skirtcafe.org

I am planning to turn a pair of cargo shorts into a cargo skirt. Would I need an extra bit of material to put in the middle or would it be sufficient to just unpick the current seams and sew up the front and back?

Aye you could do that but it would appear to be a botched masterpiece of sorts.
Think of adding material in the center front (or back) or even on the sides to
create a balanced panel effect. If done with the center front you will have to
figure out how to work around a fly closing. The first 6-7 inches of the rise
(measurement from the top of the waist to the bottom crotch intersection)
from the top down should pose no serious problems - it is below that point that
the material is oddly cut when making the skirt conversion. If sewed up to
make a straight seam the skirt will be in effect a hobble skirt or pencil skirt with
limited leg movement. Some applications make a zig-zag seam using most of the
material to create the maximum ease for leg movement.
Best to take apart an old pair of shorts or pants cut into shorts to experiment
with what you are trying to do.
I am still researching to find you a graphic picture; pattern or blue print on what
you will encounter. I am sure there is one to found somewhere in the forum.

OK try this link:

http://www.simplicity.com/t-classic-jeans-skirt.aspx

And this forum topic link:

http://www.skirtcafe.org/forums/viewtop ... conversion

On another note maybe you will come to the conclusion it will be less expensive and
easier to just go buy a ready made cargo skirt !

rm

Would I need an extra bit of material to put in the middle or would it be sufficient to just unpick the current seams and sew up the front and back?

I've made 3 cargo skirts from cargo shorts. The cargo shorts I started with were very wide and roomy, I didn't add any panel or material and they remind me of most of my various A - line skirts, except they have wayyyy more pockets and comfort.

I've just done my first conversion and didn't use any additional material.