On Friday, I posted that I finally took the time to try out a pattern that I’ve been eyeing for a really long time – Purl Soho’s City Gym Shorts.
I wanted to take a moment to review the pattern for anyone that’s interested in trying it, because when I can hear first hand from other people that they’ve had a good/bad experience with a pattern, I’m much more confident in trying it myself. Honestly, no one wants to put the time and supplies into making something that you’re not sure is going to turn out well!
First, I’m happy to report that I loved this pattern! This pattern is offered on their website for free, and I was willing to take the leap of faith on this one because I know how consistent they are with their products and posts. They’re a great company to follow for ideas, and I’ve ordered from them a few times, as well!
Here are the top things I rate a pattern on: ease of use, fit, how clear instructions are, and level of experience required to complete the project. Here’s my take on the City Gym Shorts!
Ease of use: A
Downloading, printing, and putting the pattern together was really easy. (I’ll be sharing my tips for using printable patterns next week). I would have liked an instruction sheet that I could refer to while assembling the shorts, but it’s a free pattern, so I understand. I used my iPad to view the instructions on the blog while I put it together. The pictures are beautifully done and great to refer to, as well!
Fit: A+
When I measured my hips, I came out at the very top end of one of the size designations. Wanting to make sure that the shorts would fit when I finished, I bumped up to the next size. As I finished the piece and tried it on, I found that this wasn’t necessary. I’ll be making another pair, and I’ll drop the size down one, because it’s proven that they’re true to size. Yay!
Clear Instructions: B+
I found the instructions to be clear for assembly, but I am also approaching the pattern as a skilled sewist with lots of years of experience putting together almost anything I’ve been able to imagine. When I looked at the instructions again, but tried to imagine it through the eyes of a beginner, I could see that I might have a little bit of trouble. But if you use the photos to refer to, and keep pushing through, I’m fairly certain you could still accomplish this project!
Level of experience required: Beginner to intermediate.
I think if you’re persistent, you could push through as a beginner, but having some level of experience will help in putting these shorts together. I also wanted to note that I chose to buy the biased tape for finishing the edges instead of making my own. The biased tape making tool that they feature in the pattern instructions is actually something that I do want to invest in, though! As someone who sews a quite a bit, I could see it being useful to make a more professionally finished project. It means I can really match the fabrics and use what I choose instead of relying on pre-made colors available at the fabric store.
One final note on the shorts. I chose to add some of this crocheted elastic lace trim to the edges of my shorts for an extra little touch! The lace is actually stretchy and I can’t wait to use it in more projects. It’s made by Maya Road, and you can see the the shorts that I made featured on their blog last Friday.
I hope that you found the pattern review helpful! I definitely recommend that you give this one a try. The pattern is also available in kids’ sizes, and these would definitely rock as jammie shorts!
[…] available out there online! I’m using the lovely city gym shorts pattern I featured in this post from Purl Soho’s blog The Purl […]