Crochet Sunday Shorts Pattern – Beginner Friendly, Adjustable Length (PDF Pattern)

There is something deeply satisfying about making your own clothing, especially when the finished piece is something you will actually wear. These Sunday Shorts are exactly that kind of project. They are relaxed, breezy, and perfectly suited for slow mornings on the porch, beach days, or lounging around the house with a good cup of coffee. Best of all, this pattern is designed with beginners in mind, so even if you are fairly new to crochet, you can absolutely make these and feel proud of the result.

This blog post walks you through everything you need to know about the Crochet Sunday Shorts pattern, from the materials and skills required to tips for customizing the fit and length. Whether you are buying the PDF pattern to follow along or just exploring whether this is the right project for you, keep reading for all the details.

What Are the Crochet Sunday Shorts?

The Sunday Shorts are a pair of crocheted shorts worked primarily in a simple stitch pattern that creates a light, slightly open fabric. They feature an elastic or drawstring waistband for a comfortable, adjustable fit, and the leg length can be customized so you can make them as short or as long as you like. Think of them as the crochet equivalent of your favorite soft cotton shorts — easy to wear, easy to make, and endlessly customizable.

The design is intentionally simple. There are no complicated stitch clusters, no intricate colorwork, and no confusing shaping that requires you to read multiple lines of notes at once. The Sunday Shorts are about enjoying the process as much as the product. You can pick them up and put them down between life’s interruptions and still find your place easily when you come back.

Who Is This Pattern For?

This pattern is labeled beginner friendly, and that label is taken seriously. If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you have the core skills needed to make these shorts. A few basic increases and decreases are involved in shaping the body, but they are explained clearly within the pattern notes, and there is no need to have made clothing before.

That said, this pattern is also genuinely enjoyable for intermediate and experienced crocheters who want a relaxing, low-stress make. It is the kind of project you bring on a road trip or pull out while watching a movie because it does not demand your full attention once you get into the rhythm.

The adjustable sizing also makes this a versatile pattern. It is written to accommodate a wide range of body measurements, and the instructions guide you through taking your own measurements and adjusting accordingly. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach — it is a pattern that is meant to fit you, your body, your preferred ease, and your sense of style.

Materials You Will Need

Before you start, let’s talk about what you need to gather. The Sunday Shorts are designed to be worked in a lightweight to medium weight yarn, which keeps them breathable and wearable as actual clothing rather than just a decorative piece.

Yarn: The pattern works best with a cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a DK or worsted weight. Cotton is the preferred choice for wearables because it is breathable, holds its shape well after washing, and has a beautiful drape. Some crocheters prefer a bamboo-cotton blend for even more drape and a slight sheen. Avoid anything too fuzzy or textured, as it can make it harder to see your stitches and will also feel uncomfortable against the skin.

Hook: The recommended hook size will depend on the yarn you choose, but the pattern typically calls for a 4.0mm to 5.5mm hook. Always check your gauge before beginning, as this is particularly important for clothing.

Notions: You will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers to keep track of rounds or sections, and either a piece of elastic (about three-quarters of an inch wide) or a length of cotton cord for the waistband. A measuring tape is also essential for checking your gauge and your body measurements.

Yardage: The amount of yarn you need will vary depending on your size and the length you choose for the legs. The pattern PDF includes a yardage guide broken down by size so you can plan your yarn purchase accordingly.

Understanding Gauge and Why It Matters for Clothing

If you have crocheted hats, scarves, or dishcloths before, you may have gotten away with skipping the gauge swatch. Clothing is different. Even a small difference in gauge — say, half a stitch per inch — can add up to several inches of difference in the final circumference of the shorts. That means the difference between a comfortable fit and something that does not go on at all, or falls right off.

The pattern specifies a target gauge, such as 14 stitches and 8 rows per 4 inches in double crochet. To check your gauge, make a swatch of at least 6 inches by 6 inches, wash and block it the same way you plan to treat the finished shorts, and then measure. If your gauge is too loose (meaning you have fewer stitches per 4 inches than the pattern calls for), go down a hook size. If your gauge is too tight, go up a hook size.

Taking twenty minutes to swatch before you begin can save you from the frustration of finishing the entire project and discovering it does not fit. It is one of the most loving things you can do for your future self.

How the Pattern Is Structured

The Sunday Shorts are worked in the round from the waistband down. This means you begin at the top and work your way toward the leg openings, which many crocheters find intuitive because you can try the piece on as you go and adjust the length easily.

The waistband is worked first as a simple ribbed band, typically using a back loop only single crochet stitch to create that stretchy, textured ribbing. Once the waistband is complete, you join it into a ring and begin working the body of the shorts in rounds.

The body is worked as a tube until you reach the point where the legs split. At that point, the pattern guides you through creating the crotch shaping and dividing the work into two separate sections for the left and right legs. Each leg is then worked independently from the split down to the hem. The length is fully adjustable here — simply work more or fewer rounds before binding off.

The waistband channel for the elastic or drawstring is created by folding the ribbed band over and slip stitching it to the inside. This creates a neat, clean finish that looks polished and keeps the elastic contained.

How to Adjust the Length

One of the most popular features of this pattern is how simple it is to make the shorts longer or shorter. Because the legs are worked in rounds from the top of the leg opening down to the hem, you can literally just keep going until they are the length you want.

To figure out your desired length, try on a pair of shorts or pants you already love and measure from the top of the inseam to the hem. Compare that to the pattern’s schematic, and add or subtract rounds accordingly. The pattern includes a note on how many rounds equal one inch at the standard gauge, making this calculation quick and easy.

You might want a true short that sits at the mid-thigh for summer wear. You might want something that comes to the knee for a bit more coverage, or even a Bermuda-style length that hits just below the knee. All of these are achievable with this pattern. You are not locked into any particular length — the design was built with this flexibility in mind from the start.

Tips for a Great Fit

Beyond length, there are a few other things you can do to make sure your Sunday Shorts fit beautifully.

Measure yourself carefully. The pattern asks for your waist measurement, hip measurement, and the distance between the two (your torso length in the hip region). Take these measurements while wearing the type of underwear you plan to wear with the shorts, and measure at the fullest part of your hips.

Choose your ease intentionally. Ease is the difference between your body measurements and the finished garment measurements. For a relaxed, loungewear fit, you might add two to four inches of positive ease. For a closer fit, you might add just one inch or even go with zero ease if your yarn has good stretch. The pattern notes discuss this and help you choose the right size based on your preferences.

Try it on as you go. Since the piece is worked from the top down, you can slip the waistband over your hips at any point and see how things are progressing. Check that the waistband feels comfortable, that the body length looks right before you split for the legs, and that the leg openings feel comfortable once they are divided.

Block your finished shorts. Blocking is especially important for cotton, which can be a bit stiff and uneven right off the hook. Wash your finished shorts according to the yarn label, gently shape them while wet, and lay flat to dry. You will be amazed at how much softer and more polished the fabric looks after blocking.

Stitch Breakdown

The Sunday Shorts use just a handful of stitches, all of which are standard crochet techniques.

The ribbed waistband uses back loop only single crochet, a technique where you insert your hook into only the back loop of each stitch instead of both loops. This creates a stretchy fabric with visible horizontal ridges that looks like knitted ribbing. It is a beautifully simple technique that makes the waistband look intentional and professional.

The body of the shorts is worked in double crochet, which is one of the foundational stitches in crochet. Double crochet creates a fabric that is taller and more open than single crochet, giving the shorts that light, airy feel. If you are comfortable with double crochet, the body of the shorts will feel very familiar and straightforward.

The hem is finished with a simple row of single crochet, which creates a clean, tidy edge that does not roll or flare. Some crocheters add a decorative touch here, such as a shell stitch edging or a row of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for a cord-like finish, both of which are discussed in the pattern as optional variations.

The PDF Pattern

The Crochet Sunday Shorts pattern is available as a digital PDF download. Once you purchase it, you will receive instant access to the file and can print it at home, save it to your device, or use it on a tablet while you work.

The PDF includes written instructions for all sizes, a size chart with finished garment measurements, a stitch guide with notes for each technique used, gauge information, a materials list, schematic diagrams showing the finished dimensions, and notes on adjusting for length and fit. It is laid out clearly with plenty of white space and a readable font so it is easy to follow at a glance without losing your place.

The pattern is formatted to print cleanly on standard letter-size or A4 paper. If you prefer to work from a screen, the layout works well on tablets too.

Why You Will Love Making These

There is a specific kind of joy that comes from wearing something you made yourself. People will ask where you got your cute shorts, and you will get to say you made them. That never gets old.

But beyond the pride of wearing handmade clothing, the Sunday Shorts are genuinely a wonderful project to work on. The rhythm of double crochet worked in the round is meditative and calming. The fabric grows quickly, which keeps you motivated. And because the pattern is straightforward, you can actually enjoy the process of crocheting rather than spending all your energy decoding instructions.

These shorts also make a wonderful gift. If you know someone’s measurements, you can make them a pair in their favorite color or a yarn that matches their style. They are practical, wearable, and personal in a way that most gifts are not.

Caring for Your Sunday Shorts

Because the shorts are made from cotton or a cotton-blend yarn, they are generally machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. Always check the label on your specific yarn for care instructions, as different fibers have different needs. Lay them flat to dry rather than putting them in the dryer to preserve the shape and keep the fabric from shrinking.

With proper care, a well-made pair of crochet shorts can last for years. The fabric actually tends to soften beautifully with washing, so they get more comfortable the more you wear and wash them.

Final Thoughts

The Crochet Sunday Shorts pattern is one of those projects that checks every box: beginner accessible, quick enough to stay interesting, adjustable to fit your body, and wearable in real life. Whether you are brand new to crochet garments or a seasoned maker looking for a relaxed summer project, these shorts are worth adding to your queue.

Grab the PDF pattern, wind up a skein of your favorite cotton yarn, and settle in for a project that is as enjoyable to make as it is to wear. Sunday mornings are about to get a whole lot cozier.