If you’ve hung around here for very long, you already know how much I love Kristy and the work that is done through her charity blog, Hopeful Threads. I was so excited a few months ago when she mentioned her plan to ask all of you to sew little boys’ shorts for the families who are supported by Children in Families in Cambodia! I am so blessed to live in a household full of boys, and I loved the idea of being able to give some handmade love to little guys on the other side of the world. I knew that I wanted to be involved in a special way, so I asked if I could design a shorts pattern specifically for this project. (To read more about July’s Little Boys Shorts Sewing project, please click over to Hopeful Threads, and then come back here for the pattern!)
I set out to design a simple shorts pattern with a few little extras. First an elastic waist, because that’s the easiest for little guys to handle all alone. (Charlie’s favorite phrase lately is, “No, Me!”)
Next, it simply had to have pockets! Have you ever known a little boy to not collect things throughout the day? My boys can’t stand pants without pockets. (These side seam pockets are really easy to sew, so don’t worry at all if you haven’t sewn pockets before!)
An optional folding cuffed hem adds more wearing time. All moms know that kids tend to grow up faster than they grow out. Those extra inches when coupled with the elastic waist mean that these shorts could maybe last a little boy for two seasons, instead of just one. (The pattern does include a traditional hem, too, and I’d recommend the traditional hem if you choose to sew the pattern with knit fabric.)
I added an optional faux fly just to give that perfect finishing touch.
A comfortable, easy fit has already made these a favorite with my own little boys.
Finally, the option to sew these with woven fabrics (cotton quilting fabrics, seersucker, lightweight denim, corduroy, twill) or with knit fabrics (cotton interlock or cotton jersey) means that anyone with a fabric stash will be able to grab something and start sewing!
You’re ready to start sewing, aren’t you? Can I just share a little story first? It’s a quick one about how the pattern got its name. As I was wrapping things up early last week and mulling over a name for this pattern, “mud puddles” kept coming to mind. That evening, I popped over to the Children in Families blog and read this blog post: The Beauty of Family. In that post, one of the similarities that Heather mentions in children growing up here in the US and those growing up in Cambodia is the simple things that they love to do, things like splashing in mud puddles. And, with that, the pattern name was finalized.
I finished up the pattern last week, had my amazing group of testers check it out for me, and prepared it to give it to you. One little question remained, though. Were these shorts really good for mud puddle splashing? I couldn’t really give you the pattern without checking, could I? With that in mind, after dinner last night I asked my youngest two boys if they wanted to go jump in a mud puddle. They, of course, were happy to oblige! It turns out that these shorts are perfect for mud puddle splashing!
Doesn’t that look like fun?! Okay, finally, the pattern download! I’m providing this pattern download free of charge. I just ask that you respect the spirit in which it’s given. If you download the pattern, please sew at least one pair of shorts to give to July’s Little Boys Shorts Sewing project at Hopeful Threads or to another charity of your choice. Once you’ve done that, please feel free to use the pattern to sew for your own children! (I do ask that you refrain from sewing this pattern for profit, and the pattern itself is copyrighted, of course.) This free pattern will only be available for download through the end of July. Just click the icon below. (Be sure to read through the pattern preparation instructions before printing!)
DELIGHTFUL!!!!!!
I’ve just downloaded the pattern ready to sew for Kristy’s sew-along. Thanks so much for providing a pattern for these terrific shorts.
waar kan ik dit afdrukken bij lukt het niet
I’m thrilled to be sewing with Kristy for this project, and plan to begin by making 5 pair in Size 5. Thanks so much for providing this awesome pattern, can’t wait to start working on it! (And glad it’s mud puddle worthy 🙂 Hugs ~ Mary
waar kan ik dit patroon downloaden ibij mij lukt het niet
Thank you for graciously donating your pattern to this project! I’m so excited to be part of another of Kristy’s projects and excited to work on these! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your pattern with us. I am so excited to try out a bit more complex clothes sewing, which is relatively new to me (I am a lifelong quilter).
Thanks for sharing your pattern. Going to get to work on them today. Too hot for other stuff!
Where I can get the pattern please would love to make them for my two boys and some for charity aswell.
Thank you Bonnie! This is so very generous of you. I hope to complete at least 2 pairs to send off.
Those pics are just priceless! I was wondering if you would share how you make your patterns.
What I’m asking is do you use any kind of pattern making software. Your pattern looks great, and I’ve been researching for some software or what to use to get the best result.
I want to make some patterns of outfits my daughter wore in pageants as a kid.
Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for these. I am in the wrong country for your charity of choice, but will be making a pair to give away before I use them for myself.
Hi LornaJay! I’m Kristy from Hopeful Threads and just wanted to let you know that we have sewers from all around the globe participating! Would of course love to have you join us! 🙂
Hi Bonnie – this is super generous of you! I downloaded the pattern. I’m not sure if I’m going to get around to sewing this month but when I sew up a pair for my boys I’ll be sure to sew up a pair to give away to a needy home/organization. It looks great! Alisa
Can’t wait to try this pattern…going to check over at Hopeful Threads for the lowdown on where to send them! 🙂
Thank you so much for offering this pattern. I will use it to sew some shorts for Kristy’s project and also for the shorts collection for Dress A Girl Australia. It will definitely be put to good use!
Cheers,
Christie
Love to have the free pattern download. But I am not getting a pattern piece, just pictures of differents designs. Could I see this pattern somewhere else or have you send it to me..Linda Clark
Hi, Linda!
Here’s the direct link to the pattern:
http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/Tutorials/FD_MudPuddleSplashersUpdated.pdf
Hello Bonnie,
Is this pattern still available? I would love to make the shorts for grandchildren.
Thanks!
Jan
Is this pattern still available? I would love to make some for charity and some for my grandson.
Such lovely shorts! I’ll find a local charity to donate a pair to here in Melbourne and then make a pair for my little boy.
Thanks!!
My church’s handicraft ministry will use this pattern to make shorts for boys in Uganda. We have already sent 2sipments of pillowcase dresses there and to the Congo area. We really appreciate the pattern and admire you for all you do.
What a beautiful thing you ladies are doing…
I am unable to see the pattern? and would it be acceptable to send to our local WEAVE center for women escaping violent homes?
Hi,Im not able to view the pattern, are you able to email it to me? looks like a fabulous pattern. Thanks 🙂
Hi, Nicolette! Thanks for dropping in to my blog! The Mud Puddle Splashers pattern was only available as a free download during July’s Hopeful Threads project. I’m working on releasing it with a few more options as a paid pattern in the next month or so.
I am very interested in the pattern also. Where can I register so I receive notification when I can purchase??
I visited multiple websites however the audio feature for audio
songs current at this web page is really wonderful.
Hi Bonnie,
I just love the look of these shorts and really want to give them a try on the sewing machine. I couldn’t find the download, can you let me know where on your wonderful site I can find the download?
Thank you and wishing you a Happy New Year.
Josephine Speck
South Australia
Hi,
Do you know when the Mud Puddle Splashers shorts will be available as a paid pattern? This is exactly what I’m looking for.
Thanks!
i WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO BUY THE MUD PUDDLE SPLASHER SHORTS PATTERN. BUT I DONT SEE IT LISTED FOR PURCHASE ON YOUR SITE. I SEW FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN DUE TO THE FACT MY DAUGHTER IS RAISING 3 BY HERSELF SO MY HUSBAND AND I TRY TO HELP THE BEST WE CAN AND ITS CHEAPER TO MAKE THINGS AND HAVE THEM LOOK NICE. I REALLY LIKE THIS PATTERN AND WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING IT FROM YOU.. PLEASE HELP!!!
Please send the pattern to me. I love it very much, but i don’t find it to download. Tls
Hi, Anh! The shorts pattern was a free download for only the month of July 2012. I have added sizes and pants length and released the final pattern for sale recently. You can find it here: http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/MudPuddleSplashers.html
Would you be willing to send me this pattern? I am wanting to sew up a few pairs to send down to Oklahoma City where the tornadoes struck for the pattern revolution fundraiser.
Thank you!
I have not been able to find the pattern -the site stated that it would be on until the end of Jul
I was wondering if it would be possible to get a basic pattern for a group of us to make for our local crisis center for donation. Their biggest need right now is summer clothes for toddlers (and diapers of course). I found a tank top pattern that is unisex, and I was thinking these shorts would be perfect, but see I missed the free pattern by a year. 🙁 We don’t really have the money for patterns, and are repurposing sheets, towels, etc just to make everything.
I’ve sewn 6 dozen dresses for little girls in Ghana and now am coordinating a few people to do shorts for the boys. I would LOVE to have this pattern. Any chance you could email it to me? I would use it for charitable use only as my kids are grown (age 19 and 22) 🙂
link says not valid for the download…is it still available?
Hi, Kim!
This mini-version of the Mud Puddle Splashers pattern was available free for the month of July 2012 only. You can purchase the full pattern now in my pattern shop right here: http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/pants/the-mud-puddle-splashers/
I am not able to download this please help before it is too late:Little Boys Shorts at Hopeful Threads and The Free Mud Puddle Splashers PDF Pattern
I am not to computer smart.
thanks,
Deborah
Hi, Deborah!
This free mini-pattern was only available for the month of July 2012 in association with a charity drive. That was two years ago. You can now purchase the full pattern in my pattern shop, right here: http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/pants/the-mud-puddle-splashers/
Thanks!
I enjoy what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve added you guys to my personal blogroll.
Hi, I just stumbled upon this adorable pattern and it looks like I am three years too late! Alas, I have two beautiful little boys who would seriously rock these cute shorts. Is there somewhere that I can still get the pattern? Thank you in advance for your time!
Like Jackie I am too late to the party. This pattern would be perfect for the britches for boys at Little Dresses for Africa. I will keep on searching for a pattern for the boys.
I have been searching and searching for a little boys shorts pattern with a faux fly. Is this one available for purchase?
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Hi ma’am ..
Caould you please give me the download link to mud puddle splasher shorts please..
Bonjour Bonnie! Je m’appelle Alda Gaye et je cherchais un modèle de short pour mon fils. Je suis tombé sur sa page sur Pinterest. Mon fils était avec moi à la recherche. J’avoue qu’il est tombé amoureux du short. Je voudrais savoir où je peux acheter le patron. J’ai déjà essayé de chercher avec Google Translator car je ne parle pas anglais, mais seulement portugais et français, mais je ne l’ai pas trouvé.
Le site indiquait qu’il n’était disponible que jusqu’en juillet 2012. Pourriez-vous m’aider?
Merci beaucoup!
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the
same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me
from that service? Kudos!
Can I get a copy of the pattern anywehre? Looks like it would be perfect for the shorts we need to make for Haiti