Summer is here, and it’s time to embrace those warm sunny days with a brand-new handmade wardrobe. What better way to do that than with a pair of stylish and comfortable crochet summer shorts? This crochet shorts pattern is specifically designed to create a trendy high waisted fit, perfect for rocking at festivals, beach trips, or even just lounging around on holiday. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly! So, grab your crochet hook and let’s get started!
Crochet Shorts: A Trendy DIY Project
This crochet shorts project is perfect for those wanting to learn a new skill or expand their crochet repertoire. The pattern results in a pair of chic and comfy shorts, perfect for warmer weather. You can easily adjust the pattern to create crochet festival shorts, crochet holiday shorts, or even crochet beach shorts by simply playing with yarn colors and embellishments. The possibilities are endless!
Crochet Shorts: Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather our supplies. For this project, you’ll need:
- Yarn: This pattern uses WeCrochet “Urban Palate” Double Knit Yarn (100% Acrylic), approximately 100 grams per short leg. You can use similar yarn in your preferred colors.
- Crochet Hook: A 2.0 mm crochet hook is used for the main body of the shorts. A 4.0 mm hook is used for the thicker tie.
- Scissors: Essential for cutting yarn!
- Knitting Needle: A thick needle is used for sewing the seams of the shorts.
- Fabric Glue: Optional, used for securing yarn ends and preventing unraveling.
Crochet Shorts: Understanding the Pattern
This crochet shorts pattern uses basic crochet stitches and a simple increase technique to create the signature high-waisted, curved shape. We’ll be making two identical pieces and then sewing them together. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, we’ll walk you through each step with detailed instructions.
Notes:
- This pattern is worked in US crochet terms.
- This pattern is written for a size small. Adjust the initial chain length to fit your measurements.
- The shorts are worked in two identical pieces and then seamed together.
Crochet Shorts: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get crocheting!
1- Step 1: Creating the Waistband
- Begin by measuring your waist where you want the shorts to sit.
- Divide this measurement in half. This will be your starting chain length.
- Make a slip knot and chain the number of stitches you calculated.
- Chain three extra stitches. This creates the turning chain for your first double crochet.
- Work one double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook (the second chain of your initial chain).
- Continue working double crochet stitches across the entire chain until you reach the end.
- Repeat rows of double crochet until you have 13 rows total. This forms the straight waistband of your shorts.
2- Step 2: Shaping the Hip Curve
- Chain 3 and turn your work.
- This time, work a double crochet stitch in the very first stitch to create an increase.
- Continue working double crochet stitches across the row, ending with 3 double crochets in the last stitch.
- For the next row, chain 3 and turn.
- Again, start with a double crochet in the first stitch for the increase.
- Work double crochets across the row, ending with 2 double crochets in the last stitch.
- Repeat steps 4 to 6 for a total of 11 rows to create the curved shape around the hips.
3- Step 3: Forming the Leg Openings
- At the end of the last hip row, chain 4, fasten off, and cut the yarn.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 on the other side of the waistband to create the second piece.
- Attach your yarn to the last stitch of the last row on one of the pieces.
- Chain 4 again.
- Chain 3 and work a double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook.
- Work double crochets along the top of the 4-chain opening, then continue working double crochets around the entire top edge of the piece, including along the other 4-chain opening.
- Repeat step 6 for the second piece.
4- Step 4: Working the Leg Length
- Now we’re ready to work the length of the shorts legs.
- Decide on the desired length for your crochet shorts.
- Chain 3 and turn your work.
- Work double crochet stitches across the entire row, working into the second stitch from the hook (skip the first stitch to avoid increasing).
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length.
- Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the second piece.
5- Step 5: Repeating for the Second Piece
- Repeat all of the above steps to create the second identical piece of your shorts.
6- Step 6: Joining the Pieces
- With a yarn needle and matching yarn, carefully sew the two pieces together along the sides, from the waistband down to the leg openings. Leave the leg openings unsewn.
- Try on your shorts and assess the fit. The back may need additional rows to accommodate your curves. If necessary, add rows of double crochet stitches to the back, trying on the shorts periodically to check the fit.
- Once the back fits comfortably, sew the back seam together.
Crochet Shorts: Mastering the High Waisted Fit
- Try on your shorts to check the fit.
- You may notice that the back needs to be slightly wider than the front for a comfortable fit.
- To adjust this, attach yarn to the back waistband of one of the shorts pieces and work additional rows of double crochet until the back reaches the same width as the front when worn.
- Repeat this for the other shorts piece.
- Once you’re happy with the fit, sew the back waistband seam together.
7- Step 7: Adding the Decorative Edging
- Attach yarn to the edge of one leg opening.
- Round 1: Chain 5, skip one stitch, slip stitch into the next. Repeat around the entire leg opening.
- Round 2: Work a double crochet into the first 5-chain loop. Work another double crochet into the same loop, chain 2, and work 2 more double crochets into the loop. In the next loop, work a single crochet. Repeat this pattern (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets, single crochet) around the entire leg opening.
- For a neat finish, work a single crochet into the last loop, then a double crochet into the stitch that started the round. Slip stitch to close the round.
- Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the other leg opening.
8- Step 8: Creating the Waistband Edging
- Attach yarn to the top edge of the waistband.
- Work shell stitches around the entire waistband using the same pattern as the leg edging (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets, single crochet).
- To finish, work a single crochet into the last loop, then a double crochet into the stitch that started the round. Slip stitch to close the round.
9- Step 9: Making the Tie
- Using the 4.0 mm crochet hook, create a long chain that’s long enough to tie comfortably around your waist.
- Fasten off and cut the yarn.
- Thread the chain through the shell stitches of the waistband, creating a lace-up effect.
Customizing Your Crochet Shorts
These crochet shorts are easily customizable! Feel free to experiment with different yarn colors and textures. You can also add pockets, fringes, beads, or any other embellishments that strike your fancy. This pattern also serves as a base for creating different styles of crochet shorts. Want a longer, flowy pair of crochet beach shorts? Simply add more rows to the leg sections! Dreaming of crochet festival shorts with a pop of color? Use vibrant yarns and get creative with embellishments!
Crochet Shorts: Tips and Troubleshooting for Beginners
- Tension: Maintain even tension throughout your crocheting to ensure consistent sizing.
- Counting Stitches: Count your stitches at the end of each row to make sure you haven’t missed any.
- Practice: Don’t be afraid to frog (unravel) your work if you need to. Practice makes perfect!
A Big Thank You!
This crochet shorts pattern is inspired by the talented @brunaticality on YouTube. Check out her channel for more amazing crochet projects. For a visual guide to this pattern, watch the full tutorial here.
Share Your Creations!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted your very own pair of crochet high waisted shorts! Share your finished crochet shorts with us on Instagram using #tubacrochet_ and on TikTok @tubacrochet. Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or to connect with fellow crocheters.
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
Conclusion Creating your own crochet shorts is a rewarding and stylish way to embrace the summer season. With this easy-to-follow crochet shorts pattern, even beginners can create a trendy and comfortable pair of shorts. So grab your yarn, hook, and get creative! Happy crocheting!
