Crochet Ribbed Micro Shorts Pattern: Two-Tone Design (PDF Pattern)

If you’ve been searching for a crochet project that’s equal parts trendy, wearable, and surprisingly beginner-friendly, you’ve just found it. These crochet ribbed micro shorts in a two-tone design are one of those patterns that look far more complicated than they actually are. Whether you’re making them as a swimsuit cover-up, a festival outfit piece, or just a stylish addition to your warm-weather wardrobe, this pattern delivers a stretchy, flattering fit that works beautifully on a variety of body types.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know before you begin — yarn recommendations, hook sizes, stitch notes, sizing guidance, and a full walkthrough of the pattern itself. A downloadable PDF version of this pattern is also available so you can print it out or keep it on your tablet while you work.

Why Ribbed Crochet Is Perfect for Shorts

Ribbed crochet has a unique property that most other stitch textures don’t: it stretches horizontally. That natural elasticity makes it ideal for garments that need to hug the body and move with you, which is exactly what you want in a pair of shorts. Unlike woven ribbing in knitted fabric, crochet ribbing — created through working into the back loop only (BLO) or through alternating front post and back post stitches — gives you that same compression and recovery in a fabric you can make entirely by hand with a crochet hook.

The two-tone design takes this one step further. By switching colors strategically, you can define the waistband as one color and the body of the shorts as another, or alternate horizontal stripes throughout for a retro athletic look. The contrast between colors emphasizes the ribbed texture, making every stitch pop visually. It’s a simple technique but it looks intentional, polished, and modern.

Materials You Will Need

Before casting on — or rather, chaining up — it helps to have everything laid out and ready. Here’s what you’ll need to complete this pattern.

Yarn: You’ll want approximately 200–350 grams of yarn depending on your size, split between two colors. The best yarn for this project is one with some stretch and recovery, such as a cotton-spandex blend, a nylon-blend yarn, or a specialty swimwear yarn. Pure cotton can work but won’t have as much stretch, which affects the fit. Avoid overly stiff or thick yarns — a DK weight or light worsted weight is ideal, and anything marketed as “sport” or “knit-pick” weight tends to work well.

Color A will be used for the waistband and any accent stripes. Color B will be the main body color.

Hook: A 4.0 mm or 4.5 mm crochet hook works well for most yarn choices at this weight. The key is achieving gauge — more on that in a moment. Some crocheters naturally work tightly and may need to size up to a 5.0 mm. Use whatever hook gets you the right tension.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers to mark round beginnings, scissors, a measuring tape, and optionally a piece of 1-inch elastic for the waistband if you prefer a more secure fit.

Gauge

Gauge is critical for garment making, and these shorts are no exception. Before you begin the full pattern, please work a gauge swatch.

Working in ribbed single crochet (described in the stitch notes below), you should achieve approximately 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) with a 4.5 mm hook and DK weight yarn. If your swatch is larger than this, try a smaller hook. If it’s smaller, try a larger hook.

It might feel tedious to swatch, but an inch off in gauge can result in shorts that are too loose to stay up or too tight to pull on. The swatch is worth it.

Sizing

This pattern is written for five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, with finished measurements as follows.

The XS size has a finished hip circumference of approximately 28–30 inches. The S size measures 30–33 inches. M measures 34–37 inches, L measures 38–42 inches, and XL measures 43–46 inches. These measurements include minimal ease — crochet ribbing is meant to stretch and hug the body, so the fabric will stretch to fit comfortably within that range.

Throughout the pattern, sizes are listed in order as XS (S, M, L, XL). If a number appears alone without parentheses, it applies to all sizes.

Stitch Notes and Abbreviations

ch — chain

sl st — slip stitch

sc — single crochet

sc BLO — single crochet worked into the back loop only

hdc — half double crochet

dc — double crochet

FPdc — front post double crochet

BPdc — back post double crochet

PM — place marker

RS — right side

WS — wrong side

The ribbed texture in this pattern is primarily created through working single crochet in the back loop only (BLO). When you insert your hook through only the back loop of the stitch rather than through both loops, the unworked front loop creates a horizontal ridge on the right side of the fabric, and the rows stack up to form a visually clean ribbed column. The stretch comes naturally as a result of those unworked loops.

For the waistband and cuff sections, the ribbing is worked differently — horizontally, meaning you’ll crochet a long strip and then seam it or pick up stitches along its length. This creates an even stretchier, more defined rib that sits beautifully against the skin.

Pattern Instructions

Waistband (Color A)

Begin with Color A. Chain 16 (16, 18, 18, 20).

Row 1: Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, sc in each chain across. Turn. [15 (15, 17, 17, 19) sts]

Row 2: Ch 1, sc BLO in each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until your waistband strip measures the following lengths: 28 (30, 34, 38, 43) inches, or until it fits snugly around your waist with about 1 inch of negative ease.

Seam the two short ends of the waistband together using a slip stitch or mattress stitch to form a loop. You now have your waistband circle.

If you are inserting elastic, fold the waistband in half lengthwise and thread the elastic through the channel before seaming. This is optional but recommended for a very secure fit.

Body of the Shorts (Color B)

With the right side of the waistband facing you and working along one long edge, join Color B with a slip stitch.

Round 1: Ch 1, work 1 sc evenly along the long edge of the waistband all the way around. The number of stitches you pick up will depend on your row count, but aim for approximately 96 (104, 116, 128, 140) stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round. PM to mark the beginning of the round.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc BLO in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. [96 (104, 116, 128, 140) sts]

Repeat Round 2 for 14 (14, 16, 16, 18) more rounds, or until the body of the shorts measures approximately 3.5 (3.5, 4, 4, 4.5) inches from the waistband join.

Crotch Shaping

Now you’ll divide the work to create the front and back panels and shape the crotch.

Flatten the shorts by folding them so the beginning-of-round marker sits at one side seam point and the halfway point of your round sits at the other. Use stitch markers to mark these two side seam points.

Front Panel:

With RS facing, working from one side seam marker to the other across the front half of the shorts, work back and forth in rows.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc BLO across the front 48 (52, 58, 64, 70) stitches. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc BLO across. Turn.

Rows 3–4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5 (Crotch Decrease Row): Ch 1, sc2tog, sc BLO to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. [2 sts decreased]

Rows 6–8: Repeat Row 2.

Row 9: Repeat Row 5. [2 more sts decreased]

Rows 10–12: Repeat Row 2.

You now have 44 (48, 54, 60, 66) stitches remaining for the front panel. Do not fasten off.

Leg Opening Edging (Front):

Working down the left leg opening of the front panel, pick up and sc evenly to the crotch point, then continue up the right side. Work a single round of sc BLO around the entire leg opening. Sl st to join. Fasten off.

Back Panel:

Rejoin Color B to the back panel at one side seam marker. Work the back panel to match the front panel with one difference: the crotch shaping is slightly deeper to accommodate the seat.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc BLO across the back 48 (52, 58, 64, 70) stitches. Turn.

Rows 2–4: Ch 1, sc BLO across. Turn.

Row 5 (Decrease Row): Ch 1, sc2tog, sc BLO to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn.

Rows 6–7: Repeat Row 2.

Row 8: Repeat Row 5.

Rows 9–10: Repeat Row 2.

Row 11: Repeat Row 5.

Row 12: Repeat Row 2.

You now have 42 (46, 52, 58, 64) stitches for the back panel. Do not fasten off.

Leg Opening Edging (Back):

Work as for the front panel leg edging, picking up stitches evenly around each leg opening.

Joining the Crotch Seam

Fold the shorts with the front and back panels aligned, RS together. Using a yarn needle and Color B, seam the crotch together using mattress stitch or whipstitch, working from the center front crotch point around to the center back. Turn the shorts right side out.

Two-Tone Stripe Detail (Optional Variation)

For a more pronounced two-tone effect throughout the body, work the shorts as follows instead of working entirely in Color B.

After completing the waistband, alternate colors every 4 rounds in the body section: 4 rounds Color B, 4 rounds Color A, and repeat. When switching colors, simply drop the current color, pick up the new color, and continue. You can carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the shorts or cut and rejoin — either approach works, though carrying is neater for short intervals.

The result is a series of horizontal stripes in your two colors that show off the ribbed texture beautifully. Because the waistband is already Color A, the stripe pattern echoes it throughout the body, tying the design together.

Final Edging and Finishing

Once the shorts are assembled, work a final round of sc around each leg opening in Color A if you haven’t done so already. For a cleaner finish, you can work a round of crab stitch (reverse single crochet) along the very edge of each leg opening — this creates a neat, slightly firm border that keeps the edge from rolling or curling over time.

Weave in all ends thoroughly using your yarn needle, especially at the color change points. Give the shorts a gentle hand wash in cool water, press out excess water in a towel without wringing, and lay flat to dry. Blocking crochet ribbing is usually not necessary, but if any sections look uneven, a light steam block or wet blocking will even them out beautifully.

Fit Tips and Customization

One of the best things about this pattern is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make these shorts your own.

If you want a higher rise, simply add more rounds to the body section before beginning the crotch shaping. Every 4 extra rounds adds roughly an inch of length at the center back.

If you prefer a longer inseam, you can add rows to the front and back panels before the leg edging. Adding 6–8 rows will take the shorts from micro length to a modest short-short length.

For a wider leg opening with a looser silhouette, work the decrease rows less frequently — instead of decreasing every 3–4 rows, decrease every 6–8 rows. This changes the angle of the crotch curve and results in a more relaxed leg shape.

If you’re new to garment crochet and nervous about the fit, make a muslin test version first using inexpensive cotton yarn. This lets you check the fit and make adjustments without using your nicer yarn.

Yarn Substitutions

While a cotton-spandex or nylon blend is ideal, you can absolutely adapt this pattern to other yarn types depending on your intended use.

For a beachy cover-up look, a 100% cotton yarn in a light worsted weight works beautifully and gives a more relaxed, open drape. The shorts won’t cling as much, but they’ll have that effortless coastal aesthetic.

For festival wear, look for yarns marketed for swimwear or activewear — brands like Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or We Are Knitters Pima Cotton are all popular choices that work up nicely at this gauge.

For a luxurious version, a silk-cotton blend elevates the entire piece. It’s softer against the skin, has a beautiful sheen, and photographs wonderfully.

PDF Pattern Download

A clean, printer-friendly PDF version of this pattern is available for download. The PDF includes all instructions, stitch abbreviations, sizing charts, a materials list, stitch diagrams for the ribbing technique, and notes on color placement. Whether you prefer to print your patterns or keep them on a device, the PDF format makes it easy to work from wherever you are.

The PDF is formatted across multiple clearly organized pages with readable fonts and generous spacing, making it easy to follow along row by row without losing your place.

A Note on Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate. You should be comfortable with single crochet, working in the back loop only, joining rounds, basic increases and decreases, and picking up stitches along an edge. If you’ve made any kind of crocheted garment before — even just a simple beanie or crop top — you have all the skills you need.

If you’re a confident beginner who has been crocheting for several months and wants to push yourself into garment territory, this is a great first project. The construction is logical and forgiving, and the ribbed texture makes it easy to see where you are in the pattern at any given time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these shorts with a heavier yarn? You can try, but keep in mind that a heavier yarn will reduce the stretch significantly. If you go up to worsted weight, you may also need to adjust your stitch count to avoid the fabric becoming too stiff or thick.

How do I wash finished crochet shorts? Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry. Most crochet garment yarns do not do well in a machine dryer.

Can I use this pattern for plus sizes beyond XL? The pattern can be extended by adding stitches to your waistband and adjusting your starting stitch count proportionally. A general rule is to add 12 stitches per inch of additional hip circumference needed.

What if my two colors bleed when I wash the finished shorts? Always test your yarn colors before working them together in a finished garment. Wet both colors separately and press them against a white cloth. If color transfers, wash the yarn skein on its own before using it in the project.

Making a pair of crochet ribbed micro shorts from scratch is genuinely satisfying. The pattern comes together quickly once you find your rhythm with the back loop single crochet, and the moment you try them on for the first time and feel that stretchy, comfortable fit hug your body just right, you’ll understand why ribbed crochet garments have become such a staple in the handmade fashion community. With the two-tone colorway, these shorts go