DIY Lace Shorts For Easter

DIY Post by Emma Scott

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Ditch The Eggs And Choose DIY This Easter

It's raining outside, nothings on the television, you sigh wishing Easter break was over already. Whether you’re a parent desperately trying to entertain your children or a bored student thinking of ways to spend the two weeks off, I have a fun and creative solution that is sure to keep you occupied. All you’ll need is some old clothes, any spare trimmings or beads that you have lying around and a needle and thread, yes you guessed it, you’re going to re-vamp your wardrobe!

Create Trendy Clothes Without Blowing Your Budget

In this article I will talk you through how to customise a pair of old denim shorts using some scraps of lace and a few beads. Denim shorts are a popular item for a summer wardrobe, and many designers have been putting their own spin on the fashion classic by embellishing them with beads, sequins, lace and print. Buying these reinvented shorts on the high street however can put you back about £20-£30, which is mad I think! However it’s much easier and cheaper than most people think to create a pair of on trend, fashionable shorts without blowing your budget. Now if you don’t have lace or beads lying about, you can always visit your local market or haberdashery and pick up a bag of scraps, or buy a meter of lace trim which should only cost about £1-£1.50. So grab a pair of old shorts and let’s get started!

Ready? Let's Go!

You will need:

- Hand sewing needle

- Sewing machine (optional)

- White cotton thread

- Small plastic beads

- Scissors/fabric shears

- Pins

- Lace

Step 1

Take your shorts and turn them inside out. Then grab your lace and pin it around the leg holes of your shorts. (Tip: place your pins vertically to stop them getting stuck in the sewing machine.) This is your chance to then trim the lace to whatever length and size you wish.

Step 2

Using your sewing machine and white thread, sew around the leg holes along the edge of the lace using a plain stitch. Remember to back stitch to secure the sewing and avoid the lace falling off. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can hand sew the lace to your shorts using a running stitch, again make sure you secure the stitching tightly when finished.

Step 3

You can now use your excess lace to embellish areas such as pockets, first turn your shorts in the right way then simply pin the lace to your pocket and trim it to your desired shape. Now depending on the size of your shorts pockets, it is normally easier to hand stitch this part as it can be difficult to manoeuvre on a machine. Repeat the same process as in step 2, using a hand needle to create a running stitch to secure the lace.

Step 4

Next you need your beads, cut yourself a length of thread and secure the end with a knot. Then thread this through your hand needle and you're ready to begin. Place your hand inside the shorts and bring your needle up from the inside to the outside of the shorts. Now I chose to bead in a line along the leg holes of my shorts following the strip of lace, however you can create any pattern or design with the beads. Once your needle is through to the right side of the shorts, place your bead over the needle point and pull the needle and thread through the bead. Then go back through the shorts, pushing your needle through just next to where your bead is placed and pull. Repeat this process a few times to secure your bead.

Step 5

Once you have the hang of securing your beads you can then carry on the process along your shorts, you may have to change thread if you run out so just repeat step 4 from where you left off. Finally trim any loose threads and give your lace a quick tug just to make sure it is nice and secure.

Work Your Summer Catwalk

You’ve finished! You're ready to flaunt your newly customised shorts, but why stop at just shorts? Hunt through your wardrobe and pull out any clothing you don't wear anymore, then just pop down to the shops grab yourself some fabric scraps, sequins, beads or whatever you fancy and get customising! All you'll need is your trusty needle and thread and you can make any garment look as good as new, it's sure to keep you occupied and beat boredom this Easter.

Lace Embellished Shorts in Shops