Foldover Crochet Shorts with Buttons Tutorial 🧶✨ Written Pattern Available
If you’ve been looking for the perfect summer crochet project, these foldover crochet shorts with buttons are about to become your new obsession. They’re boho, breezy, and surprisingly beginner-friendly once you understand the construction. Whether you’re making them for yourself, a friend, or adding them to your handmade wardrobe collection, this pattern walks you through every single step so you can feel confident from the very first chain to the final button. And yes, a full written pattern is included right here in this post.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
These shorts have that effortlessly cool aesthetic that looks great layered over a swimsuit at the beach, worn as loungewear around the house, or styled with a flowy top for a festival-ready outfit. The foldover waistband is one of the best features because it gives you flexibility in how you wear them — fold it down for a low-rise look, keep it up for more coverage, or roll it just slightly for that classic foldover style that photographs beautifully.
The button detail along the side or front adds a handmade charm that you simply can’t buy at a store. Every pair ends up being slightly unique depending on the yarn you choose, the buttons you fall in love with at your local craft shop, and the small choices you make along the way. That’s the magic of crochet.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you start crocheting, gather everything so you’re not hunting for tools mid-project.
Yarn: You’ll want a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a worsted or DK weight. Cotton is ideal for shorts because it’s breathable, holds its shape well, and washes easily. Plan on approximately 400 to 600 yards depending on your size. Cream, sage green, terracotta, and dusty blue are popular color choices for this pattern, but truly any color works beautifully.
Hook: A 5.0mm crochet hook (US H/8) works well for worsted weight cotton. If you’re using DK weight, drop down to a 4.5mm (US 7). Always check your gauge before starting.
Buttons: You’ll need 4 to 6 buttons, about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in size. Wooden buttons, shell buttons, or simple flat buttons in a neutral color all look stunning. This is your chance to add personality.
Notions: Scissors, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, a measuring tape, and a yarn needle for seaming.
Optional: Elastic for the waistband if you’d like extra security, though the foldover design works well without it.
Gauge
Getting your gauge right is especially important for wearables like shorts. An incorrect gauge means your shorts could end up too loose to stay up or too tight to pull on comfortably.
Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet using a 5.0mm hook and worsted weight cotton yarn.
To check your gauge, crochet a swatch of at least 20 stitches and 20 rows, then measure the center 4 inches. Adjust your hook size up if your stitches are too tight or down if they’re too loose.
Sizing Chart
This pattern is written for sizes XS through XL. Use your hip measurement and desired ease to choose your size.
XS — Hip 32–34 inches, finished hip 35 inches
S — Hip 34–36 inches, finished hip 37 inches
M — Hip 36–38 inches, finished hip 39 inches
L — Hip 38–41 inches, finished hip 43 inches
XL — Hip 41–44 inches, finished hip 46 inches
The pattern is written for size Medium with notes in parentheses for other sizes where stitches differ. When you see (XS, S, M, L, XL), choose the number that corresponds to your size.
Abbreviations
Here’s a quick reference for all the abbreviations used throughout this pattern.
ch — chain
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st — stitch
sp — space
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
BLO — back loop only
sk — skip
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked in two panels (front and back) that are seamed together on the sides, leaving a portion open at the top of one seam for the button closure. The waistband is worked separately and attached, then folded over. The leg openings are finished with a simple single crochet border.
If you prefer to work in the round, it’s possible to adapt this pattern, but the written instructions here are for flat construction because it makes the button placement much more intuitive.
Read through the entire pattern before you begin. This is always good advice, but especially helpful here because the construction has a few steps that will make more sense once you see the whole picture.
Written Pattern
Front Panel
Foundation: Ch 68 (62, 68, 74, 82).
Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. You should have 67 (61, 67, 73, 81) sc.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st across. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until your piece measures 10 inches from the foundation chain, ending on a WS row. This creates that subtle texture that gives the shorts their beautiful boho look.
Crotch Shaping: Now you’ll begin shaping the crotch curve, which is what transforms a flat rectangle into a wearable garment.
Next Row (RS): Sl st across the first 4 sts. Ch 1, sc across to last 4 sts. Leave last 4 sts unworked. Turn. You now have 59 (53, 59, 65, 73) sts.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc2tog at the beginning of the row, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. You now have 57 (51, 57, 63, 71) sts.
Repeat the last row 3 more times. You now have 51 (45, 51, 57, 65) sts.
Continue in pattern (alternating BLO rows and regular sc rows) without further decreasing until the piece measures 18 inches total from the foundation chain (or your desired inseam length plus 8 inches). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Back Panel
The back panel is worked almost identically to the front but with a slightly longer rise for comfort.
Foundation: Ch 68 (62, 68, 74, 82).
Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st across. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the back panel measures 12 inches from the foundation chain, ending on a WS row. (The back panel is 2 inches longer before shaping to create a higher back rise, which is essential for comfortable wear.)
Crotch Shaping (Back):
Next Row (RS): Sl st across the first 6 sts. Ch 1, sc across to last 6 sts. Leave last 6 sts unworked. Turn. You now have 55 (49, 55, 61, 69) sts.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn.
Repeat the last row 5 times total. You now have 45 (39, 45, 51, 59) sts.
Continue without further decreasing until the back panel measures the same total length as the front panel. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Leg Panels (Make 2)
Each leg is a small rectangular panel that fills in the inner thigh area and creates the inseam.
Foundation: Ch 20 (18, 20, 22, 26).
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. 19 (17, 19, 21, 25) sts.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Work even in sc until panel measures 5 inches. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Waistband
The waistband is what gives these shorts their signature foldover look. It’s worked as a long flat strip and then attached to the top of the assembled shorts.
Foundation: Ch 12.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. 11 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until the waistband strip measures the full circumference of your shorts at the waistline (this should be approximately equal to the total hip measurement of your chosen size — see sizing chart). The foldover style adds about 4 inches of additional length when worn, so this strip needs to be long enough to wrap fully around.
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for seaming.
Assembly
This is where everything comes together, and it’s easier than it might look on paper. Take your time with the seaming and your finished shorts will look clean and professional.
Step 1: Seam the inseam. Lay the front panel flat with the right side facing up. Align one leg panel along the curved inner edge of the crotch on the front panel and use a mattress stitch or whipstitch to seam them together. Repeat on the back panel with the same leg panel. Do the same for the second leg.
Step 2: Join front and back. With right sides together, seam the front and back panels along the outer side seams from the leg hem up to about 4 inches from the top on one side, and all the way to the top on the other side. The side that’s left partially open at the top is where your button closure will go.
Step 3: Seam the crotch. With right sides together, seam along the curved crotch seam, joining the front and back panels through the center. This is the seam that runs between your legs. Work slowly here to keep the curve smooth.
Step 4: Attach the waistband. Pin the waistband strip around the top opening of the shorts, right sides together, and seam carefully all the way around. Join the short ends of the waistband strip together at the button opening side.
Step 5: Create the button band. Along the open 4-inch section at the top of one side seam, work a single crochet border along each edge. On one edge, add button loops by chaining 4 and slip stitching back into the border at regular intervals to create the loops. Space them evenly, placing one near the top, one at the middle, and one near the bottom of the opening (or add a fourth if you’re using 4 buttons).
Step 6: Sew on buttons. Sew your buttons on the opposite edge of the opening, aligned with each button loop. Sew them on firmly with a yarn needle and a length of matching thread or yarn, passing through the button multiple times and knotting securely on the wrong side.
Finishing the Leg Openings
Work one round of single crochet around each leg opening to give it a clean, finished edge. You can also add a round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for a slightly more decorative edge that lies flat beautifully. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.
Blocking
Blocking cotton crochet is genuinely transformative. Wet your finished shorts thoroughly, gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring), and lay flat on a blocking mat or clean towel. Shape them to the correct measurements according to your size, making sure the waistband is even and the legs are symmetrical. Allow to dry completely, which usually takes 24 hours.
After blocking, your shorts will look more polished, the stitches will even out, and the overall drape will improve noticeably.
Styling Your Foldover Crochet Shorts
Once your shorts are finished, the fun really begins. Here are a few ways to wear them that showcase the handmade details.
Fold the waistband down once or twice for the classic low-rise foldover look. Pair with a cropped crochet top in the same yarn for a matching set that feels cohesive and intentional. Wear them over a swimsuit at the beach or pool with sandals and a wide-brim hat for serious vacation energy. Style them with a simple linen or cotton tank tucked loosely in the front for a more put-together everyday look. Leave the buttons open at the top for a relaxed, slightly undone aesthetic that works perfectly for warm weather.
Yarn Substitution Tips
The yarn you choose makes a significant difference in how these shorts look and feel. Cotton and linen blends drape beautifully and are the most breathable for warm weather. If you can’t find cotton DK or worsted weight, look for anything labeled as “summer yarn” or “beach yarn” at your local craft store. Avoid anything too fuzzy or textured, as this will obscure the stitch pattern and make it harder to see the back loop texture.
If you use a yarn with a lot of stretch (like one with spandex content), be aware that your gauge may differ significantly and your shorts could stretch out with wear. Pure cotton or linen is your best bet for maintaining the shape throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these shorts without the buttons? Absolutely. Simply seam the side seam all the way to the top on both sides and skip the button band entirely. The waistband foldover still looks beautiful without the button detail.
Can I add a lining? Yes, and it’s a great idea if you plan to wear these as standalone shorts rather than over a swimsuit. A simple stretch jersey lining sewn inside gives extra coverage and comfort.
How do I adjust the length? For shorter shorts, stop working on the front and back panels a couple of inches sooner before shaping. For longer shorts or a modest Bermuda-style length, work additional rows before shaping begins.
What if my gauge is slightly off? If you’re close but not exact, go up or down a hook size and swatch again. For wearables, it’s really worth taking the time to get gauge right before committing to the full project.
Can I work this pattern in the round instead of flat? The waistband and legs can easily be adapted to be worked in the round. The body panels are more complex to adapt, but experienced crocheters comfortable with shaping in the round will likely be able to figure out the conversion.
Pattern Tips for Success
A few final tips to make your crochet shorts turn out beautifully the first time.
Use stitch markers generously. Mark the beginning and end of rows, mark the crotch shaping sections, and mark where your button loops should go before you start stitching them. It saves so much confusion. Count your stitches at the end of each row, especially during the shaping sections. One missed stitch can throw off your entire count and affect the fit. When seaming, use the same yarn you crocheted with and a blunt tapestry needle. This creates the cleanest, most invisible seam. Press your buttons firmly but not too tight when sewing them on. You want them snug enough to hold but easy enough to button and unbutton without stress.
These foldover crochet shorts are one of those projects that feels a little ambitious at the start but completely clicks once you get into the rhythm. The texture of the back loop single crochet, the satisfying feel of sewing on those buttons, the moment you try them on and realize they actually fit — it’s all deeply rewarding. Crochet clothing is having a well-deserved moment, and this pattern is a wonderful introduction to making wearable garments from scratch.
Save this post, share it with a fellow crocheter, and tag your finished shorts so the whole community can see your work. Happy crocheting! 🧶✨
