23 Crochet Shorts Patterns You’ll Love
There’s something deeply satisfying about crocheting your own clothing, and shorts are one of those projects that feel both achievable and genuinely useful. Unlike a sweater or a coat, shorts come together relatively quickly, give you a chance to experiment with fit and style, and result in something you’ll actually wear. Whether you’re working toward a breezy summer wardrobe, looking for a cute beach cover-up, or just want to try your hand at crochet garments for the first time, shorts are a wonderful place to start.
This roundup covers 23 crochet shorts patterns that span a wide range of styles, skill levels, and yarn weights. You’ll find everything from simple beginner-friendly designs to more intricate textured patterns, from tiny booty shorts to flowing wide-leg styles that border on culottes. Some of these are perfect for wearing as swimsuit cover-ups, others work beautifully as festival wear, and a few are cozy enough to lounge around the house in. Wherever you land on the spectrum, there’s something here for you.
Before we dive in, a few general tips: always swatch before starting a garment, pay close attention to gauge, and don’t be afraid to go up or down a hook size to get the fit you want. Crochet fabric has a beautiful natural stretch, but fit still matters — especially in the waist and hips. Most of these patterns include sizing guidance and some offer modifications for different body types. Now, let’s get into it.
1. Classic Granny Square Shorts
Granny squares aren’t just for blankets anymore. This pattern uses traditional granny squares joined together to create a pair of shorts with a charming, vintage feel. The squares are arranged so that the seams run along the sides and the waistband is crocheted separately and attached. You’ll work the leg openings with a simple single crochet edging to give them a clean finish. This is a great stash-buster pattern since you can use scraps in different colors for a patchwork look, or stick to two or three colors for something more cohesive.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK or worsted weight cotton
Hook size: 4.0–5.0mm
2. Boho Tassel Shorts
These shorts are practically made for music festivals and beach days. The main body is worked in a simple mesh stitch that creates an open, airy fabric with just enough coverage for a swim cover-up or festival outfit. The real showstoppers are the tassels along the hem — you can make them as long or as short as you like, and they sway beautifully when you walk. The waistband is elastic-threaded, which means fit is flexible and forgiving.
Skill level: Beginner
Suggested yarn: Lightweight cotton or linen blend
Hook size: 3.5–4.0mm
3. High-Waisted Ribbed Shorts
High-waisted styles are always in fashion, and this pattern delivers that look in spades. The waistband is worked in a wide ribbed crochet stitch — alternating front post and back post double crochet — which gives it incredible stretch and a polished look. The body of the shorts uses a simple half double crochet stitch that creates a dense, smooth fabric. These work best in a soft cotton or cotton-blend yarn that will breathe in warm weather.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton
Hook size: 3.75–4.5mm
4. Crochet Bike Shorts
Yes, you can crochet bike shorts — and they actually work. This pattern is worked in the round from the waist down and uses a mix of slip stitches and single crochet in a tight gauge to create a fabric that has real stretch and recovery. The key to this pattern is choosing the right yarn: you’ll want something with a significant percentage of nylon or elastane blended in to give the fabric memory. The finished shorts have a snug, athletic silhouette that works equally well as workout wear or styled under an oversized shirt.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: Cotton-nylon blend or crochet-friendly stretch yarn
Hook size: 3.0–3.5mm
5. Flowy Wide-Leg Shorts
If you love the look of wide-leg trousers but want something lighter for summer, these wide-leg shorts are your answer. They’re worked from the waist down in a lightweight mesh or lace stitch, and the legs flare out gently for a relaxed, flowy silhouette. These look stunning in a solid neutral or a soft pastel, and they pair beautifully with a simple crop top or bodysuit. The pattern includes a drawstring waistband option, making size adjustments easy.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: Fingering or lace weight in a cotton or bamboo blend
Hook size: 3.0–4.0mm
6. The Sporty Striped Shorts
Bright stripes make everything more fun, and these shorts lean fully into that philosophy. Worked in rows with color changes every two rows, this pattern is beginner-friendly and produces a cheerful, retro-looking pair of shorts. The waistband is folded over an elastic, and the legs have a slight flare thanks to a series of increases near the hem. Use three or four colors for a bold statement or just two for a more classic striped look.
Skill level: Beginner
Suggested yarn: Worsted weight cotton
Hook size: 5.0mm
7. Lace Trim Crochet Shorts
These shorts have a simpler body — worked in rows of half double crochet — but the magic happens at the hem, where you attach a delicate lace border. The lace trim pattern is worked separately and sewn on, or you can pick up stitches along the hem and work the lace directly. Either way, the result is a pair of shorts that looks far more intricate than the effort required. These are especially pretty in white or cream and work wonderfully as a beach cover-up over a bikini.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK weight cotton
Hook size: 4.0mm
8. Crochet Denim-Look Shorts
Thanks to the wide availability of denim-look cotton yarns (tightly twisted, often in indigo or chambray shades), you can now crochet shorts that genuinely mimic the look of cut-off denim. This pattern uses a dense single crochet stitch to replicate the weight and opacity of denim fabric. The waistband even includes a couple of faux belt loops for the full effect. These are among the most wearable everyday shorts on this list.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: Tightly spun worsted weight cotton in denim shades
Hook size: 4.5mm
9. Textured Bobble Stitch Shorts
Bobble stitches create a wonderfully tactile, three-dimensional fabric, and this pattern uses them to brilliant effect across the seat and front panel of the shorts. The sides are worked in a smoother stitch for a contrast that’s visually interesting and practically slimming. These shorts have a slightly more retro, 70s-inspired feel and look gorgeous in earthy tones like terracotta, mustard, or olive.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK or light worsted cotton
Hook size: 4.0–4.5mm
10. The Colorblock Shorts
Color blocking is one of those trends that keeps cycling back, and crochet is a perfect medium for it. This pattern divides the shorts into clearly defined sections — usually a contrast waistband, two tonal panels on the front and back, and a different color at the hem — and works each section in a simple stitch. The bold color play means you don’t need a complex stitch to make these visually striking.
Skill level: Beginner
Suggested yarn: Worsted weight cotton in 2–4 colors
Hook size: 5.0mm
11. Cottagecore Puff Stitch Shorts
Puff stitches add a wonderfully romantic texture, and this pattern uses them to create a pair of shorts that fits right into the cottagecore aesthetic. The puff stitches are worked in neat rows across the front panel while the back and sides are smooth half double crochet. A scalloped hem and a matching ribbon threaded through the waistband complete the dreamy look. These are perfect in soft florals or muted dusty tones.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-linen blend
Hook size: 4.0mm
12. The Shell Stitch Shorts
Shell stitches are a crochet classic for good reason — they’re relatively easy to execute, they produce a beautiful, fan-shaped texture, and they work wonderfully in garments. This pattern uses a repeating shell stitch motif across the entire body of the shorts, creating a gentle, wave-like texture. The waistband is worked in single crochet for contrast and stability, and the shorts are finished with a simple chain edging along the legs.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton
Hook size: 3.75–4.0mm
13. Men’s Crochet Swim Shorts
Crochet isn’t just for women’s garments, and these men’s swim shorts prove it. The pattern uses a mesh stitch for breathability and is worked over a swim brief liner (purchased separately), so these function as actual swimwear. The construction is thoughtful — a flat waistband worked separately, sewn on with a drawstring channel, and side seams that sit flat and comfortable. Sizing runs from small through extra-large.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: Nylon or polyester crochet thread for durability in water
Hook size: 2.0–2.5mm
14. Kids’ Rainbow Shorts
These adorable kids’ shorts are worked in worsted weight yarn across a short row count, which means they come together very quickly. The rainbow stripe pattern is easy to follow and uses a simple single crochet stitch throughout. The waistband is folded over elastic for a comfortable, adjustable fit that works well on wiggly toddlers and kids. Sizes range from 2T through 10 and the pattern includes a clear sizing chart.
Skill level: Beginner
Suggested yarn: Worsted weight cotton in rainbow colors
Hook size: 5.0mm
15. Overlay Mesh Shorts
These are a two-layer design: a solid pair of lining shorts worn underneath, over which you crochet an open mesh overlay in a coordinating or contrasting color. The mesh overlay is worked in a simple chain-and-single-crochet lattice, and the two layers are joined at the waistband. The effect is modern and fashion-forward, and you have total control over how much coverage you want by choosing how dense or open to make your mesh.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK or sport weight for the mesh; liner can be made from any smooth yarn
Hook size: 3.75–4.5mm
16. Crochet Paperbag Shorts
The paperbag waist is a flattering, gathered style that creates a relaxed, voluminous look at the waist and then narrows slightly through the hip and thigh. This pattern achieves that gathered look by working a wider waistband in single crochet and then threading a ribbon or drawstring through eyelets to gather it in. The body of the shorts is worked in a simple half double crochet with gentle shaping at the seat. These are cozy enough to wear as pajama shorts and stylish enough to take out.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK weight cotton or bamboo blend
Hook size: 4.0–4.5mm
17. Tunisian Crochet Shorts
Tunisian crochet produces a fabric that looks almost woven — dense, smooth, and with a beautiful drape. This pattern uses the Tunisian simple stitch throughout, which requires a Tunisian or afghan hook. The result is a pair of shorts that looks more like knitted or woven fabric than typical crochet, which means they work beautifully in professional or smart-casual contexts. Tunisian shorts are a fun challenge if you’ve never tried the technique before.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Suggested yarn: DK or sport weight cotton
Hook size: Tunisian hook, 5.0mm
18. Crochet Romper Shorts (Two-in-One)
Not quite shorts, not quite a romper — this pattern gives you both. The top is worked separately in a simple bralette or bandeau style, and the shorts portion is attached at the back with a simple join. The full piece functions as a romper, but the construction means you can adjust the top and bottom sizes independently, which is a huge practical advantage. Great for warmer climates and beach holidays.
Skill level: Intermediate
Suggested yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton
Hook size: 3.75–4.0mm
19. The Vintage High-Cut Shorts
Inspired by the athletic shorts of the 1970s and 80s, these high-cut shorts have a narrower leg opening and a slightly higher cut on the thigh. They’re worked in worsted weight cotton in the round and feature a simple double crochet body with a ribbed waistband. They look fantastic in bright, saturated colors or classic white, and they’re one of those styles that’s effortlessly flattering on a wide range of body types.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: Worsted weight cotton
Hook size: 5.0mm
20. Mandala Motif Shorts
For the crocheter who loves working with motifs, this pattern arranges small circular mandala motifs across the front panel and yoke of the shorts for a stunning, bohemian look. The rest of the shorts are worked in a simple background stitch to let the motifs shine. This is one of the more time-intensive patterns on this list, but the result is genuinely show-stopping and unlike anything you can buy in a store.
Skill level: Advanced
Suggested yarn: Fingering or sport weight cotton
Hook size: 2.5–3.5mm
21. Easy One-Skein Shorts
This is the pattern for when you want to crochet shorts but don’t want to overthink it. Designed to use just one skein of bulky or super-bulky yarn, these shorts work up in a matter of hours. The design is simple — a basic shorts shape worked in rows with a folded elastic waistband — but the bold, chunky texture of the yarn makes them look substantial and intentional. Great for lounging at home or throwing on over a swimsuit.
Skill level: Beginner
Suggested yarn: Bulky weight cotton or cotton blend
Hook size: 6.0–8.0mm
22. Eyelet Drawstring Shorts
A row of evenly spaced eyelets just below the waistband allows a ribbon or cord drawstring to be threaded through, creating a cinched, feminine look that’s also highly practical for adjusting fit. The body of these shorts is worked in a simple double crochet stitch with gentle shaping, and the hem is finished with a chain-loop border that echoes the eyelet detail. These are one of the most versatile patterns on the list — they work in beach cotton, linen, or even a bamboo blend for a dressier look.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK weight cotton or linen blend
Hook size: 4.0–4.5mm
23. The “Every Body” Inclusive Shorts Pattern
Saving one of the most important for last: this pattern is specifically designed to be inclusive across a wide range of sizes, offering detailed instructions from XXS through 5XL. The designer has included notes on how to adjust the waist-to-hip ratio, lengthen or shorten the inseam, and modify the leg opening for comfort. The stitch is a simple but pretty combination of double crochet and chain spaces that creates a slightly open fabric with good drape. This is the pattern to reach for when you want something that truly fits the way you want it to, in a body you love.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Suggested yarn: DK or worsted weight cotton
Hook size: 4.5–5.0mm
Tips for Crocheting Shorts Successfully
Crocheting garments is a little different
