23 Crochet Shorts Patterns You’ll Love
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter looking for your next warm-weather project or a beginner eager to try something beyond scarves and dishcloths, crochet shorts are one of the most rewarding garments you can make. They’re versatile, customizable, and endlessly satisfying to wear — especially when you can say you made them yourself. From breezy boho styles to sleek athleisure-inspired designs, the world of crochet shorts patterns is far more varied than most people realize.
In this roundup, we’re sharing 23 crochet shorts patterns you’ll absolutely love, organized by skill level and style so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you want something you can wear to the beach, layer over leggings, or dress up for a festival, there’s something here for everyone.
Why Crochet Your Own Shorts?
Before diving into the patterns, it’s worth talking about why crocheted shorts have become so popular in the handmade community. Unlike knitting, crochet creates a fabric with natural drape and texture that works beautifully for warm-weather garments. The open, lacy stitches allow airflow, making crochet shorts surprisingly breathable. You also have complete control over fit, length, and color — something no fast-fashion brand can offer.
Crochet shorts also make excellent stash-busters. Many patterns require only one or two skeins of yarn, making them a budget-friendly project. And because shorts are relatively small compared to sweaters or blankets, even beginners can finish them in a reasonable amount of time without losing momentum.
Finally, crocheted shorts are trending. A quick scroll through Instagram or Pinterest will show you thousands of makers rocking handmade shorts in every style imaginable. They’ve moved from cottage-core novelty to genuine fashion staple, and the pattern community has responded with an incredible variety of designs to match.
What to Know Before You Start
A few things are worth keeping in mind as you browse patterns and prepare to cast on.
Yarn choice matters more than you think. Cotton and cotton-blend yarns are the most popular choice for shorts because they’re breathable, washable, and have the right amount of drape. Linen is another excellent option, especially for more structured styles. Avoid wool for anything you plan to wear against bare skin in warm weather — it can be scratchy and holds heat.
Gauge swatching is non-negotiable for garments. Because you want your shorts to actually fit, taking the time to swatch and check your gauge before starting will save you a lot of frustration. Even experienced crocheters should swatch for garment projects.
Sizing and ease. Most shorts patterns are offered in multiple sizes, but pay attention to the finished measurements and recommended ease. Some styles are designed to be worn with zero ease (fitted), while others have significant positive ease for a flowy, relaxed silhouette.
Lining options. Some crochet shorts, particularly those made with more open stitch patterns, work best with a fabric lining or worn over swimwear. Others are dense enough to wear without any underlayer. The pattern will usually note this, but it’s good to plan ahead.
23 Crochet Shorts Patterns You’ll Love
1. Classic Crochet Hot Pants
These fitted, high-waisted shorts are a great starting point for anyone new to garment crochet. Made in rows with a simple half double crochet stitch throughout, they have a clean, modern look that works with everything from crop tops to button-down shirts. The pattern uses an elastic waistband for a secure fit, and because the stitch pattern is dense, no lining is needed.
Best for: Beginners | Yarn: Cotton DK | Hook: 4.0mm
2. Boho Lace Crochet Shorts
Inspired by festival fashion and beach cover-ups, these lacy shorts feature a beautiful mesh stitch pattern that creates an almost woven appearance. They’re designed to be worn over a swimsuit or bikini bottoms and have a relaxed, flowing silhouette. The waistband is crocheted separately and features a drawstring closure for adjustable fit.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton fingering | Hook: 3.5mm
3. The Everyday Crochet Shorts
Sometimes you just want a reliable, wearable everyday pattern, and this is it. These mid-rise shorts use moss stitch throughout, which creates a subtle texture without being too open or lacy. They hit just above the knee and have a simple fold-over waistband that looks polished and refined. The moss stitch gives them a slightly sporty feel that pairs well with casual tops and sneakers.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate | Yarn: Worsted cotton | Hook: 5.0mm
4. High-Waisted Retro Crochet Shorts
Everything old is new again, and these high-waisted shorts with a wide crochet waistband are proof. The design is inspired by 1970s silhouettes but uses modern construction techniques for a better fit. The body of the shorts uses a simple shell stitch pattern that creates a lovely scalloped texture, and the high waistband can be worn folded or straight for two different looks.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton DK | Hook: 4.5mm
5. Granny Square Shorts
If you love granny squares — and who doesn’t — this pattern puts them to brilliant use. The shorts are constructed entirely from classic granny squares joined together, with a simple crocheted waistband added last. Because the squares are flat and fully enclosed, these shorts have excellent coverage. They’re a fantastic way to use up scraps of yarn in a colorful, patchwork design.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton worsted in multiple colors | Hook: 5.0mm
6. Crochet Beach Cover-Up Shorts
These ultra-relaxed shorts are made with a large open mesh pattern and are intended purely as a cover-up layer. They’re incredibly quick to make and use very little yarn. The simple construction — just two flat panels seamed together — makes them accessible to beginners, and the long fringe detail along the hem adds a boho finishing touch that elevates the whole look.
Best for: Beginners | Yarn: Cotton sport or DK | Hook: 5.5mm
7. Ribbed Waistband Athletic Shorts
For a sportier aesthetic, these crochet shorts feature a deep ribbed waistband worked in the round. The body of the shorts is made with a simple single crochet stitch in a lightweight cotton, and the finished piece has a clean, athletic look. Because of the tight, dense fabric, these are comfortable to wear without a lining and hold their shape through the day.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate | Yarn: Sport weight cotton | Hook: 3.75mm
8. Crochet Textured Shorts with Pockets
Pockets. In crochet shorts. Yes, this pattern includes working pockets sewn into the side seams, and they are genuinely functional. The shorts themselves feature a beautiful horizontal ridge texture created with back-loop-only single crochet, giving them a casual yet crafted appearance. The pattern is sized generously and includes instructions for multiple lengths.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton worsted | Hook: 5.0mm
9. Open-Work Floral Crochet Shorts
These shorts feature a delicate floral motif worked into the fabric using a combination of shells, chains, and picots. The result is something that looks incredibly intricate but is actually quite achievable once you’ve worked through the stitch pattern a few times. The floral detail is concentrated at the hem and fades into a simpler texture toward the waistband, balancing the overall look beautifully.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced | Yarn: Cotton fingering | Hook: 3.25mm
10. Crochet Bermuda Shorts
Longer crochet shorts are having a moment, and this Bermuda-length pattern is a standout. Hitting just above or at the knee, these shorts are made with a solid half double crochet fabric in a structured cotton yarn. They have a tailored, almost linen-pant look that works wonderfully for casual office settings or summer outings. A simple side slit at the hem adds movement and style.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton or cotton-linen blend, DK | Hook: 4.0mm
11. Crochet Tie-Waist Shorts
The tie waist detail on these shorts does double duty: it allows for easy size adjustment and adds a stylish, bow-front look. The shorts are made from the waistband down in a simple extended single crochet stitch that creates a smooth, clean fabric. They’re designed with a relaxed fit and look stunning in solid neutral colors like cream, terracotta, or sage.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton DK | Hook: 4.5mm
12. Colorblock Crochet Shorts
Color theory meets garment crochet in this fun pattern. The shorts are divided into horizontal color blocks, each worked in a slightly different stitch pattern to add visual interest alongside the color change. This is a wonderful pattern for using up full skeins of different colors you love, and the customizable block proportions mean you can personalize the look to your preferences.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton worsted in 3–4 colors | Hook: 5.0mm
13. Striped Crochet Shorts with a Fold-Over Waist
Stripes are a classic in crochet, and these shorts use alternating rows of two colors to create a crisp, preppy look. The fold-over waistband, worked in the primary color, finishes the piece with a sporty touch. Because the fabric is worked tightly in single crochet, these shorts are opaque and comfortable without any underlining.
Best for: Beginners | Yarn: Cotton sport weight | Hook: 3.75mm
14. Crochet Shorts with Lace Hem Detail
A classic silhouette gets a romantic upgrade with a lace border worked along the hem of these simple shorts. The main body is a clean, dense fabric worked in double crochet, while the hem transitions into a multi-row shell and chain lace edging. It’s a lovely combination of casual and feminine, and the lace detail looks far more complicated than it actually is.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton DK | Hook: 4.0mm
15. Crochet Bike Shorts
Yes, you can absolutely crochet bike shorts. This clever pattern uses a tight, stretchy crochet stitch worked in an elastic yarn to create fitted shorts that actually stay in place. They look incredible under oversized shirts and dresses, and the added stretch makes them more comfortable than you might expect from a crocheted garment.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced | Yarn: Elastic or cotton-spandex blend yarn | Hook: 4.0mm
16. Vintage-Inspired Crochet Shorts with Buttons
These adorable shorts feature a decorative button fly — the buttons are purely aesthetic, but they give the shorts a chic, tailored look. The fabric is worked in a moss stitch with a slightly open texture, and the waistband is wide with two rows of decorative buttons down the front. They’re a bit of a showstopper and are worth the extra time they take.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced | Yarn: Cotton DK | Hook: 4.0mm
17. Pineapple Stitch Crochet Shorts
Pineapple stitch is one of the most iconic patterns in the crochet world, and seeing it used on shorts is an absolute delight. These shorts feature the classic pineapple motif running along both legs from hip to hem, and while they require some stitch pattern reading, the result is absolutely stunning. Wear them over a swimsuit for a beach look that will definitely turn heads.
Best for: Advanced | Yarn: Cotton fingering | Hook: 3.25mm
18. Crochet Cargo Shorts
Yes, truly — crochet cargo shorts with patch pockets on the sides. These are constructed more like traditional sewn garments, with flat panels and sewn-on pocket pieces, and the fabric is dense enough that the pockets are actually useful. The overall look is casual and laid-back, perfect for summer hiking or weekend errands.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced | Yarn: Cotton worsted | Hook: 5.0mm
19. Summer Festival Fringe Shorts
These shorts were made for music festivals, bonfires, and barefoot walks on the beach. The body is a simple mesh stitch with wide spacing, designed to be worn over a swimsuit, and the fringe hem is long, layered, and absolutely joyful. They work up incredibly quickly — you could easily finish a pair in a single weekend — and the fringe can be customized to any length you like.
Best for: Beginners | Yarn: Cotton DK or bulky in natural tones | Hook: 5.5–6.0mm
20. Crochet Paperbag Shorts
The paperbag waistline — gathered, high-rise, often cinched with a belt or tie — is a beloved silhouette in sewn fashion, and this pattern translates it beautifully into crochet. The extra fabric at the waist is gathered into a wide waistband with an integrated tie, and the leg openings are finished with a simple single crochet border. They’re surprisingly sophisticated for a handmade garment.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton DK or linen | Hook: 4.5mm
21. Cropped Wide-Leg Crochet Shorts
Wide-leg proportions give these shorts an effortlessly chic, almost palazzo-inspired feel. They’re worked in a simple double crochet with a subtle shell edging, and the relaxed fit makes them incredibly comfortable. The cropped length keeps them proportional, and they pair beautifully with tucked-in tops and strappy sandals for a polished summer look.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton or linen DK | Hook: 4.5mm
22. Crochet Swim Trunks (Men’s Pattern)
The crochet shorts pattern library isn’t only for women’s styles. This men’s swim trunk pattern produces a lined garment with a drawstring waist and classic boardshort proportions. The pattern uses a tight gauge in a cotton-acrylic blend yarn, and the included fabric lining tutorial ensures everything stays properly in place in the water.
Best for: Intermediate | Yarn: Cotton-acrylic blend, DK | Hook: 4.0mm
23. Kids’ Crochet Shorts
Rounding out our list is a sweet and practical pattern for children’s shorts in sizes ranging from toddler to tween. Made in a durable cotton yarn with an elastic waistband for easy dressing and undressing, these shorts are simple enough for beginner crocheters but sturdy enough to survive actual childhood. They’re a wonderful handmade gift and can be customized with stripes, color blocks, or a fun contrasting waistband.
Best for: Beginners | Yarn: Cotton worsted | Hook: 5.0mm
Tips for Making Crochet Shorts Last
Once you’ve put the time into making a beautiful pair of crochet shorts, you want them to hold up well. A few care and construction tips will go a long way.
When it comes to washing, most cotton crochet garments can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay them flat to dry rather than hanging them, which can cause the fabric to stretch unevenly over time. Avoid the dryer unless the yarn label specifically says it’s safe, as heat can shrink and distort the shape you worked so hard to achieve.
If you’ve added a fabric lining, launder the lined shorts according to the most delicate care instructions — usually whichever of the two materials (crochet or lining fabric) requires the gentler treatment.
Store your crochet shorts folded, not hung, to preserve their shape. And if you notice any loose ends after wearing, weave them back in rather than cutting them — a long strand worked back into the fabric is always more secure than a short one.
Where to Find These Patterns
Most of the patterns described in this roundup can be found on popular pattern platforms like Ravelry, Etsy, and LoveCrafts, as well
