Reef Walkers

My boys are all about the pockets, so these shorts with their kangaroo style pocket really appealed to them both! I had a quick rummage through my fabric stash and soon found something suitable.  I only had time during testing to make a pair for one, not both but luckily, there is only half an inch difference in their waist measurements and because they have an elasticated waistband, they can both wear the same ones until I can sew some more up! I teamed the shorts up with a digger 'On Your Marks' t-shirt for these photos.

Pattern Details

The Reef Walkers* are a unisex 30 page PDF pattern from New Horizons* for children 3 months to 16 years! 2 inseam lengths and optional ties are also included within. There are up to 12 no-trim layered pages to print and each size has a different colour and style too if you don't wish to use the layers.  There is so much included in the fully illustrated file including fabric cutting layouts, tips for sewing with knits a glossary and clickable hyperlinks to each section of the instructions for easy navigation.  They require less than a metre of medium to heavy knit fabric to make even in the biggest size.  You also need a small amount of ribbing, elastic and cording and 2 eyelets if adding the waist ties.

My Version

I made the 18-24 month size in the longer length.  I didn't add the waist ties and made no modifications from the pattern.  I cut the elastic using the waist minus 1” suggestion.  I used less than 50cm of pale yellow french terry and around 10cm of navy cotton elastane ribbing waistband.  They took me around 2.5 hours to sew from printing to finished.

​How Does it Fit?

They have a nice roomy seat, are a good length and comfortable round his tummy. Due to him being 3 but needing the 18-24m size, the pockets are too small for him to fit his hands in so when sewing next time, I'll use the pocket piece from a bigger size.  There is enough room to fit a nappy underneath if he was to need one but thankfully we've been potty trained a year now! I actually prefer the fit of these on my eldest son who is just half an inch larger in the waist. 

Tester Inspiration

You'll find lots of tester photos and inspiration in the product listing HERE*

​Project Cost

​Full price pattern - (£7) $9.95  - I received the pattern for free in return for testing
Fabric Cost (shorts only) - £4 ($5.69)
Notions/Thread - 50p ($0.71) 

Total Cost - £11.50 ($16.35 USD)

Cost to make each additional with similar priced fabric - £5 ($7.14)
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The Reef Walkers are on sale for $8 (£5.60) only until midnight tonight, 13th June!! 

​The Verdict

I'll be making these again, another yellow pair the same for starters and then my eldest has seen some star patterned sweatshirt fabric at the local fabric shop he'd like them in too. I will need to play with the pockets as mentioned earlier and will likely sew some without the pocket too for super quick comfy shorts.

​Related Blogposts

Elevation Hoodie (& Hack) by New Horizons

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! Tees from Kelly J Designs

​To buy the Reef Walkers Shorts pattern, click HERE!*

Affiliate links included throughout this post marked with an asterisk '*' it costs you nothing extra but means I get a few cent's if you buy the pattern after clicking through.  I would love it if you could use them if this post has inspired you but feel free to navigate there yourself if you prefer! Thanks, Sarah​