Free Boys Summer Set Sewing Pattern: T-Shirt + Shorts, Ages 2–10

This free boys sewing pattern gives you a boxy kimono-sleeve tee with a little front V-slit and longer pull-on shorts with an elastic waist. It is quick to sew, easy to wear and comes in five sizes from 2 to 10 years – ideal for summer, holidays and everyday play.

What you will make

• Box-shaped top with grown-on short sleeves and a closer neckline
• Center-front V-slit finished with a placket / facing
• Longer elastic-waist shorts
• Ages 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 in one PDF

Size chart

Age	Height	Chest	Hip	Top length	Shorts length
2 yrs	92 cm / 36.2″	54 cm / 21.3″	56 cm / 22″	40 cm / 15.7″	24 cm / 9.4″
4 yrs	104 cm / 40.9″	58 cm / 22.8″	60 cm / 23.6″	44 cm / 17.5″	27 cm / 10.6″
6 yrs	116 cm / 45.7″	62 cm / 24.4″	64 cm / 25.2″	49 cm / 19.2″	30 cm / 11.8″
8 yrs	128 cm / 50.4″	66 cm / 26″	70 cm / 27.6″	53 cm / 20.9″	33 cm / 13″
10 yrs	140 cm / 55.1″	70 cm / 27.6″	76 cm / 29.9″	58 cm / 22.7″	36 cm / 14.2″

How much fabric do you need?

Age	2 yrs	4 yrs	6 yrs	8 yrs	10 yrs
Meters (55″ / 140 cm wide)	1.1 m	1.2 m	1.4 m	1.5 m	1.7 m
Yards	1.2 yd	1.3 yd	1.5 yd	1.6 yd	1.9 yd

This is for the top and shorts together; one piece needs about half. Many sizes fit on a remnant or one of our 1–1.5 m cuts.

Best fabrics for kids’ summer clothes

• Cotton poplin – durable, crisp and easy to sew
• Muslin / double gauze – extra soft and breathable
• Linen blends – cool on hot days
• All baby & kids fabrics

Pattern pieces and supplies

• 1. Top front – cut 1 on the fold
• 2. Top back – cut 1 on the fold
• 3. Shorts front – cut 2 (mirrored)
• 4. Shorts back – cut 2 (mirrored)
• Neck binding: bias strip 3.5 cm × (neckline + 3 cm)
• Elastic 2–2.5 cm (¾–1 in) wide: the child’s waist minus 2–3 cm; the 3.5 cm casing is included
• Front V-slit placket: one strip of (slit length + 4 cm) × 6 cm; the slit is about 5.5–7 cm (2¼–2¾ in) depending on size

Sewing steps – top

1. Cut the front and back on the fold and join the shoulder and upper-sleeve seams. Finish the front V-slit with the placket first.
2. Cut the neck binding on the bias, join it into a loop, stitch it to the neckline, turn it in and secure.
3. Stitch the side and underarm seams and clip the underarm corner.
4. Hem the sleeves and the bottom with a 1 + 1 cm double fold.

Sewing steps – shorts

1. Cut the fronts and backs (2 each, mirrored).
2. Join each front to its back along the outer and inner leg seams.
3. Turn one leg inside the other, sew the crotch seam in one pass and clip the curve.
4. Fold the top 3.5 cm down and stitch the casing, leaving a 3 cm gap.
5. Thread the elastic, join the ends and close the gap.
6. Hem the legs with a 1 + 1 cm double fold and press.

How to print and assemble the PDF

1. Open the pattern PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader and print at 100% / Actual size on A4 or US Letter paper. Do not choose “fit to page”.
2. Measure the 5 × 5 cm test square on the info page. If it is off, check your printer scaling before printing the rest.
3. The pattern prints on 27 pages including the cover and info page. Trim the right and bottom margin of each tile, match the letters and numbers (A1, A2…) and the ⊕ corner targets, and tape the pages together.
4. Trace your size using the size line key – each size has its own color and dash style. The 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance is already included.

Tips for sewing kids’ clothes

• Pre-wash cotton and muslin – they can shrink up to 5%.
• Use a slightly longer stitch (2.5–3 mm) and finish seams with zigzag or a serger so they survive lots of washing.
• Add a small ribbon loop in the back waistband so little ones know which side is the back.
• Check elastic length with the Elastic Length Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What ages does this pattern fit?

Ages 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years. Choose by chest measurement and height; if your child is between sizes, size up.

How much fabric do I need?

From 1.1 to 1.7 meters (about 1.2–1.9 yards) of 140 cm (55 in) wide fabric for the top and shorts together.

Is this a good pattern for beginners?

Yes. There are only four pattern pieces, no buttons or zippers, and the shorts have a simple elastic waist.

What fabric is best for kids’ summer clothes?

Breathable cottons such as poplin, muslin / double gauze and linen blends are soft, durable and easy to wash.

How do I sew the front V-slit?

Place the placket strip on the front, stitch around the marked slit, cut down the center, turn the placket to the inside and topstitch. It is done before joining the shoulders.

More free sewing patterns

• Free Girls Summer Set Sewing Pattern
• Free Summer Loungewear Set Sewing Pattern
• Free Kimono Tunic Sewing Pattern
• See all free sewing patterns

This pattern is free for personal use. Please don’t resell or share the PDF files – send friends a link to this page instead.