Moxi Shorts
Do you ever have those patterns that you love but are too scared to try to make? That was the case for my M pattern for the #abcPatternStashChallenge. The Moxi Shorts have been in my collection since they were released and I just did not have the confidence to try them…. until now!
The Pattern
The Moxi Shorts are the first pair of true shorts that I have attempted. Normally I prefer leggings but when I saw that there was a compression add on, I decided to give it a try. The shorts themsleves don’t have too many variations to choose from, but there are a few choices that you need to make for your own pair of shorts.
Options Available
This pattern does not have a ton of options but that doesn’t make it any less of a pattern but here are the few that you do need to decide on. Note that these are all optional!
Built In: Briefs or Thong. These come with the main Moxi pattern. If you (like me) prefer a compression short, that is a separate add on pattern that is $2.00. The compression shorts come with optional POCKETS! I almost always choose yes for pockets.
Zipper: There is a zipper pocket that can be installed in the back waistband.
Sizing
This pattern has a size range from 0 – 18. Based on my measurements, I fell into the size 8 based on the chart.
Personally, I found the size to run a bit small. While it still fits me, it was a bit tighter than I prefer. Just something to keep in mind that it may run a smidge small. I primarily focused on the hip measurement when picking my size here.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I found the instructions for the Moxi Shorts to be very easy to follow. Since this pattern has limited options, it is very streamlined to be followed along very easily.
If it is your first time making this pattern, I also highly recommend watching the Sew A Long that was done for this pattern to also help understand all the steps. I found this to be extremely helpful before diving into sewing!
I especially needed to watch making the Bias binding for this pattern as I hadn’t made my own before.
I made a size 8 with the Compression Short Add. No zipper.
The Fabric
Fabric Requirements
For the shorts portion of the Moxi Shorts, the fabric requirements need to be a 2 or 4 way stretch woven performance (stretch woven) or a stable knit like Ponte, Scuba, or a heavy weight yoga knit.
For my Moxi, I went with a very fun stretch woven from the Styled Magnolia. Even the name of this fabric screams fun… Whimsical Butterfly. It’s bold, it’s pink, and it’s absolutely perfect!
Now for the compression shorts, I used a pink athletic knit from origins unknown. I likely got this in a scrap box as I did not have a lot of it, but it was the perfect color match for the shorts!
Feedback and Final Thoughts
Likes and Dislikes
Lets start with what I liked about the pattern. I loved how relatively painless making these shorts was. I was very intimidated by this pattern for a long time but now that I have made them, I have a lot more confidence if I were to make them again. That being said, needing to make as much bias binding as I did for my size was CRAZY. Completely necessary but I was not expecting to need 80 inches of homemade binding. Thankfully I had this wonderful bias binding tool but I still spent quite a bit of time at the iron. I wouldn’t say I overly disliked it but just wasn’t expecting it.
As I mentioned before, I found the pattern to run a bit small for me. I think this is due to my thighs being a bit thicker than most people in my size range so it could very well be a me issue, but the compression shorts were TIGHT. Not so much that I can’t wear them, but something I will need to consider if I make these again.
Would I make this pattern again?
I learned a lot with this make. I also know how to make Bias binding from scratch which is a pretty good skill to have. I would say that I am not opposed to making this pattern again, but will likely stick with leggings for the foreseeable future.
TIP TIME
One major tip that is also included in the pattern and I HIGHLY recommend doing is a reinforcement stitch right next to your serged edges. Since these will be used for working out it is always a good idea to reinforce the seams and I definitely can't recommend that enough with these. As you can see from this image, I had a little gap between the two and made sure the thread of the reinforcement stitch matched the fabric.
Get the Look!
Pattern: Moxi Shorts from Greenstyle Creations ($10) as well as the Compression Shorts add on ($2).
Fabric: Whimsical Butterfly Stretch Woven from The Styled Magnolia
Have you ever worked with Stretch Woven? Or made the Moxi’s with a different base? Let me know in the comments!
Bonus Content!
