I think I’ve found my perfect shorts pattern! I mean, it is the only pattern I’ve tried but I love it and don’t need to try any others! I saw these on other blogs and Instagram a few months ago when the pattern was first released and I loved the tailored look of them. I thought these shorts would be ones I would wear every year as they are a classic style. I also loved the tie waist to give them a bit of detail.

I decided on using linen fabric as it’s perfect for summer shorts and keeps that tailored look. It also helps that it’s easy to sew with and presses beautifully! After my Orla top, it’s been nice to use easy fabrics to sew with! The fabric I used was this lovely periwinkle blue cotton/linen mix from Fabric Godmother. It took me a while to choose the colour as there are quite a few lovely choices on her website! I knew I wanted them to be summery and bright so settled on the blue. I think I was inspired by the pair on the pattern envelope.

This is the first Megan Nielsen pattern I’ve used and it was refreshing to try a different pattern company. I really enjoyed making these shorts – so much so that I now want a pair in a range of colours! I also want to try the longer version as well.

The shorts come in two variations – one with a button closure, the other with a tie closure. The shorts are designed to sit on your natural waist. The have darts and release tucks to shape them, slash pockets and have a crossover closure. There is a hidden fastening on the waistband as well.

The pattern was easy to follow and the diagrams really helped. I also used the sewalong on Megan Nielsen’s blog to help with a few of the slightly trickier bits.

I cut a large at the waist and graded to a medium at the hips and the fit is pretty spot on. As they are designed to be a casual fit, there wasn’t really any major fitting issues. The waist is snug but not uncomfortable and there’s enough ease to move around with ease.

There was nothing especially difficult in the making up of these, but it was nice to do a release tuck and use the crossover fastening. These were new features that I’d never tried before. The only difference I’ve included is using a hook and eye instead of a button for the hidden closure because I’ve still not mastered button holes on my machine!

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Pattern review

Name: Flint

Company: Megan Nielsen patterns

Description: Wide leg cropped pants or shorts with a unique side crossover closure at the side seam.

Printed or PDF: I have printed pattern but is available in both.

Sizing: The sizes go from XS to XL. I cut a large at the waist but graded to a medium at the hips.

Alterations: Other than the sizing mentioned above, the only other alteration I made was to use a hook and eye closure rather than a button. Still can’t do buttonholes!

Fabric: I used a gorgeous blue cotton and linen mix from Fabric Godmother. You could use any woven fabric. I wanted a crisp tailored look so went with linen.

Difficulty rating:  The skill level on the pattern is 2 out of 5. I would say this is suitable for a confident beginner. There’s darts, release tucks, button/ button hole but nothing too tricky. Use a fabric such as cotton or linen to make it easier.

Difficulties encountered: Nothing major. My waistband isn’t perfect, but everything seemed to come together well. There are lots of notches to help with accuracy and showing where you should sew. Marking all of these on correctly will really help! The diagrams and sewalong help with any tricky parts.

Time taken: I made these in a few evenings. Once I’d cut them out, they probably took about 3 hours. They were surprisingly quick.

Recommend: Yes! I want to try the longer version.

What would I change?: Nothing.

Favourite thing: I love the crossover fastening and the tie waist detail.

I apologise for the rubbish photos! I did most of my sewing of these in the evening or at night and the light was awful!