Crochet Shorts and Top Pattern: Your Complete Guide to a Boho Summer Co-Ord with Scalloped V-Neck Top and Drawstring Short
There is something undeniably magical about wearing something you made with your own hands. When that something is a beautifully coordinated set — a breezy scalloped V-neck top paired with a matching drawstring short — the feeling is even better. This boho summer co-ord crochet pattern is exactly the kind of project that makes you fall in love with the craft all over again. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for your next statement piece or an adventurous beginner ready to level up, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to create a stunning crochet shorts and top pattern you will wear all season long.
Why a Crochet Co-Ord Set is the Ultimate Summer Wardrobe Piece
The coordinated set trend has taken over fashion for good reason. A matching top and bottom offer the ease of a put-together outfit without any of the guesswork. When you add crochet into the mix, you get something even more special — a handmade piece with texture, personality, and that effortlessly undone boho aesthetic that feels perfectly at home at a beach bonfire, a summer festival, or a lazy afternoon on a sun-drenched terrace.
Crochet fabric is breathable, lightweight, and works beautifully with the body, which makes it ideal for warm-weather clothing. The open stitchwork allows air to move freely, keeping you cool even on the hottest days. And because you are making both pieces yourself, you have full control over the fit, the color, and the details — something you simply cannot get from off-the-rack fashion.
This particular boho summer co-ord design features a scalloped V-neck top with a relaxed fit and a drawstring short that sits comfortably at the waist. The scalloped edging gives both pieces a delicate, feminine finish, while the overall silhouette leans into that free-spirited, earthy aesthetic that defines boho style.
What You Will Need Before You Start
Before diving into the pattern itself, it helps to gather all your materials and get a feel for the design. Here is a rundown of everything you will need.
Yarn. For a summer garment, you want a yarn that is breathable and soft against the skin. Cotton yarn is the gold standard here. Look for a 100% mercerized cotton or a cotton-linen blend in a DK or worsted weight, depending on how open you want the stitch to look. A single skein of color will give you that clean, cohesive co-ord look, but do not be afraid to mix neutrals and earthy tones for a more bohemian feel. Natural tones like sand, terracotta, cream, sage, and dusty blush all work beautifully. Plan for roughly 800 to 1,200 yards depending on your size and how long you choose to make both pieces.
Hook. A 4.0mm to 5.0mm crochet hook works well for most DK to light worsted cotton yarn. The exact size will depend on your tension and the specific yarn you choose. Always swatch first — this is not optional when making wearables.
Notions. You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, a measuring tape, and a few inches of elastic or a length of cotton cord for the drawstring waistband of the shorts.
Gauge. For this pattern, aim for approximately 16 stitches and 12 rows equal to 4 inches in the main stitch pattern using your chosen hook and yarn. Adjust your hook size up or down as needed to match gauge. A looser gauge creates a more open, airy fabric, while a tighter gauge gives you more coverage and structure.
Understanding the Boho Aesthetic in Crochet Design
Before you begin, it helps to understand what makes a crochet piece feel truly boho rather than simply handmade. Boho crochet fashion draws on a relaxed, organic sensibility. It loves texture, movement, and natural materials. It tends to favor stitches that have a lacy or openwork quality — shells, fans, clusters, and of course, the beloved scallop edge.
The scalloped V-neck on this top is one of its most defining features. Scallop edging is created by working groups of stitches (usually double crochets) in the same stitch or space to form a rounded, petal-like shell. When worked along a neckline, it creates a soft, decorative finish that instantly elevates a simple garment into something that looks intentional and polished.
The V-neck itself adds a figure-flattering touch while keeping the top cool and easy to wear. Combined with a slightly oversized silhouette, the top drapes beautifully and pairs naturally with the drawstring short below.
The Crochet Scalloped V-Neck Top Pattern
This top is worked in one piece from the bottom up, with simple shaping at the armholes and neckline. The body is worked in a shell stitch pattern that creates a naturally flowing, semi-open fabric.
Abbreviations Used
ch — chain, sl st — slip stitch, sc — single crochet, dc — double crochet, sk — skip, sp — space, rep — repeat, st — stitch, RS — right side.
Foundation. Chain a multiple of 6 plus 2 for your chosen size. For a small/medium, chain 98. For a medium/large, chain 110. For a large/extra-large, chain 122. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
Main Body Stitch Pattern. The body is worked in a fan shell stitch. Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in same st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts, work 5 dc in next st, repeat from beginning around, ending with 2 dc in the first st, join. Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, 5 dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center of next shell, repeat around, join. Repeat these two rounds until the body measures approximately 14 to 16 inches from the foundation, or your desired length from underarm to hem.
Armhole Shaping. At the top of the body, divide your work into front and back panels. Work each panel flat, continuing in the shell stitch pattern. At the beginning and end of each panel, decrease by skipping one shell at each armhole edge for two rows. This creates a gentle curve at the armhole without stiff seaming.
Neckline and V-Neck Shaping. For the front panel, find the center stitch and work each side of the neckline separately. On each side, decrease one shell toward the center on every other row until you have 3 to 4 shells remaining on each shoulder. This creates the V shape. For a deeper V, work more decrease rows. For a subtle V, work fewer.
Scalloped Edging. This is where the magic happens. Once you have joined the front and back at the shoulders, work the scalloped edging around the neckline, armholes, and bottom hem.
For the neckline and armholes: Join yarn at any point along the edge. Round 1: Work a row of single crochet evenly around the entire edge, placing 3 sc in each corner and skipping slightly at any inward curves to keep the fabric flat. Round 2: Working into the single crochet row below, work the scallop as follows — sc in first st, skip 1 st, work 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sc in next st — repeat around. Join and fasten off.
The scallops should lie flat and fan out naturally. If they ruffle, try going down a hook size for the edging round. If they pull in, go up a hook size.
Finishing the Top. Weave in all ends carefully. Block your finished top by soaking it in cool water, pressing out the excess moisture gently, and laying it flat to dry in the desired shape. Blocking is especially important for cotton yarn and will significantly improve the drape and appearance of the finished piece.
The Crochet Drawstring Shorts Pattern
The drawstring shorts are designed to sit at the natural waist or just below, with a relaxed fit through the hip and a short inseam that keeps things cool and comfortable. They are worked in two separate leg pieces that are then joined at the crotch, with a waistband worked last.
Foundation for Each Leg. Chain 80 (small/medium), 88 (medium/large), or 96 (large/extra-large). Join to form a ring. Work in the shell stitch pattern as described above, working in the round. Continue until the leg piece measures 8 to 10 inches, or your desired length. For a true short, 8 inches works beautifully. For a slightly longer bermuda-style short, aim for 10 to 12 inches.
Crotch Join. Place both leg tubes side by side and join them at the top with a flat slip stitch seam at the crotch, working through the top stitches of both legs simultaneously. This joins the two legs into one short. The seam should be approximately 3 to 4 inches deep. After joining, you will have one continuous piece that forms the body of the shorts.
Body of the Shorts. Work in the round from the crotch join upward for approximately 4 to 6 inches, maintaining the shell stitch pattern. This section forms the seat and hip area of the shorts.
Waistband. Switch to single crochet for the waistband. Work 4 to 6 rounds of single crochet, making sure the total round count gives you enough height for either a casing for elastic or eyelets for the drawstring.
For the drawstring version (which gives this co-ord its signature detail): On round 3 of the waistband, work the eyelet row as follows — sc in each st around, working ch 2 and skipping 2 sts at even intervals to create holes for the drawstring. Work one more round of sc to close the eyelets neatly.
Thread a length of cotton cord, twisted yarn braid, or thin ribbon through the eyelets. Tie knots or small pompoms at each end to prevent the drawstring from pulling through. When worn, the drawstring ties at the front center in a relaxed bow — one of those small details that makes the whole outfit feel considered and intentional.
Hem Edging. Work the same scalloped edging at the hem of each leg as described for the top. This ties both pieces together visually, giving the set a unified, cohesive look.
Sizing and Fit Tips
One of the greatest advantages of making your own crochet clothing is the ability to customize the fit completely. Here are a few practical tips to help you get the best possible result.
Always measure yourself before starting and compare your measurements to the stitch count guidelines in the pattern. For the top, measure your bust and add 2 to 4 inches for ease (the amount of extra room in the garment beyond your actual measurement). For the shorts, measure your hips at the widest point and add 3 to 5 inches for ease, since the shorts should feel relaxed rather than fitted.
If you are between sizes, crochet the larger size for the shorts and the smaller size for the top — this accounts for the fact that tops and bottoms often need different amounts of ease for comfortable wear.
When in doubt, try the garment on as you go. Because crochet is flexible and has natural stretch, especially in cotton, you can often adjust the fit simply by working more or fewer rounds.
Styling Your Boho Summer Co-Ord
The beauty of this set is how effortlessly it adapts to different looks and occasions. Here are a few ways to style your finished crochet shorts and top for maximum impact.
For a beach day, wear the set over a simple swimsuit and add strappy flat sandals, a wide-brim straw hat, and layered shell or beaded jewelry. The openwork crochet fabric is perfect as a cover-up that still feels like a full outfit.
For a festival look, pair the co-ord with chunky platform sandals or ankle boots, a wide leather belt cinched over the top, and stacked bracelets. Add a fringed bag or a macramé crossbody to lean into the boho aesthetic.
For a relaxed summer dinner, wear the set with simple linen slides, hoop earrings, and a lightweight kimono jacket thrown over the shoulders for evenings when the air gets cooler. The scalloped neckline does all the decorative work, so keep the accessories minimal.
For a layered look, wear the shorts with a cropped linen tee over the crochet top, letting the scalloped hem peek out below the hem of the tee. This gives the outfit a more casual, dressed-down vibe while still showing off your handiwork.
Caring for Your Handmade Crochet Set
Handmade crochet clothing deserves a little extra care to keep it looking its best season after season. For cotton yarn, hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is always the safest option. Lay the pieces flat to dry away from direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade over time.
Avoid wringing or twisting crochet fabric, as this can distort the stitches and stretch the piece out of shape. Instead, press the wet garment gently between two towels to remove excess water before laying it flat.
Store your crochet pieces folded rather than hung. Hanging crochet garments causes them to stretch under their own weight, especially in cotton which has less memory than wool.
Final Thoughts on Making Your Own Crochet Summer Set
Creating a crochet shorts and top pattern as a matched boho summer co-ord is one of those projects that feels ambitious going in and deeply satisfying coming out. The scalloped V-neck top and drawstring short work together as a cohesive design that is greater than the sum of its parts — each piece is lovely on its own, but together they create a real fashion moment.
Whether you wear your finished set to a beach, a garden party, or simply around the house on a lazy summer afternoon, there is a particular joy in knowing every stitch came from your own hands. That is the true magic of handmade fashion — not just the finished object, but everything it carries with it.
So pick your yarn, swatch your gauge, and start chaining. Your most beautiful summer outfit is just a few skeins away.
