" (78cm)
XS 34" (86cm) 28" (71cm) 34" (86cm)
S 37" (94cm) 31" (78cm) 37" (94cm)
M 40" (102cm) 34" (86cm) 40" (102cm)
L 43" (109cm) 37" (94cm) 43" (109cm)
XL 46" (117cm) 40" (102cm) 45" (114cm)
1X 49" (124cm) 44" (112cm) 47" (119cm)
2X 52" (132cm) 48" (122cm) 49" (124cm)
3X 55" (140cm) 52" (132cm) 52" (132cm)
4X 58" (147cm) 56" (142cm) 55" (140cm)
5X 61" (155cm) 60" (152cm) 58" (147cm)
A quick note before you dive in: Our patterns include multiple files so you can sew the way you like—at home on a printer, at a copyshop (A0), or with a projector.

Quick answers

  • After checkout, you can download your pattern from the confirmation page, from the email we send, or anytime under Account → My Downloads using the same email you purchased with.
  • Your files come in a .zip. It’s easiest to download on a computer, unzip, and you’ll see: Instructions, Letter/A4, A0, and a Projector file.
  • Printing at home? Open the Letter/A4 PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader and print at 100% (Actual Size), then check the test square.
  • Prefer no paper? Use the Projector file. It includes a calibration layer so you can confirm scale before you cut.
  • Need a big print? Send the A0 file to a local copyshop or an online printer.
  • If you get stuck, email hello@lowlandkids.com and we'll be happy to help!


Downloads & accounts


How do I get my files?
Right after payment you’ll see a download button on the confirmation page. We also email you links in your order confirmation email. And you can log in to our website any time and find everything under View Downloads.

What pattern files are included?
Four PDFs: Instructions, Letter/A4 (home printing), A0 (copyshop), and Projector.

Can I download on my phone or tablet?
Yes! Check out our Printing and Projector tips page for specific guidance.


Projector sewing (quick start)


Do your patterns include projector files?
Yes—our current catalog includes projector-optimized files for nearly all patterns. You’ll see “Projector” listed in each download.

How do I check scale?
Open the Projector file and turn on the calibration layer. Confirm the 1” / 2.5 cm squares measure correctly. If you move your projector or cutting surface, re-check before you cut.

Any setup tips?
Keep the text/markers layer visible. If labels look faint, check your PDF viewer’s accessibility settings and disable “replace document colors.” You can also enable the black background layer for higher contrast.


Print-at-home (Letter/A4)

1. Open the Letter/A4 PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. In the print dialog, choose Actual Size (100%) and auto portrait/landscape.
3. Print the page with the test square first; measure to confirm scale.

Troubleshooting:
  • If the whole pattern prints on a single page, you likely opened the wrong file (use Letter/A4, not A0 or Projector).
  • If lines look fuzzy or misaligned, try “Print as image,” make sure your printer driver is up to date, and restart your computer.


Copyshop / A0

Download the A0 file and send it to a copyshop or an online service. Many sewists print a single master copy and trace sizes as needed.

Note that we protect our patterns by locking the pdf files to prevent editing in tools like Adobe Illustrator. In rare circumstances copy shops might use software that invisibly requests edit access and will show errors when attempting to open our files. 


Layers (print only the sizes you need)

All patterns include layers. Open the Layers panel in Acrobat Reader and hide sizes you don’t need. This keeps lines clear and makes grading between sizes easier.


Sizing & skill level

Each product page shows the skill level and links to the size chart. If measurements land between sizes, it’s common to use the width of one size and the length of another.


What machines do I need?

A regular sewing machine is all you need to start. A serger is optional but great for knit fabrics and tidy seams. A coverstitch is helpful for professional hems but not required.


Can I sell what I make?

Yes—items must be sewn by you personally. Mass production or outsourcing isn’t allowed. For manufacturing inquiries, email us.


Need help?

We’re happy to troubleshoot downloads, printing, or projector setup. Email hello@lowlandkids.com and include your order email and a screenshot of your issue if you can.
 

This sewing pattern earns praise for being "super easy" and "quick to sew," with customers saying it's beginner-friendly yet produces professional results. The gusset feature works well for diapered children, and pockets are popular. However, some noted the fit can be baggy in the crotch area for larger sizes, and sizing may run inconsistent.

Gusset (positive)Pattern (positive)Instructions (positive)Pockets (positive)Sizing (neutral)
  • 5 stars: 60 (87%)
  • 4 stars: 6 (9%)
  • 3 stars: 3 (4%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
H
Heidi A.
Loved it!!

I loved sewing up the boy shorts! So quick and easy! My son loves pockets so I tried a few with the pockets but he got frustrated so I made the rest without pockets and he loves them!!

C
Carlana B.
These are by far my

These are by far my favorite boy bottoms for spring & summer!

E
Elaine G.
Play Shorts

Love, love, love this pattern. Sews up so easy and looks so cute

M
MaryKaye

These were so easy to make! I love the gusset for the little ones still wearing diapers!

T
Tracey

Cute pattern. Quick sew

T
Tracey J.
Sew easy

Really east yo sew and so cute. I made 12 months 18 months 2 years and 9-10 all loved them

J
Janine G.
Just what I was looking for!

This was an easy but stylish short pattern for my 2 year old grand daughters! I plan to make more! They loved the pockets:)

M
Michelle
Relatively Straightforward - Tricky Pockets

I’m a novice sewer & this was my first time doing pockets. I’m happy with the final product. The construction is similar to elastic waisted leggings. The pockets are curved, so tricky for me to cut and sew. The picture used a solid piece of fabric which made it hard to understand placement. It would be nice if the instructions used patterned fabric with a white “wrong” side.

M
Maggie

Perfect for a shower gift

V
Veerle M.
Ik ben een beginner maar

Ik ben een beginner maar dankzij de supergoede uitleg, lukte het broekje helemaal!

H
Haley F.
This pattern was just what

This pattern was just what I was looking for, a super quick sew that was still super adorable!

E
Elisa Z.
Very cute

Very cute

B
Bev W.
Play shorts

Great pattern good instructions. I upped a size but he’s on the taller side

m
mary H.
Will be making more

Super easy and fit great. Worked well in stretch denim too.

S
Shelly R.
Love this pattern. Super easy!

Love this pattern. Super easy!

K
Kristen W.
Really cute. Worked up quick.

Really cute. Worked up quick.

L
Lisa R.
Great fit, super quick &

Great fit, super quick & easy sew.

M
Margaret Karen Martin
Five year old approved!

This was exactly the pattern I was looking for to replicate in multiples a favorite pair of shorts my grandson is about to outgrow. It's a super quick sew and takes very little fabric. I'm an experienced seamstress with all the bells and whistles machines at this stage of life (old-ha!), but it would be a perfect beginner pattern and could easily be made satisfactorily with only a simple sewing machine. My mother did amazing work with her Kenmore---suits, lingerie, swimwear, formal dresses, and everything else you could possibly imagine. Never let the lack of a pricey machine hold you back from creating beautiful and practical items for yourself and others!

N
Nancy

Very easy pattern

J
Jennie P.
Sew fast

Play shorts are such a quick and easy project! Wonderful pattern and doesn't take a long time at all. 3 seams and elastic and boom is done.

A
Aven K.
Easy fun sew!

Easy fun sew!

M
Mackenzie K.
In love!!

So so cute and super easy and fun to make! I'm sure they are going to look absolutely adorable once they are on! :)

K
Katie e.
Love!

This pattern is so cute and EASY!! Super quick sew and the results are adorable!

B
Brittany N.
LOVE!

This pattern was so easy to understand and sew! I made the length a bit longer to fit my son better but even that was extremely easy!

j
jacqueline b.
Really a great pattern, very

Really a great pattern, very easy to sew. It looks great!

B
Bianca P.
Quick and easy

Overall I love the shorts for the Littles. But I made my 12 year old some and he did not like the baggy/harem fit at all. I also needed to add some length to the bigger sizes. Overall an easy sew.

s
sylvia m.
Great

Great

D
Diana P.
Easy to sew and so

Easy to sew and so cute

L
Lori V.
So easy to sew and

So easy to sew and such a cute pattern

M
Mary S.
This pattern is so easy

This pattern is so easy and cute. I want to try making these shorts out of vintage t-shirts.

M
Michelle N.
Easy pattern to use 😊

Easy pattern to use 😊 Great for unisex shorts

B
Bridgett P.
This was a super easy

This was a super easy pattern and soooo dang cute!! The sizing was perfect and it was so easy to sew!

J
Jasmine C.
Cute and easy to assmee but fit oddly in the crotch area

These shorts are beginner friendly, very easy to assemble and are a satisfying first sewing project. My only qualm is there is a weird bubbling in the front crotch area. I think it maybe because there is no seam in the center front or back maybe. But otherwise it is a nice easy first project!

C
Christin H.
Super easy to sew with

Super easy to sew with very clear instructions. It's also a quick pattern to make.