Copenhagen Harbor Boardshorts

6/28/2016

I saw a call asking for some additional testers for the last rounds of testing for these shorts on Tuesday. They were called boardshorts but are designed to be made in any medium to heavy weight woven fabric so I could see the potential for everyday wear shorts from the pattern too and I had the perfect fabric ready and waiting in my stash.....this is what I went on to make on Tuesday evening!

Pattern Details

The Copenhagen Harbor Boardshorts by Stitch Upon A Time come as a layered 50 page PDF file and includes sizes XXS-4XL (30"-58" full hip) They include 2 length options as well as options such as pockets, faux fly, contrast back yoke and straight or curved hems! It also includes a maternity waistband option. It is a pattern for woven medium to heavyweight fabrics and you'll need between 1 and 2 yards per air depending on size and options. You also need a bit of elastic for the back waistband and 1 or 2 snaps or buttons for the front waistband. The instructions include photos all the way through and also includes a page print guide so you only print the pages you need (between 16 and 25 depending on size and options).

My Versions

I made 2 pairs during the test, both were short length XS with pockets, faux fly, curved hems and no contrast back yoke. With the floral pair, I had to make an adjustment to the side and back seams, letting them out to 3/8" around my full hips as they fell in a slightly different place to where the pattern had them drafted. For the Swirly pair, I actually did a fuller bottom adjustment to move the fullness to where I needed it and reduced the back rise to compensate for the extra put in over the full hips. I didn't topstitch down the back waistband elastic as I felt with the style of shorts I was going for that it wouldn't work so well. I used less than a yard of 8.5oz 100% cotton duck from IKEA for each pair, the swirl fabric is out of print now but the floral is still available HERE. They took me around 3 hours each to make from printing to finished

How do they fit?

Considering trousers/shorts are one of the hardest garments to get the fit right on, these fit surprisingly well! I mentioned earlier I let the seams out on one pair and did a fuller bottom adjustment on the other. Although the adjustment is supposed to be the correct way of doing it, I actually prefer the fit of the one I let the seams out on. I did not have to make any adjustments to the crotch length or curve but that doesn't mean you won't need to, even if your measurements exactly match mine! All of our bodies are uniquely shaped and tailored or woven items require more fitting adjustments than those intended for looser or knitted fabrics

Tester Inspiration

More photos and inspiration from the other testers can be found on THIS pinterest board

Project Cost

Full price pattern - (£6.75) $9 - I received the pattern for free in return for testing
Fabric Cost (for both) - £10 ($6.67)
Notions/Thread - £12.25 ($0.67)

Total Cost - £22.50 ($30) so £11.50 ($15) Each pair

Cost to make each additional with similar priced fabric - £5-£6 ($6.67-$8)

The Copenhagen Boardshorts are on sale with 25% off for $6.75 (£5) only until midnight 29th June.

PS. The code works sitewide so be sure to pick up the Scrundies or anything else whilst you're there!

The Verdict

I adore these shorts, especially the floral ones and now I know what adjustments I need I can and will easily make some more for everyday summer wear. Sadly being in the UK means our summers aren't very long but I will make sure these see as much sun as I possibly can! I would recommend the pattern to others for sure in the knowledge that you may also need some fitting adjustments to get them perfect.