M4M Saraya Shorts Pattern | Sewing Pattern Review

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Looking for some pretty and feminine shorts? Look no further than the M4M Saraya Shorts Pattern.

Like many people, I’ve spent the last year lounging at home. So why not have pretty clothes to lounge in at home? As well, with the warmer weather approaching, these make the cutest and comfy sleep shorts.

I have been a fan of the Made for Mermaids Sewing for a while. I’m so honoured and lucky to be part of the testing pool for new patterns. There are always so many great ones. I’ve been wanting a pair of cute lounge shorts for a while and this is perfect.

The M4M Saraya Shorts Pattern

This is a really cute pair of lounge shorts that are also great for sleeping.

There are two different waistlines – natural waist and preferred waist (which is a lower waist). There are also 3 different inseam lengths – cheeky, 3.5 inches, and 4.5 inches. As well, there is also an option for a drawstring.

What is distinct about this design is how the back of the pattern overlaps with the front. Due to this design element, this pattern takes a little more fabric than you would expect. Be sure to consult the chart – you have to add the inseam length requirement of fabric with the waistband you want in order to determine the amount of fabric needed. If making your own drawstring, that will also require additional fabric.

Fabric and Notion Recommendations

This pattern was drafted for knit fabrics that are lightweight and have drape. Considering that they are intended for lounging or sleeping, you’ll want something nice and soft. Here are a few suggestions.

Keep in mind the sheerness of the fabric you use. Determine where and when you’d wear these shorts if using a lighter colour.

The M4M Saraya shorts are also drafted for plush elastic. Plush elastic is a type of elastic that is soft and comfy on the skin. Previously, I’ve used it for an exposed waistband on joggers, as well as an exposed elastic at the bottom of sports bras. It’s got a fuzzy texture to it, making it very comfortable to wear. The elastic is enclosed in a casing for this pattern and while you don’t actually see it, it is still very comfy to wear.

That said, you could use regular elastic as well – as long as it is the same width. However, keep in mind that plush elastic is looser, so if you are using regular elastic, you will want to add some length to compensate. Be sure to measure against yourself to make sure you have the correct fit. Plush elastic can be found online and in-store at most places where you can purchase the fabric.

Sewing Pattern Review

As with all my other experiences with Made for Mermaids patterns, this is well written and easy to follow.

The basic pattern contains 3 pieces – a front, back, and waistband. Pattern pieces are provided for the length of your elastic as well.

The construction of these shorts is a little different than what I am used to but it’s still quite easy.

The design of these shorts lends itself to a variety of hem options. The back overlaps with the front and so there is an opportunity to do a fancier hem. Here are some pretty options to consider:

• simple hem where you fold over and sew with your cover stitch machine
• rolled hem using a serger
• lettuce hem – similar to a rolled hem; I tried this but need to work on it
• picot hem – a separate picot edging that you can sew on the edge. I saw one of the testers do this and it was pretty.

I like the rolled hem and the lettuce hem as it works really well with drapey, lightweight fabrics.

The use of plush elastic makes these shorts very comfortable which is why these work very well for loungewear or sleepwear

Overall, this is quite an easy sewing pattern. The level of difficulty depends on how you want to finish the hem. I love this pattern as it’s so comfy. and easy to wear.

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