This pattern is part of the New Year's Resolution Workout Wear collection. This is the Easy Yoga shorts pattern for women.
A long time ago when my family and I moved from Paris to Sydney, I did not know anyone in our new neighborhood. I needed to work out some anxiety issues. New town, new house, new friends, new school and friends for my kids, finding some personal fulfillment and not knowing how to drive… all that caused a lot of stress. To help work through it all, I joined a gym, one of those chains where they teach many classes but not real in-depth instruction. So I decided that running on the treadmill and Thai boxing would give me the release of endorphins I much needed to get me going with the brand new daily routine.
In one of these boxing classes, I got distracted and got hit on the chest causing one of my disks in the lower back to move. The pain knocked the wind out of me at the time but things got even worse. Every night after that and for the next two years I slept in three hours shifts, forcing me to get up and stretch to release the pain and go back to sleep. It was a very tiring and painful time for me. I spent money and time looking for someone who would help me without the need of surgery.
It was not until we moved to Singapore that I found a surgeon who asked me a bizarre question… Do you want the easiest, shortest and potentially least painful way (surgery) or a more holistic longer way to fix this? I chose the longer way simply because the thought of surgery on my back terrified me. Why would a surgeon suggest the longer route that didn't, in fact, involve surgery? On the surgeon's wall, among his many diplomas, there was a series of pictures of a woman who turned out to be his wife in very intricate yoga poses. Her name was Zera (which means new beginning) and she had the same injury as I did. When the doctor caught me staring at the picture he said: “What you see is a big part of the longer route. Learn Yoga, and the best way to learn it is to become an instructor.” I was hooked and took the plunge to become a certified yoga instructor. Ten years have flown by since then, and I have been pain-free for eight of them.
Yoga is an exercise routine that helps your posture, deep muscle tone, concentration and overall happiness. What's not to like?
This is my gift to you, a Yoga shorts pattern for women to plunge into a new beginning. They are great for creating a new pain-free you, or simply to wear around the house.
Materials
- One yard of knit fabric with a minimum of 25% stretch
- Ballpoint needle
- Thread to match
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Overlocker/coverstitch machine (ideal, but not absolutely necessary)
Fabric recommendations
Pattern Layout
Body Guide Measurements
| Size | Waist | Hips | Thigh |
| 4 | 22 | 31 1/2″ | 15″ |
| 6 | 23 | 32 1/2″ | 16″ |
| 8 | 24 | 33 1/2″ | 17″ |
| 10 | 25 | 34 1/2″ | 18″ |
| 12 | 26 1/2″ | 36 | 19 1/2″ |
How To Download
We will continue using the new Payhip web store to distribute our patterns.
Our patterns are still free, but now you have the option of making a small contribution if you like our work! We'd appreciate it, and it will help us keep going with new and fun designs like this. Even a dollar or two goes a long way.
Thanks so much in advance for helping us out. You can use any credit card, and you don't need a Paypal account, although you can use one if you have one.
Fitting Your Yoga Shorts Pattern
The key to this Yoga shorts pattern is the waistband and hem. Take the 25% stretch of the fabric into consideration when you are choosing your size. Measure from your crotch to above your belly button and compare that distance with the crotch plus the band minus the seam allowance (3/8″) (1cm). Then you will know if the shorts will cover more or less what you need. Ideally, the band will fall right above your bellybutton and the hem will be 3 3/4″(9.5cm) from the crotch.
Sewing And Cutting Instructions
This project is for advanced beginners to intermediate sewers. The pattern has only two pieces but all of them will be required to be cut twice, so fold your fabric and place the pieces on top of the fabric and use some weights and a rotary cutter for better results.
The seam allowance for this pattern is 3/8″ (1cm). For best results use an overlocker.
Notice there is no side seams and the entire shorts can be finished with five seams.
Step One:
Place one of the leg pieces print side up. Place the other leg piece print side down. Prints are together. You will sew the crotch first.
Sew at 3/8″.
Sew at 3/8″.
Step Two:
Fold the shorts so the crotches are now in the middle, one on top of another. You will now be sewing the legs. Sew from one leg to the next.
Step Three:
Align the waistband pieces with the print sides together. Sew the sides. You will end up with a band.
Fold the waistband top to bottom.
Divide the band into four equal parts, taking in consideration that the stitching makes the sides mark the front and back.
Align the seams to the side of the shorts and the other two marks to the crotch stitching or to the front and back.
Pin on this four marks, and sew at 3/8″. Stretching the waistband between the 4 parts.
Six stitching lines are all it took to make these super comfortable yoga shorts that I hope you can enjoy for many summers to come.
As I have mentioned before, this is part of the workout wear collection — check out the other free patterns here. (place link to the updated version of the collection.)
Let me know in the comments below what another garment would you like me to share with. Until then stay pain-free and keep on moving. Happy sewing!
These shorts would certainly go well with our Ultimate Sports Bra pattern, which is also part of our workout wardrobe.
I sewed size 6. It looks great. Thank you!
Hi! id love to be a tester for your plus size pattern. i am a size 16 🙂
Excellent! will send you the files and add you to the FB group if you have Facebook.
Hi Mayra,
A lovely pattern and very easy to make. I am going to make the sports bra to go with them.
Thank you again
Diana
You are welcome Diana, let me know how you go, what size are you planning to make in both please. Looking forward to your feedback.
I was told a long time ago that the average size for women was size 14, and shoe size was 8.
I eagerly await some bigger sizes.
Average changes from country to country. Size 14 is average in Canada, Australia and UK, where as in the USA is size 18. Size 8 in France and Italy. Size 4 and 6 in Asian countries. In South America size 12 and 14 depending of the country.
Hi Mayra,
Actually, this isn’t a sewing question. I used to do yoga before a couple of strokes left me in a wheelchair. It did wonders for my chronic pain. Since I last did yoga I’ve moved a few hundred miles away. Can you suggest any yoga movements for chronic pain syndrome in the lower back, hips and neck, or a relevant yoga website? I’ve got no leg movement or sensation at all, and have got partial use of my left arm back. My right arm is just fine and dandy!
Your website has helped me so much. Learning to sew using your tutorials helped me to get some control back over my left arm and has given me confidence to be creative again. Thank you!
Hi Vikki, I feel for you because I remember rather well how bad it is to be in pain and not able to sleep long enough to get your body restored. Pain is an alarm bell that needs to be address with outmost care, i would recommend this site https://yogainternational.com/article/view/restorative-yoga-for-chronic-pain. In my experience I found that starting with learning to sit and breath properly is the first step towards recovery. Please above all find a person who can guide you, this is not to be taken lightly you need someone who can teach you how to move, yoga is very good as a recovery tool but it must be practiced properly. In my case becoming a yoga teacher was the best way to learn the movement in a safe way. Would you consider learning it as a pathway to recovery? I am so happy this blog has help you, that is the main purpose of this site to give you inspiration and nurture your creativity, thank you for taking the time to comment make me feel I know you a little better, Kind Regards…
Thank you so much for the yoga shorts pattern. I am also someone who needs a larger pattern. If you still need some larger sized testers I am happy to help.
Excellent Sally, can you send me an email with your size choice, please. mayra@so-sew-easy.com
Thank you for this pattern. This has so many practical applications. I look forward to making it. I have a question about the band. I made a pair of PJ bottoms with a band very similar to it (Burda pattern) for my daughter a few months ago. It fit great at first but after a while she had to gird it with a hair elastic because it had stretched so much. The stretch fabric didn’t have enough recovery, I guess. How do I test my fabric prior to sewing to ensure it doesn’t happen again? Any suggestions? Thank you. Claudia
Hi Claudia, I have already written about this here is the article: https://so-sew-easy.com/knit-fabric-stretch-test/
no hems on the bottom of the legs?
Hello bubbieone, There is…not very wide but there is one, have a look at the instructions please 🙂
Hi Mayra, I would love to be one of your testers. Normally my trousers need full but adjustments, sway back adjustments and big upper thighs adjustments. So size 16-18 in waist and 20-22 pn my fullest spot… Lots of curvyness going on here!
Excellent! Girl you got the right curves going on there. In my country you would be considered a GODDESS. I will send you the measuring sheet and the Facebook group invite soon. Thank you! Love your country by the way…
Quick question. The pattern I downloaded shows sizes 4-12, but here, the sizes are s-2xl, and the 10 doesn’t look like an xl. Before I get to cutting, could you give me a pattern measurement maybe on one of the waistband sizes so I can verify which is right? The pieces are flip flopped on the layout as well (waistband printed on pages 1-3). Thank you for any clarification you can provide! I so enjoy your patterns and tutorials!
Hi Dori, please delete the first pattern and use the one that is labeled 4-12. I have not shared an XL with you and I will not. This pattern will be available for sale in Sizes 2- 22 when I find all the testers for the different sizes. Kind REgards,
I’m a size 20 and yes I’d like to be a tester. I recently received a service dog and am on my journey back to health. Yoga seems like a good start.
I will need your measurements to make sure you are size 20, will be sending a spreadsheet where you can input your measurements and you can send back to me. Will you be willing to test for other patterns or just this shorts?
Can you explain the sizing? Such as is small considered size 4 and the 2XL to be size 12?
HI, Helga, you got the old pattern, please download the current one, it goes from 4-12.
I thought the original pattern that I received went up to plus size. The revised pattern does not :(. Please advise.
yes, I have made a mistake about the sizing. Please check the body measurements and you will be able to see if you can fit on the larger one, or you can wait for me to release the larger sizes, except I need testers for this pattern would you be willing to be one?
Oooh please can I help you to test this plus sized pattern???
sure send me an email with the size you are willing to test.
I would love to make these yoga shorts but many people, self included, who practice yoga ate curvier, larger people. Yes, chubby people also benefit from yoga!
I love this idea but I need a couple sizes up till I fully recover from having a baby. Do you have larger sizes or tips on how to scale up?
Hi Chrysa, not yet I am in the process of collecting a team of testers. Will let you know when is ready.
They look absolutely lovely, and easy to make, but why just the smallest sizes?
I am tall and a size 16, and these sizes are useless for me 🙁
Yes, it is a free pattern from 4-12 because I don’t have a pattern tester to go beyond that, would you like to become one?
Is there any way to get this pattern without going through craftsy? There is a problem with the site and an error message each time I try to check out. I added it to my cart but it won’t allow me to access the check out page.
Hi, I would love to make these shorts, as I do practice YOGA (SO good for a person!) HOWEVER, I don’t know what % to enlarge the pattern on here, before I use it. THANKS 🙂
Hola Brundy Please print on Actual Size and Landscape format. Kind REgards,
wow 2XL with a 26 3/4″ waist – I must be something like a 5XL going by your current measurements. what a shame I will pass on this one.
Hi Brenda, I have made a mistake in the labeling of the pattern and the waistband please download the reviewed version. Thanks!
How could I use this pattern to make Capris?
You can just make sure you got the right size.
Nice! Thank you.
Thank-you so much for sharing this (and other similar) pattern! You have no idea how much it motivates me but also encourages just trying it out – since you also provide easy to follow instructions!
Much appreciated.
What a great pattern! Thanks. However, when I downloaded the pattern through Craftsy, there were NO instructions on how to construct. The only instructions are above, but no way to print them out or to save to a file. Can you help?
Print out the instructions from this page.
You need to print out this page or bookmark it. There is also a reminder in the pattern file where to go for instructions. I think she doesn’t include instructions in her free patterns because it would be extra work for her.
I just copied them and pasted into a Word document. If you get the ads, etc. you can just delete them. Hope this helps.
I just copied and pasted into a Word file. Hope this helps.
Hi Vikki, thanks for these detailed instructions for other readers. You actually don’t need to do this whole process though. From the page you want to print, just go to the sharing buttons on the left of the screen, select the 3 dots for more options, and choose printfriendly from the options.
Thanks Mayra. It was mainly for PDF creation so people can read offline and save paper like I do. I hope it helps others.
What a great pattern! Thank you for sharing this! I had/have back problems but sadly mine was too extensive to be fixed with yoga! I tried everything before actually agreeing to surgery! I’m so happy to hear you were able to get pain relief without surgery!! I’ve had five on my back and one on my neck!! Not to relieve pain but to stabilize my spine and keep me from being paralyzed! Pool exercise helps me a lot, and takes the pressure off the spine!! I’ll make these shorts to wear around the house! If the waist is a little loose, I’ll add elastic or ties!
Hi Karen, I will have a review of this pattern shortly. Stay tuned.
You are so lovely. thank you for the gift and for sharing part of your life’s journey. I have been suffering a lot of joint pain for the last year and have been exercising, doing weights and elliptical but have just recently decided that I’m going to start yoga. This is like the universe sending me a message!!!
HI Laura, I do yoga because is the only exercise that relaxes me and energizes me at the same time. Do give it a try including learning to find silence in between breath. It is like taking the weight off your shoulder. Hope you find a place where you can feel comfortable to do yoga.
Gracias por el patron, voy a intentar hacerlo, pero tengo una duda, el margen de costura esta incluido en el patron o tengo que añadirlo antes de cortar la tela
Hola Ana, El margin es de 3/8″ o 1cm.
I have the same question as Ana, is the 1cm seam allowance included in the pattern or do we need to add it when cutting out? Thank you! I’m new to sewing, really appreciate this pattern.
HI Naomi, The seam allowance is included.
Thank you
The shorts look lovely, and I appreciate your time and effort making the pattern. However, in what world is a 26″ waist a 3x?????? When I was 21, running 10 or 12 miles in the Appalachian foothills and 10% body fat my waist was 32″! I’m close to 60 and now I wear a real 3x. Wayyyyyyyyy larger than 26″.
HI Barbara, I made a mistake and got all the file mixup, I have loaded a reviewed pattern. Please have a look it goes from Size 4-12.
Do you have all of the workout wardrobe items on one page? I can only find a few of them and the initial post about your resolution.
I can’t download the patterns for the shorts and bra even though I never have had a problem before with pdfs. A page comes up saying something about ‘UBlock’ which I’ve not heard of before.
Is there an explanation for this? Thank you. Kathy
You probably need to turn off your ad-blocker as it is preventing all pop-ups (including getting the pattern from here).
Mayra, thank you for your generosity; this pattern is just what I need. Now, if you could only teach me yoga too 🙂
LOL! That would be a pleasure!
I’d love to hear more about your journey with yoga and what series of positions helped to relieve your back pain
HI Shelley, I started with the basic Hata Yoga postures and breathing exercises both to manage the pain and strengthen my abdominal muscles. Find a qualified yoga instructor to help you, you will never regret it.
Wonderful pattern but 2xl with finished 26.75-inch waist — really disappointing.
Hi Katie, the sizes go for 4,6,8,10, and 12 for any larger sizes I am looking for testers would you like to become one?
Thank you so much for this pattern – and all the others you have done too. I can#t wait to finish my current project and start these.
You are most welcome!
Are the measurements in U.S size? My hips are 37 waist is 28 what size do I cut?
Hi Teresa you will need to wait for the next available sizes, would you like to become a pattern tester?
I am still awaiting your reply to my question regarding the Wear Anywhere Dress pattern. Please respond. I have printed the instructions but cannot print the pattern.
Hi Elizabeth, download the pattern again, since you paid for it you will have it in your library.
How can I enlarge lis to fit my size 33 in waist 45 in hips
Hi, Cally grading this pattern is not difficult but the explanation it would be so long to put it as a comment. You could wait for the larger sizes when I release it but I need pattern tester would you willing to become one?
Thank you so much for the free pattern! I also have back issues and may give yoga a try.
Hope you feel better soon.
How lovely. I’m going to give this a try. I made your sports bra pattern before and it came out great. I’ll make the matching shorts now.
Wow, that is exactly what I needed! I bought some black stretchy knit just two days ago with the intention of making some yoga shorts, because in this heat wave we are experiencing I simply can’t get away with long trousers. And I realized that I have literally no shorts in my closet! So I will definitely give these a try very soon, thinking of tomorrow or even today. Thank you for offering free patterns, it is very appreciated!
By the way I made long wide leg pants you posted recently. It was meant to be a (possibly) wearable muslin, because at this moment I am still too unexperienced with fitting to make any adjustments based on my measurements only. And it ended up being my favourite pair of trousers right away!