How To Crochet Shorts: Plus 24 Designs To Try

Whether you’re dreaming of a breezy summer wardrobe or looking to expand your crochet skills into wearable fashion, crocheted shorts are one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. They’re functional, stylish, endlessly customizable, and surprisingly approachable for anyone who has mastered basic stitches. From boho beach cover-ups to structured everyday bottoms, crochet shorts have earned a permanent place in the handmade fashion world — and once you make your first pair, you’ll understand why.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: how to crochet shorts from scratch, which materials to choose, how to get your measurements right, and how to troubleshoot common problems. Then, to spark your creativity, we’ve rounded up 24 stunning designs to try, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced.

What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into any crochet shorts project, gathering your tools and materials makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Yarn: The fiber you choose matters enormously for shorts. Cotton yarn is the most popular choice because it’s breathable, holds its shape, and washes well. Look for a worsted or DK weight cotton for structured shorts, or a thinner thread weight if you want something more delicate and lacy. Linen-cotton blends are another excellent option — they drape beautifully and get softer with each wash. Avoid wool for shorts unless you’re specifically making cold-weather loungewear, as it can feel itchy and doesn’t breathe well.

Hook: Match your hook size to your yarn’s recommended gauge. For most cotton worsted weight projects, a 4mm to 5mm hook works well. Always check the pattern’s recommended hook size and adjust based on your tension swatch.

Notions: You’ll need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, a measuring tape, scissors, and an elastic band for the waistband (typically 1 to 1.5 inches wide). Some patterns also call for buttons or decorative closures.

A gauge swatch: This step is non-negotiable for garments. Crocheting a 4×4 inch swatch before starting lets you check whether your tension matches the pattern. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it’s too large, go down a hook size. Skipping this step is the number one reason crocheted garments don’t fit as expected.

How To Measure Yourself for Crochet Shorts

Getting accurate measurements is the foundation of a well-fitting pair of shorts. Take all measurements with a soft measuring tape, wearing the type of undergarments you plan to wear underneath the finished shorts.

Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist, typically just above your belly button.

Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually about 7 to 9 inches below your natural waist.

Rise: This is the distance from your waistband to the crotch seam. For shorts, you’ll also want to measure the inseam — the distance from the crotch to how long you want the leg opening to fall.

Thigh circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your upper thigh. This measurement is crucial for shorts because too-tight leg openings are uncomfortable and unflattering.

Once you have these measurements, compare them to the pattern’s size chart. Most patterns are written in finished measurements rather than body measurements, so check whether the pattern includes ease (extra room for comfort and movement). For shorts, 1 to 2 inches of positive ease at the hips and thighs is comfortable for most people.

How To Crochet Shorts: Step-by-Step

Most crochet shorts follow one of two construction methods: working from the waist down (top-down) or working each leg separately and joining them at the crotch (bottom-up). Both methods have their fans. Here’s a general walkthrough of the top-down method, which is the most beginner-friendly because it allows you to try on the shorts as you go.

Step 1: Start with the Waistband

The waistband is typically worked in a long foundation chain or foundation single crochet, then joined into a round. The length of this chain should match your waist measurement with a small amount of negative ease (about 1 to 2 inches smaller than your actual waist) since the elastic will provide stretch and security.

Work several rows of ribbing for the waistband. A simple ribbing pattern is made by working single crochet through the back loop only (BLO) for each row, which creates a stretchy, ridged texture that mimics knitted ribbing. Alternatively, you can work a few rounds of single crochet, then fold the waistband over and insert your elastic before seaming it closed.

Step 2: Build the Body

After the waistband, you’ll work in the round, increasing gradually at the hips if needed to accommodate your measurements. Most patterns incorporate the increases within the stitch pattern so they’re invisible in the finished fabric. Work even (without increases) once you’ve reached the full hip measurement plus ease.

The stitch pattern you choose determines the look of your shorts. Simple half double crochet creates a dense, wearable fabric. A mesh or lace stitch pattern creates an airy, boho feel. Granny squares or motif-based patterns produce something more textured and artistic.

Step 3: Divide for the Legs

Once you’ve worked the body down to the crotch, you’ll divide your work to create the two legs. Place a stitch marker to mark the front and back crotch points. Typically, you’ll chain a small number of stitches (usually 3 to 8, depending on the pattern) to bridge the crotch between the legs, then work each leg in the round separately.

Some patterns have you work both legs at the same time on separate yarn balls to ensure they match perfectly. Others have you finish one leg completely, then return to pick up and work the second.

Step 4: Work the Legs

Work each leg in the round for your desired length. For true shorts, you’re typically working just a few inches — anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of leg length depending on the style. If you want longer shorts, simply continue working the rounds until you reach your preferred length.

The leg openings can be finished with a simple single crochet edging, a shell stitch border, a reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for a clean rolled edge, or a picot trim for a delicate touch.

Step 5: Finish and Seam

Weave in all your ends with a tapestry needle, making sure to weave them securely in multiple directions so they don’t unravel. If you left the waistband open to insert the elastic, do so now. Thread the elastic through the casing, overlap the ends by about an inch, and stitch them together securely. Close the waistband opening with a few whip stitches.

Block your finished shorts according to the yarn manufacturer’s instructions. Cotton can be wet-blocked by soaking in cool water, gently squeezing out the excess water in a towel, and pinning to the correct dimensions while drying. This evens out your stitches and helps the shorts hold their shape.

Tips for a Better Fit

Even with good measurements and a matched gauge, garments sometimes need adjustments. Here are some practical tips for getting the best fit possible.

Work in progress try-ons are your best friend. Because crochet is worked row by row, you can regularly try on the piece while you’re working. Stop and check the fit before dividing for the legs, and again once you’ve worked an inch or two on the leg sections.

If the shorts are too tight in the hips but fine at the waist, you can add extra increases spread evenly around the hip rounds. If they’re too loose, you can decrease a few stitches in the same area or simply go down a hook size for your next attempt.

The crotch depth is one of the trickiest parts to get right. If you find the finished shorts feel too short in the rise (uncomfortable pulling when sitting), you can add more rounds to the body before dividing for the legs. If the rise feels too long and saggy, work fewer rounds in the body section.

For the leg openings, make sure they’re generous enough to pull on easily but not so large that they gape. A simple single crochet edging worked with a slightly smaller hook can tighten up leg openings that feel too wide.

24 Crochet Shorts Designs To Try

Here is a curated collection of designs spanning every style, skill level, and aesthetic. Whether you’re browsing Ravelry, Etsy, or free pattern blogs, these styles will guide your search and inspire your next project.

1. Classic Cotton Booty Shorts — A simple, close-fitting style worked in single crochet. Perfect for beginners who want a quick, wearable win. Great as a swimsuit cover-up or loungewear.

2. Granny Square Patchwork Shorts — Individual granny squares joined together to form the legs and body. An iconic boho piece that uses up scrap yarn beautifully.

3. Lace Mesh Swim Cover-Up Shorts — Worked in a simple mesh stitch with a light DK cotton, these are open and airy. Pair over a swimsuit for a chic beach look.

4. High-Waisted Ribbed Shorts — Worked flat in BLO single crochet for maximum stretch, these mimic knit fabric and fit like a second skin.

5. Crochet Denim-Look Shorts — Worked in a structured cotton yarn in denim blue, with faux pockets and a sturdy waistband. A casual everyday style.

6. Colorblock Shorts — Work each section in a contrasting color for a bold, modern look. Horizontal colorblocking is particularly striking.

7. Tie-Dye Effect Shorts — Use a space-dyed or hand-painted yarn for a groovy tie-dye aesthetic without any actual dyeing required.

8. Festival Fringe Shorts — Add dangling fringe along the leg openings for a Coachella-worthy statement piece.

9. Shell Stitch Shorts — The classic shell stitch creates a scalloped, feminine texture that’s more interesting than plain fabric but easy enough for beginners.

10. Boho Tassel Shorts — Tassels hang from the hip seams and leg edges, creating movement and personality.

11. Motif Shorts with Floral Appliqué — Work the body in a neutral cotton, then add crocheted flower motifs around the waistband or leg openings.

12. Open-Work Filet Crochet Shorts — Filet crochet creates a grid-based pattern with open and filled squares, perfect for geometric designs. A more advanced project but breathtakingly beautiful.

13. Crochet Biker Shorts — Worked in a stretchy yarn blend, these longer shorts hit mid-thigh and are ideal for layering under dresses or tunics.

14. Wide-Leg Palazzo-Inspired Shorts — Work with generous increases at the legs to create a wide, flowing silhouette. Works beautifully in a light linen yarn.

15. Crochet Shorts with Pockets — Add small patch pockets to the front or back of your shorts. Simple single crochet squares sewn on and seamed make functional, cute pockets.

16. Broomstick Lace Shorts — The broomstick lace technique (using a large dowel or thick marker to create gathered loops) produces a dramatic, rippled texture.

17. Waffle Stitch Shorts — The waffle stitch creates a grid-like textured fabric that looks intricate but is easy to memorize. Particularly beautiful in a solid earth tone.

18. Mini Shorts with Scallop Edge — A very short style with a decorative scalloped border at the hem, worked in bright summer colors.

19. Crochet Plaid Shorts — Using the planned pooling or tapestry crochet technique with two contrasting colors, you can achieve a plaid-like pattern across the fabric.

20. Entrelac Crochet Shorts — Entrelac creates a woven, basket-weave appearance by working small squares at angles. Advanced but incredibly impressive.

21. Drawstring Waist Shorts — Replace the elastic with a crocheted drawstring cord worked through the waistband’s chain spaces. Functional and stylish.

22. Ombre Shorts — Work the body in a single color and gradually add a second shade toward the leg openings by holding a strand of the new color alongside the working yarn for a few rows before switching fully.

23. Crochet Board Shorts — A longer, boxier style inspired by surf culture. Worked with more ease and length to hit just above the knee.

24. Two-Piece Matching Set Shorts — Work the shorts to match a crocheted top or bralette using the same stitch pattern and yarn for a coordinated set that’s ready for summer.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced crocheters run into a few predictable problems with shorts. Knowing what to watch for saves you time and frustration.

Twisting the join is one of the most common issues when working in the round. Before you join your foundation chain, make absolutely sure it isn’t twisted. Once you’ve joined and worked a few rounds, a twist becomes permanent and the whole piece is unwearable.

Inconsistent tension throughout the project can make your shorts look uneven or change size unexpectedly. Try to crochet at the same time of day and in similar conditions — your tension can change when you’re tired, stressed, or distracted.

Forgetting to account for the elastic stretch can result in shorts that are too loose even with the elastic inserted. Use a non-stretch stitch for the waistband casing so the elastic does all the work.

Not counting rounds carefully during the leg section often leads to two legs of different lengths. Use a stitch counter app or mark every fifth round with a removable stitch marker.

Caring for Your Crocheted Shorts

Once you’ve put all that work in, taking care of your shorts properly ensures they last for many seasons.

Most cotton yarn can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cool water. Turn the shorts inside out to protect the texture of the stitch pattern. Avoid the dryer if possible — lay flat to dry to maintain the shape. High heat can shrink cotton and distort your careful gauge work.

Store crochet garments folded rather than hung, since crochet fabric can stretch and lose its shape if hung for long periods.

Final Thoughts

Crochet shorts are a genuinely exciting project category. They’re small enough to finish in a weekend or two, but complex enough to keep your skills growing. Once you’ve made your first pair and understand the construction, you’ll find it easy to modify patterns, mix stitch techniques, and create shorts that are truly your own.

Start simple — a beginner-friendly shell stitch or half double crochet design will build your confidence quickly. Then, as you get comfortable with the shaping and construction, you can explore the more adventurous designs on the list above. The world of crochet fashion is wide open, and a great pair of handmade shorts is one of the most satisfying places to begin.