Hey everyone!  We’re starting a new Blog series which will include an array of DIY projects.  Today, we are tackling the re-emerging hi-waist cut off shorts.  I scored these really great Levi’s from a local thrift short and man, they fit me like a glove- I couldn’t have been luckier.

Ready to get started?  Here’s what you will need:

• A pair of sharp scissors, fabric scissors if you have them but I used standard scissors.
• A needle or pins are best to mark off the length
• Measuring tape (only if you’re a perfectionist, I forewent this!)
• And of course, a pair of denim jeans ( they are pictured inside out here but don’t do that til later, k?)

1.) First, wash your pants.  I shouldn’t have to say that step but ya never know where those pants have been, unless they’re coming from your closet.

2.) Alright, now go ahead and put those pants on.  I held my hands to my sides (remember, like in highschool?) and that is how I determined how short to go.  So, take your hands to your sides, then just kinda eyeball it.  These aren’t the most professional of directions, are they?  For you tape measuring folk, the inseam is 3″.  You can also take the tape measure from your crotch and measure down your leg 3″.  You’re going to look funny squatting around so prepare your audience.

3.) Mark the pants where you measure, preferably at the front of the thigh, the most middle part.  It doesn’t hurt to add 3 pins on one pant leg, the inner, middle, and outer leg.

4.) Be gentle taking the pants off so you don’t scratch yourself with the pins.

5.) Turn your pants inside out.  We do this so that we don’t cut through the pockets.  Depending on the style of jeans you’re using, your pockets might be short enough but just as a precaution, flip those jeans inside out.  When I turned mine out I noticed a hand-written name on the pocket.  Thanks for the pants, Janice Cooper.

6.) Deep breath, here we go!

7.) Start your scissors from the inner thigh of your marked area.  It’s best to cut in a slight diagonal upwards for high waist styles (like mine).  Cut slowly and don’t mess up!

8.) Fold over your 1 short leg with the 1 long pant leg.  Mark the long pant leg with pins to measure exact to your short leg.  We’ll do steps 6 and 7 again here.

9.) Once cut, you will want to try your new shorts on.  See how they match up and make any minor adjustments as needed.

10.) I added a little distressing to the pocket and fringed the bottom some.  To do this on the pocket, just take your scissors and scratch the denim.  Pull any threads and you’ll see the pants being to ravel.  They should continue to ravel as washed.

To style: I love these with cropped tops and shirts tied in knots.  If you aren’t afraid to show some skin, try them with a bandeau!  Plus, you can roll them up a bit at the ends.  Let us know in the comments below how it goes for you.