Easy Crochet Shorts Pattern | Quick DIY Summer Crochet Shorts
Summer is officially the season for handmade everything, and nothing says “I made this myself and I’m proud of it” quite like a pair of breezy, stylish crochet shorts. Whether you’re planning a beach trip, a backyard barbecue, or just want something comfortable to lounge around in, this easy crochet shorts pattern is the perfect project to pick up this season. Even if you’ve only just graduated from beginner scarves and dishcloths, this pattern is approachable, fun, and completely customizable to fit your body and style.
In this post, we’re walking through everything you need to know to crochet your own shorts from scratch — materials, sizing, stitches, step-by-step instructions, and tips for finishing them off beautifully. Grab your hook and let’s get started.
Why Crochet Your Own Shorts?
Before we dive into the pattern, let’s talk about why handmade crochet shorts are worth your time and yarn budget.
First, fit. Anyone who has ever struggled to find shorts that fit perfectly at the waist, hips, and inseam at the same time knows this frustration well. When you crochet your own pair, you can measure and adjust as you go, making something that fits your actual body — not a size chart’s idea of your body.
Second, style. You are completely in control of the color, texture, and design. Want a boho fringe hem? Go for it. Prefer a clean, minimal look in a neutral linen-style yarn? That works too. Crochet gives you creative freedom that off-the-rack clothing simply can’t offer.
Third, cost. Quality handmade-style shorts at boutique shops can run anywhere from $40 to $100 or more. A few skeins of cotton yarn and an afternoon of crocheting can get you there for a fraction of the price.
And finally, satisfaction. There is genuinely nothing like wearing something you made yourself. It never gets old.
Materials You’ll Need
Getting the right materials set up before you start will save you time and frustration mid-project. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.
Yarn: Cotton yarn is the best choice for crochet shorts, especially for warm weather wear. It’s breathable, has a beautiful drape, and washes well. Look for a worsted weight (size 4) or DK weight (size 3) cotton yarn depending on the level of drape and stitch definition you want. Popular options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, We Are Knitters The Cotton, or Paintbox Yarns Simply DK. For a pair of shorts in a size medium, plan for approximately 400–600 yards of yarn, depending on the length and your gauge.
Crochet Hook: A 5.0mm (H/8) hook works beautifully with worsted cotton for a tight, flattering fabric. If you’re using DK weight yarn, try a 4.0mm (G/6) hook. Always swatch first and adjust if needed.
Measuring Tape: You’ll be taking several body measurements throughout this project.
Stitch Markers: These are lifesavers for marking rounds and key construction points.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
Elastic (optional): A 1–1.5 inch wide waistband elastic can be threaded through the waistband casing at the end for extra security and comfort.
Scissors: A must-have for any yarn project.
Measurements to Take Before You Start
One of the most important steps in making wearable crochet garments is measuring correctly. Grab your measuring tape and note down the following.
Your waist measurement is taken at the narrowest part of your torso, usually a couple of inches above your belly button. Your hip measurement is taken at the fullest part of your hips and seat. Your inseam measurement determines how long your shorts will be — measure from the top of your inner thigh down to wherever you want the hem to fall. For typical shorts, this is somewhere between 2 and 5 inches of inseam. Finally, measure your rise, which is the distance from your waist down to your crotch point. This measurement is crucial for getting the fit right through the seat and hips.
Understanding Gauge
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows you get per inch of fabric, and it matters a lot when making wearable items. Before you start the actual shorts, work up a small swatch about 4 inches by 4 inches using your yarn and hook.
For this pattern using worsted weight cotton with a 5.0mm hook, the target gauge is approximately 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. If your swatch is bigger than this, go down a hook size. If it’s smaller, go up a hook size. Getting gauge might feel like a tedious extra step, but it makes the difference between shorts that fit perfectly and shorts you’ll never wear.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
ch — chain
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sl st — slip stitch
sk — skip
st — stitch
rnd — round
rep — repeat
pm — place marker
BLO — back loop only
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
Sizing Guide
This pattern is written for sizes XS through XL. Here are the approximate finished hip measurements for each size.
XS — 30–32 inches
S — 34–36 inches
M — 38–40 inches
L — 42–44 inches
XL — 46–48 inches
Throughout the pattern, instructions for different sizes are separated by parentheses in the format XS (S, M, L, XL). When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
The Pattern: Easy Crochet Shorts
These shorts are worked in the round from the waistband down. The body is worked as one piece until the crotch split, then each leg is worked separately. This construction is beginner-friendly and minimizes seaming.
Waistband
Chain 105 (119, 133, 147, 161). Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Join with sl st to first sc. — 105 (119, 133, 147, 161) sc
Rounds 2–6: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
These five rounds form the waistband casing. If you plan to use elastic, leave a small opening on the last round of the waistband to thread it through later. If you prefer a drawstring style, you can add a chain drawstring after finishing.
Body
Now you’ll switch to the main stitch pattern for the body of the shorts. We’re using a half double crochet stitch, which gives a slightly denser fabric with a lovely texture and good drape for garments.
Round 7: Ch 2 (does not count as stitch), hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. — 105 (119, 133, 147, 161) hdc
Rounds 8–20 (8–22, 8–24, 8–26, 8–28): Repeat Round 7.
Work even in hdc until the body of the shorts measures approximately 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches from the top of the waistband, or until the piece reaches your desired length just above the crotch split.
Crotch Shaping
This is where the two legs are divided. You’ll work a small crotch gusset to give the shorts enough ease and room to be comfortable.
First Leg:
Round 1: Ch 2, hdc in first 52 (59, 66, 73, 80) sts. Leave remaining sts unworked. Turn. — 52 (59, 66, 73, 80) hdc
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.
Join at the end of Row 3 by slip stitching to the first stitch to form a round.
Rounds 4–10: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Work even for 2 (2.5, 3, 3, 3.5) inches or until the leg reaches your desired inseam length.
Hem Round: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. Fasten off.
Second Leg:
Rejoin yarn at the center front of the crotch, directly opposite the last stitch worked on the first leg. Work the second leg the same as the first, working across the remaining 53 (60, 67, 74, 81) stitches. (The extra stitch accounts for the center point.)
Round 1: Ch 2, hdc in first 53 (60, 67, 74, 81) sts. Join to work in the round.
Continue as for First Leg through the hem round. Fasten off.
Finishing
Once both legs are complete, weave in all your ends using your yarn needle. Give the shorts a gentle steam block or a cool wash and lay them flat to dry. Cotton yarn responds beautifully to blocking and will even out your stitches dramatically.
Adding Elastic: Cut a length of elastic to your waist measurement plus one inch. Thread it through the waistband casing using a large safety pin as a guide. Overlap the ends by about an inch and stitch them securely together by hand. Close up the opening with a few whipstitches using your yarn needle.
Adding a Drawstring: Alternatively, thread a length of chain through the waistband by working a simple surface chain along the fold line of the waistband, leaving long tails at the front center to tie in a bow.
Optional Embellishments and Variations
One of the best things about making your own crochet shorts is the ability to customize them endlessly. Here are a few ideas to make the pattern your own.
Fringe Hem: After completing the shorts, cut lengths of yarn about 6 inches long and fold them in half. Use your hook to pull each folded piece through a stitch along the hem and knot it in place. Trim to an even length for a boho fringe effect.
Striped Body: Switch yarn colors every two or three rounds for a fun striped look. Cotton yarn in contrasting colors makes beautiful, crisp stripes.
Lace Trim: Add a round of picot stitch or shell stitch around each leg opening for a delicate, feminine finish. Work (sc, ch 3, sc) in the same stitch, then skip 2 stitches and repeat around.
Longer Bermuda Style: Simply work more rounds in the leg section to create a longer bermuda short or even a casual crochet skirt effect.
Pockets: Add patch pockets to the front or back by crocheting a small square (about 4 inches by 4 inches) and slip stitching it to the body of the shorts on three sides.
Tips for Getting a Great Fit
Fit is everything when it comes to handmade shorts, and a few small adjustments can make a huge difference.
Try the shorts on periodically as you work, especially during the body section before the crotch split. This lets you catch any fit issues early when they’re easy to fix.
If you have a longer torso or higher waist, simply add more rounds to the body section. If you need more room in the hips, add a few extra chains at the cast-on and adjust your stitch count proportionally.
Cotton yarn has almost no stretch, which means you should aim for a 1–2 inch ease at the hips rather than a zero-ease fit. Crochet fabric made from cotton will not stretch to accommodate your body the way jersey knit does, so a little extra room is always a good idea.
If the crotch feels too snug, you can widen the gusset by adding extra stitches at the point where the legs divide. Work a few chain stitches across the gap between the two legs rather than working directly into the existing stitch count.
Yarn Substitutions
The great news is that this pattern works with a wide variety of yarns as long as you check your gauge. Here are a few substitutions to consider based on your preferences.
For a more rustic, natural look, try a linen-blend yarn like Paintbox Yarns Linen or Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton. These have a beautiful drape and get softer with every wash.
For extra softness, bamboo-cotton blends like Premier Yarns Basix or Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix Aran feel luxurious against the skin and work up quickly.
For a more lightweight, open fabric that’s perfect for layering over a swimsuit, try working the pattern with a DK weight cotton on a larger hook (5.5mm) to get a slightly lacier, airier result.
Avoid acrylic yarns for shorts. They don’t breathe the way natural fibers do, which makes them uncomfortable in warm weather, and they tend to look less polished in garment construction.
Caring for Your Crochet Shorts
Handmade garments deserve a little extra care, but cotton crochet is actually quite easy to maintain.
Machine wash your shorts on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid hot water, which can cause cotton to shrink and may distort your stitches. Skip the dryer — lay the shorts flat on a clean towel to dry, gently reshaping them while they’re still damp. Cotton dries relatively quickly and will be ready to wear in a few hours.
If your shorts get a little stretched out over time (this can happen with heavier cotton yarns), a cool wash and reshape will usually bring them back to their original dimensions.
Store them folded rather than hung to prevent stretching at the waistband.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this project take? For an experienced beginner or intermediate crocheter, expect to spend about 8–12 hours on this project from start to finish. That’s a very comfortable weekend project, especially if you work in a few sessions.
Can I make this pattern with bulky yarn? Bulky yarn will work, but you’ll need to adjust your stitch count significantly. Bulkier yarn also creates a stiffer fabric, so stick to cotton blends even in bulky weight for the best drape.
What if my shorts come out too big or too small? If they’re too big, try the next size down on your next attempt and go down a hook size. If they’re too small, go up a size or a hook size. The great thing about crochet is that adjusting is relatively simple once you understand how the stitch math works.
Can I make these for kids? Absolutely. Simply reduce the stitch count and measurements proportionally, and use a smaller hook with fingering or sport weight yarn for a lighter, finer fabric.
Final Thoughts
This easy crochet shorts pattern proves that you don’t need to be an advanced crocheter to make wearable, stylish garments. With some good cotton yarn, a little patience, and a willingness to swatch (please swatch!), you can have a custom pair of shorts that fit your body perfectly and show off your creativity.
Summer is short, so grab your hook and get started. Whether you’re making these for yourself, a friend, or as a handmade gift, crochet shorts are one of those projects that feels both practical and joyful from the very first stitch to the very last end woven in.
Happy crocheting, and don’t forget to share your finished pair — nothing inspires other crafters quite like seeing a real finished project styled and worn by the person who made it.
