Crochet Shorts Pattern | Easy DIY High Waisted Summer Crochet Shorts

There is something undeniably satisfying about wearing something you made yourself, especially when it’s a summer staple that gets you compliments every time you step outside. Crochet shorts have made a massive comeback in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re breathable, customizable, endlessly stylish, and once you understand the basic construction, surprisingly quick to make. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a backyard barbecue, or just want a chic loungewear option, a pair of high waisted crochet shorts might be exactly what your summer wardrobe needs.

This crochet shorts pattern is designed with beginners and intermediate crafters in mind. You don’t need to be an advanced crocheter to pull this off. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like the double crochet and single crochet, and you understand how to work in the round, you have everything you need to get started. By the end of this post, you’ll have a complete, step-by-step pattern for a pair of high waisted crochet shorts that fit beautifully, look intentional and handcrafted, and will become one of your most-worn summer pieces.

Let’s get into everything you need to know.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Shorts Pattern

Before we dive into the materials and instructions, let’s talk about what makes this particular pattern special.

First, the high waist design. High waisted shorts are flattering on virtually every body type. They elongate the legs, define the waist, and provide more coverage and support than low-rise styles. In crochet, the high waistband also serves a structural purpose — it gives the shorts a stable foundation and helps them stay in place without slipping down.

Second, the construction method. This pattern is worked in the round from the waistband down, which means there are no awkward side seams to sew up later. The legs are worked separately after the body is complete, which gives you full control over the length and fit. You can make them into micro shorts, mid-thigh length, or even a longer Bermuda-style cut if you prefer more coverage.

Third, the versatility. The stitch pattern used in this design creates a fabric that’s open and breathable, perfect for hot weather. But it also has enough structure to hold its shape and drape elegantly rather than looking sloppy or stretched out.

Finally, the size flexibility. This pattern includes notes for adjusting the fit across a wide range of sizes, so you can tailor it to your exact measurements rather than squeezing yourself into a standard small, medium, or large.

Materials You’ll Need

Getting your materials together before you start is always a good idea. Here’s what you’ll need for this project.

Yarn: You’ll want a lightweight cotton yarn for this project. Cotton is breathable, holds its shape well, and washes easily — all important qualities for a garment you’ll be wearing in warm weather. Look for a DK weight or worsted weight cotton yarn depending on how dense you want the fabric to be. A lighter DK weight will create a more open, beachy look, while worsted weight gives a bit more structure. You’ll need approximately 300 to 500 yards depending on your size and the length you’re going for.

Some great yarn options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, or Drops Safran. Any 100% cotton or cotton blend yarn in a similar weight will work beautifully.

Hook: Use a 4.0mm (G hook) for DK weight yarn or a 5.0mm (H hook) for worsted weight. Always check your gauge before starting — this will make a significant difference in the final fit.

Notions: You’ll also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a 1.5 to 2 inch wide piece of elastic for the waistband (cut to your waist measurement), scissors, a measuring tape, and stitch markers.

Optional: If you want to add a cute tie detail at the waist, pick up about a yard of ribbon or make a crochet chain cord from your leftover yarn.

Gauge

Gauge is everything when it comes to garment making. Before you start the actual shorts, crochet a gauge swatch of at least 4 inches by 4 inches using your chosen yarn and hook. Block it gently and then measure it.

For this pattern using DK weight cotton and a 4.0mm hook, you should aim for approximately 16 stitches and 10 rows per 4 inches in the double crochet stitch.

If your swatch is smaller than this (more stitches per inch), go up a hook size. If your swatch is larger (fewer stitches per inch), go down a hook size. Don’t skip this step — a half inch difference in gauge can add up to several inches of difference in the finished garment.

Taking Your Measurements

Because this is a fitted garment, you’ll need three key measurements before you begin.

Your high waist measurement is the circumference of your natural waist, typically an inch or two above your belly button, at the narrowest point. This is where the waistband will sit.

Your hip measurement is the circumference of the fullest part of your hips and seat.

Your desired length is how long you want the shorts to be from the waistband to the bottom hem of the leg. A good starting point is 8 to 10 inches for a shorts length.

Write these numbers down and keep them nearby as you work.

Understanding the Stitch Pattern

This pattern uses a combination of chain spaces and double crochet stitches to create a lacy, open fabric that looks gorgeous and keeps you cool. The main body of the shorts is worked in a simple mesh pattern, while the waistband and leg hems use single crochet for stability and a clean finish.

If you’re not familiar with working in the round for clothing, the concept is the same as crocheting a hat or basket — you’ll join rounds with a slip stitch and begin each round with a chain that counts as your first stitch. The main difference is that with shorts, you’ll be working a flat tube that gradually widens from the waist down to accommodate the hips, and then splits into two leg openings.

The Pattern

Abbreviations Used

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st = stitch
rep = repeat
pm = place marker

Waistband

The waistband is worked flat first, then joined into a tube. This makes it easy to insert the elastic before closing it up.

Chain 15 (or adjust for the width of your elastic — the waistband should be about 2 inches tall).

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (14 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the waistband measures approximately half an inch less than your high waist measurement. This slight ease ensures the waistband will hug your waist comfortably once the elastic is inserted.

Fold the waistband in half lengthwise so the long edges meet, and slip stitch the short ends together to form a ring. Do not close the top edge yet — you’ll insert the elastic later.

Body of the Shorts

Now you’ll begin working in the round from the top of the waistband.

Round 1 (Setup Round): Working along the top edge of the waistband, sc evenly around the entire top edge. The exact number of stitches will depend on your waist measurement and gauge. As a general guide, you want the total stitch count at the top of the body to equal approximately your waist measurement in inches multiplied by your stitch gauge per inch. For example, if your waist is 28 inches and your gauge is 4 stitches per inch, you’d aim for about 112 stitches. Round to the nearest even number. Join with a sl st to the first sc to close the round.

Round 2 (Begin Mesh Pattern): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the same st, ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st, dc in next st. Rep from around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 st. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Round 3: Sl st into the ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sp, ch 1, dc twice in next ch 1 sp. Rep from around, ending with ch 1. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Repeat Round 3 until the body measures approximately 3 to 4 inches from the base of the waistband, or until it reaches your hip measurement. At this point, you want the circumference of the piece to match your hip measurement with a small amount of ease (1 to 2 inches of ease is ideal). If the piece is too narrow, you can add increases by working 3 dc instead of 2 into select ch 1 spaces every few rounds to gradually widen the fabric.

Continue working even rounds (no increases) until the body of the shorts measures about 4 to 5 inches from the top of the waistband, or until you’re at the crotch level. This is where you’ll split the work to create the two leg openings.

Creating the Leg Openings

At the end of your last body round, identify the front center and back center of the piece by folding it in half. Place stitch markers at the left and right sides (these are your side “seams,” though there are no actual seams).

You’re now going to work flat across the back of the shorts to create the crotch section.

Crotch Panel: Chain 8 (or adjust based on how much crotch width you want — typically 2 to 3 inches). Working flat across the back half of the shorts body:

Row 1: Dc across the back half of the shorts, working in the ch sp mesh pattern, then chain across to bridge the gap between the back and front portions. Join back to the front half and continue.

At this stage, you have created a crotch bridge. The opening on each side of this bridge is where you’ll work the leg rounds. Many crocheters find it helpful to watch this step worked out in real time, so if you get confused, look for crochet shorts construction tutorials on YouTube to visualize how the crotch is formed — the concept is the same regardless of the specific stitch pattern.

The Legs

Join your yarn to the inner edge of one leg opening with a sl st.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work in established mesh pattern around the entire leg opening, joining with a sl st at the end of the round.

Continue working in the mesh pattern for as many rounds as needed to reach your desired length. For a mid-thigh shorts length, you’ll typically work 4 to 6 leg rounds.

Hem Round: Work one final round of sc around the bottom of the leg for a clean, stable hem.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat for the second leg.

Finishing the Waistband

Now that the shorts body is complete, it’s time to close up the waistband and insert the elastic.

Cut your elastic to your high waist measurement minus about half an inch (it should be snug but not uncomfortably tight). Thread it through the waistband channel, overlap the ends by about one inch, and sew them together securely with a needle and thread or safety pin the ends together as a temporary fix while you try on the shorts.

Once you’re happy with the fit of the elastic, sew the top edge of the waistband closed using your tapestry needle and yarn, working whip stitches or slip stitches along the top.

Optional Tie Detail

If you want to add a cute bow or tie at the front waist, simply crochet a chain about 36 inches long (or cut a piece of ribbon to the same length), thread it through the waistband at the center front, and tie it in a bow. This adds a sweet finishing touch and makes the shorts look even more polished.

Sizing Tips and Adjustments

One of the great advantages of crochet garments is that they’re inherently adjustable. Here are a few tips for getting the fit exactly right.

If the shorts feel too tight in the hips, add an additional round of increases before the crotch split. You can also add a panel or gusset at the crotch to give more room in the seat.

If you want longer shorts or even crochet bermuda shorts, simply continue the leg rounds until you reach your desired length. For a longer leg, you may want to add a small amount of shaping by working decreases every few rounds to bring the leg in slightly for a more tailored look.

For smaller sizes (hip circumference under 35 inches), reduce your starting stitch count accordingly. For plus sizes, you may need to start with a higher stitch count and add more increase rounds in the body. The math remains the same — your total stitch count should correspond to your waist measurement at the top and your hip measurement at the widest point.

Care Instructions for Your Crochet Shorts

Because these shorts are made from cotton yarn, they’re relatively easy to care for. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water and lay flat to dry to preserve the shape. Avoid putting them in the dryer, as heat can cause cotton to shrink. If they lose their shape slightly after washing, you can gently block them by pinning them to their original dimensions while damp and allowing them to air dry.

Styling Your Crochet Shorts

Now for the fun part — wearing them! High waisted crochet shorts are incredibly versatile.

Pair them with a simple fitted crop top or a tucked-in linen tank for a casual, put-together look. They look amazing over a swimsuit at the beach or pool — just throw them on as a cover-up and you’re ready to go. For a boho summer vibe, style them with a flowy off-the-shoulder blouse and sandals. They also look great with oversized tees tied at the front for a relaxed, retro aesthetic.

When it comes to colors, natural and neutral tones like cream, sand, terracotta, and sage are perennial favorites for crochet shorts because they have that handmade, earthy quality that suits the medium perfectly. That said, bold colors like cobalt blue, cherry red, or bright yellow can make a real statement if you want your shorts to be the centerpiece of an outfit.

Final Thoughts

Making your own clothing is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a crafter. There’s a learning curve, especially when it comes to garments, but once you understand the basic construction of crochet shorts — the waistband, the tubular body, the crotch bridge, and the legs — you’ll find that the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different stitch patterns, colors, lengths, and embellishments to make each pair completely unique.

This high waisted crochet shorts pattern is just a starting point. Once you’ve made your first pair, you’ll inevitably start thinking about ways to customize it — maybe a contrasting color waistband, a scalloped leg hem, or a woven fringe detail along the bottom. That’s the beauty of making things yourself.

So gather your yarn, grab your hook, and get started. Your new favorite summer shorts are just a few hours of cozy crafting away.

Happy hooking!