Description
Pai is the Māori word for “good”. You’ll often hear “kei te pai”, a colloquialism in New Zealand which translates to “it’s all good!”
That’s the inspiration for our Pai Shorts – no fuss! Kei te pai! Just good shorts that will adventure with you, that you can make again and again with stunning, reliable results each time! They’re good!
Created with a relaxed fit, and the growth rates of boys and girls in mind, Pai Shorts are comfortable, easy to wear and will grow with your child.
Included in this beginner friendly tutorial are Inseam Pockets (pockets that open from the side seam).
You can also purchase a newly added Front Waist Pocket ADD-ON pattern and tutorial. Front waist pockets have their openings on the front with a cut away curve for the hand to slip in to.
The full photo tutorial will walk you step by step through the construction and sewing of these Pai Shorts. They’re a pleasure to sew (and a little bit addictive!)
Features:
- Instant PDF download of pattern and full tutorial
- A4/Letter, A1/Copyshop, and speciality Projector formats with layers
- Children’s sizes 1-10 (including 18month)
- Unisex – Created with the fit and growth rates of both boys and girls
- Inseam pockets included in the Pai Shorts PDF pattern.
- Add-On available: Front Waist Pockets
- Optional trim tutorial included
- Elastic waist for comfort and ease
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create these shorts
Sewing Level:
The Pai Shorts have been designed with beginners in mind. The tutorial is detailed with full colour photos and will walk you step by step through constructing the garment, enclosed waist band and optional trim tutorial.
The more advanced sewists will appreciate the professional finish of the pattern, the well fitting garment and the ability to customise and make it your own.
Fabric Suggestions:
These shorts have been designed to be used with light weight fabrics. Look for cottons, linens, chambray, light denim, rayon etc.
Fit and Ease of the Pai Shorts:
The pattern includes an enclosed waist band for comfort around the puku (tummy), with enough ease through the hips and bum to allow for nappies (in smaller sizes).
This pattern has been created using Standard American Measurements and the sizing might seem different to what you usually buy in stores. Therefore, use the size the chart says you are to fit the hips, and if required, lengthen or shorten the pattern as needed.
Fabric and Fit Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Co-ordinating sewing thread
- Non-Roll elastic 25mm (1″) wide, length supplied in chart.
- Scissors, pins, needle
- Optional trim
What You Get When You Purchase:
This is a PDF digital download. After purchasing through PayPal you will be emailed the digital pattern and tutorial. Save these to your computer.
Log into the website and find your files in “My Account + Downloads”. This is where the most updated version of your purchases will be and you can access it any time. In the future I may revise this pattern and slightly alter it. If you’re sewing in the future, check back for the latest version.
You can print the Pai Shorts pattern at home with the A4/Letter file (9 pages), copy shop (A1 size), or use a projector. All digital files include “layers”, so you can choose to print only some sizes if you prefer.
Specialty Projector file’s include all the things you love about projector sewing! Unfolded pattern pieces, directional placement, large lines, moveable area and calibration grids, just to name a few features!
You will also receive a comprehensive tutorial with instructions, photos and tips to guide you in your sewing of this garment. Please view this tutorial on your device or computer to save the trees, or if you must print, print in colour to view the photos accurately.
What’s a PDF?
A digital document viewable in Adobe Acrobat Reader (download for free here). You will be able to save, view and print these documents on your computer or device.
Returns and Support:
This is a digital product and can be saved to your computer. Because of it’s digital nature, I am not able to offer returns on any purchase unless at some fault of my own. Please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern with your correct email address!
In lieu of returns I offer comprehensive online support to those who are sewing! You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and email, and you can expect a prompt reply! I will endeavour to help you in any way I can.
Get Sewing!
So, what are you waiting for? Create your own pair of Pai Shorts with this pattern and show off your creations!
This is sewing pattern by Sophie Laughton-Mutu. Sewists and children around the world have tested this pattern. Please leave a review, or pop over to our Facebook page to show us a photo of your Pai Shorts and the adventures they go on!
anna.jem.smith –
Such a lovely unisex pattern! I have made my daughter pj bottoms with trim (first time ever using and instructions are brilliant!), made my son 2 pairs as Pjs and shorts and made the baby some bloomers too! Such a handy all round pattern, and as per normal for Below the Kowhai, such a variety of ways to customise and sew which I love. Also love getting the confidence to try new things with very very easy to follow tutorials! I will be making plenty more this summer…..
ej_garnett –
I made the Pai shorts as part of a summer set with the Rawe top for my 1 year old daughter. They are such a great fit, plenty of space for a nappy and a good length on her. The instructions are really easy to follow. I will definitely be making many more pairs of Pai shorts!
winsome246 –
This is such a great pattern – quick and easy with options to customise and those all-important pockets!! Another win from BTK 🙂
Frances Paki –
The Pai shorts are a fantastic pattern. I love that there is an option both pockets, or no pockets. And goes perfectly with the Rawe top
chan_141 –
Great Pattern. Quick and easy to make. I love that it is unisex and pockets are always a bonus. Made pj pants for my daughter and plan to make some for my son too.
Jessica Young –
Another great pattern which is easy to follow. I’ve made 2 of these for my son. He was so excited to choose the fabric for them and that it’s something I’ve made for him. He loves pockets just like me so great to have them as part of the pattern. Will definitely be making more of these!
rachelslimmon –
My dress loving girls rarely wear shorts but what I love about sewing is they can wear shorts in whatever fabric they chose. A comfortable fit and an easy sew makes these shorts a fabulous sew!
Oh…. and of course …. POCKETS for treasures!!
Kate Fairgray (verified owner) –
The Pai shorts were my first ever sewing project. I was so surprised at how easy and fab they are. I had no idea what basting stitching was but everything was explained so clearly. Can’t wait to buy my next pattern and give it a go!! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
Bryony Puketapu (verified owner) –
These are such a great little project. So simple, quickly finished – when you’re learning to sew, patterns that require hours of time aren’t as appealing. Being about to whip out multiple pairs in a morning gives you so much satisfaction. I highly recommend this project when you’re starting out!!
Laura Hegan (verified owner) –
Love love love these shorts! Perfect and easy to make. I adjusted the waist to make a paper bag waist and tie and it was so easy to adjust.
Can also elastic the legs if you want a more fitted style. The pattern is so versatile!
And the instructions are amazing. I had never sewed using a pattern before and it was so straight forward and very detailed. So for a beginner this was perfect!
lizzyj_m –
I love love love these shorts! This is my go-to pattern for shorts for my son, and I’ve made pretty versions for little girls too – so versatile! Thank you for another fabulous pattern.
Naomi Radunovic (verified owner) –
Such a beautiful pattern! Beginner friendly and quick to sew up. Great fit for a wardrobe staple. Definitely making many, many more of these!
Sew.Exhausted (verified owner) –
I loved making these shorts for my daughters! I initially made them as a quick project for some holiday clothes but have since made them as a set with the rawe top and it looks gorgeous!
These shorts are sooo quick to sew and use hardly any fabric at all. Fab patter, waiting patiently for an adults version!!!!
Britta Gandy (verified owner) –
Perfect unisex pattern for batch sewing summer wardrobes!
Jody (verified owner) –
Recommend to all levels of experience. A fantastic place to start for an absolute beginner with the classic style and woven fabrics: master the fundamentals on non-stretch fabric to create something the kids will LOVE wearing! While also being a fabulous pattern for the more experienced sewists, with clean lines and potential galore to add your personal touches. Either way, the result is a practical, comfortable pair of shorts that will be chosen time and time again! This will become your go-to shorts pattern!
Jane New –
Love this pattern! Super easy to follow instructions, handy tips and clear explanations. The shorts are a great fit and so versatile. Will be making lots more for my kids.
Rachel Kirby (verified owner) –
These are a brilliant and classic pattern. I love to batch sew these for my kids, as they wear them all the time! The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and as a confident beginner I had no troubles (these were the first non skirt/dress item I ever sewed).
Jessica Bankin (verified owner) –
A great, clear pattern to follow and it makes a lovely pair of shorts.
Kat –
The Pai shorts are an easy make for a beginner as the instructions are super easy to follow. The BTK community are helpful and kind if you need any help too!
I’ve made three pairs now. It was so exciting to find one pattern to suit my three kids, WITH pockets for treasure.
They’ll be my Christmas gift of choice this year for sure! 🎄
Would recommend!
Kelly Chu (verified owner) –
A fantastic unisex shorts pattern, and I’m so glad I discovered these. They became my Christmas go-to for gifts this year.
I love how they are:
*unisex.
*no fiddly annoying crotch instructions
*pockets!
*perfect fit.
*AND so economical on fabric, I could often squeeze some out from some of the leftovers of the larger patterns.
Winner!
Roxan Bungcayao (verified owner) –
This pattern is perfect to pair with the Rawe Top and you’ll be able to create such summer outifts!! It’s very beginner friendly and it super easy to sew up the pocket options too. I’ve so far made sleeping shorts for my kiddos and a summer set for my little one.
Heather Jenke (verified owner) –
So glad I bought this pattern! I’ve tried several free shorts patterns, and simply chopping the legs off the Tio Trousers, but wasn’t completely happy with the fit and sizing. Pai Shorts are just what I was looking for! The instructions are very detailed, but you can also take shortcuts if you simply want to whip up a pair in a hurry. The size 2 fits my just-turned-2 year old nicely, despite him measuring as a size 1. The pattern and instructions get 5 stars, but I’m a bit dubious about the size chart & elastic lengths.
Kenneth Wujek (verified owner) –
I never knew a sewing pattern could be addictive. As a fairly new sewist, I’ve found the Pai Shorts pattern to be quick and very easy. The finished product is just perfect and I see myself making many, many more.
I love this pattern!
Amy Field (verified owner) –
This is a great pattern. Such a good basic for my kids, with pockets for all their treasures. I will be making many more pairs of these
Kenneth Wujek (verified owner) –
The Pai Shorts Front Waistband Pocket is awesome!
Very simple and somehow fun.
I’ll be using this pocket pattern often.
katieosborne –
Such an amazing pattern, such easy instructions to follow and great for both boys and girls. I found it came together really quickly as well. Well worth it
Lydia Wood (verified owner) –
Such a great easy shorts pattern, quick to whip up, straightforward to sew, unisex so everyone can enjoy, run and play in them – or great summer PJ shorts too!
Will be making these time and time again.
Nicole Armitage (verified owner) –
This is a great unisex pattern. Easy to follow instructions. Love the versatility – we added a back pocket because you can’t have too many pockets especially when out exploring! We will use this pattern regularly.
Jess King (verified owner) –
Lovley, easy project! Easy to follow instructions and the kids love them! I have made a few pairs and I’ll make more every year!
Anna Cunningham (verified owner) –
Fantastic kids shorts pattern. The instructions are very very clear and include details like tacking down the pockets so you get a really solid and professional result. I love adding a ruffle or trim to the hem, and have also made a paid with elasticated legs for a cute pj short. You will sew this pattern again and again, it is an absolute staple.