Video Tutorial Included
Handmade crochet shorts are the ultimate summer wardrobe addition! Inspired by trendy online styles, this free crochet shorts pattern allows you to create a beautiful, customized piece that is much better than anything you could buy in a store.
Smart Sizing and Custom Fit
The secret to a perfect pair of crochet shorts is customizing them to your unique shape. Because everyone’s body is different, the pattern relies heavily on adjusting your stitch count based on your own measurements.
To achieve a comfortable, flattering fit, you will add targeted increases around the widest parts of your body. By strategically placing extra stitches along the hips and across the back, you ensure there is plenty of room for your curves without the fabric pulling or losing its shape.
Tailoring the Perfect Waistband
A great pair of shorts starts with a solid foundation. This design begins at the very top with a stretchy, ribbed waistband worked in rows of single crochets.
As the waistband grows, you can easily wrap it around your waist to check the length. Once it fits snugly, the ends are joined seamlessly. From there, you will transition into working around the perimeter, setting up the base for the rest of the shorts.
Shaping the Hips and Crotch Junction
After completing the waistband, the main body of the shorts is worked in alternating colored rounds using the half double crochet stitch. To transition smoothly from the waist to the legs, you will use safety pins as stitch markers to map out your increases.
After expanding the fabric to fit your hips, you will lay the piece flat, mark the absolute center of the front and back, and crochet a small chain bridge directly across the center. This crucial step splits the main body into two separate, identical leg holes, which you can then crochet to your preferred length.
Smart Color Planning
When working on a striped pattern, consistency is key. To keep your stripes looking crisp and intentional, plan your color rotation before you begin. Switching yarn colors at the exact same joining point on every round keeps the transitions hidden neatly at the back of the shorts.
Seamless Tail-Weaving Secrets
A project with lots of colorful stripes means dealing with leftover yarn tails. Instead of cutting them too short—which can cause your stitches to unravel over time—use your crochet hook to pull the tails through to the inside of the shorts. Tie coordinating colors together securely, and use a yarn needle to weave the remaining threads deeply into the surrounding stitches for a clean finish.
The video below contains all the steps you need to craft your own custom-fit shorts, from the first chain of the waistband to the very last leg row!