How to Turn the Hassel Jeans Pattern into Jorts (Easy 4-Step Guide)

Changing the length of a pair of trousers or jeans is probably the easiest alteration in the whole wide sewing world! All you really need to decide is how long you want your shorts or jorts to be... well, that and a few small details that make a big difference in the final fit.

Follow this easy guide to turn the Hassel jeans into Hassel jorts — or use the same method on any other jeans pattern you love.

Step 1: Trace Off a Bigger Size

Sizing up is largely a matter of personal taste, but a looser leg tends to look best on shorts and jorts. It also helps you avoid a common problem: a hemline around the knee or thigh that's too narrow, which can feel tight and uncomfortable.

If you love the fit of your original jeans pattern and don't want to size up, you can still add extra room by adding about 1 cm (3/8 inch) to the seam allowance toward the hemline.

In my example, I made the Hassel jeans in size EU 42, but sized up to EU 44 for the jorts version to get a more relaxed, casual look.

Step 2: Check the Length of the Crotch Curves

If you sized up in Step 1, measure the updated length of the front and back crotch curves (the rise) to make sure they haven't become too long. A good rule of thumb: the looser the fit of the trouser, jeans, or pant, the shorter the back crotch curve should be — and vice versa.

The Hassel jeans pattern is drafted with negative ease for a tight, regular straight-leg fit. When you size up, the crotch curve tends to get too long, which can cause horizontal drag lines across the lower back or under the seat.

In my example, I shortened the back crotch curve by 1.5 cm by pinching out that distance right where the curve starts to angle upward.

Step 3: Cut Your Desired Length

Measure on your own body where you'd like the hemline of your shorts or jorts to sit, then transfer that measurement to both the front and back pattern pieces. Double-check that the outer side seams and inseams on the front and back pieces still match up once the new hemline is drawn on.

Step 4: Cut and Sew as Usual

That's it! Cut and sew your trousers or jeans exactly like you normally would — you've now got a custom pair of jorts.

Tip: This same four-step method works on almost any jeans or trouser pattern, not just the Hassel. Once you've done it once, shortening any pants pattern into shorts becomes second nature.