Easy Crochet Shorts Pattern | Striped Summer Shorts Tutorial for Beginners

Summer is the perfect season to pick up your hook and create something you can actually wear. If you’ve been crocheting for a little while and want to move beyond scarves and dishcloths into real wearable projects, these striped crochet shorts are exactly what you’ve been looking for. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using basic stitches, simple construction, and a forgiving fit that works across a range of body types. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a breezy, colorful pair of shorts you can wear to the beach, the farmers market, or just lounging around on a warm afternoon.

Let’s dive in.

Why Crochet Your Own Shorts?

Before we get into the pattern itself, it’s worth talking about why making your own crochet shorts is such a rewarding project. Store-bought crochet or knit shorts are often expensive, and they rarely fit everyone perfectly. When you make your own, you have complete control over the waistband height, the inseam length, the colors, and the overall sizing. You can make them as short or as modest as you like, and you can change the stripe colors to match a swimsuit you already own or a favorite beach bag.

There’s also something deeply satisfying about wearing something you made yourself. People will ask you where you got them, and getting to say “I made them” never gets old.

Materials You’ll Need

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

Yarn: Choose a lightweight cotton yarn for this project. Cotton breathes well in warm weather, holds its shape, and is easy to wash. A DK weight or light worsted weight cotton yarn works beautifully. You’ll need approximately 400 to 600 yards of your main color and 200 to 300 yards of your contrasting color, depending on your size. Good brands to look for include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, or Drops Safran.

Hook: A 4.0mm or 4.5mm crochet hook works well with DK to light worsted cotton. Always check your gauge before starting, because gauge is especially important in garment making.

Other supplies: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a measuring tape, stitch markers, and a half-inch wide elastic cut to your waist measurement.

Sizing and Gauge

This pattern is written to be worked in the round from the waistband down. The construction is simple: you’ll crochet a tube for the waistband and hips, then separate the legs and work each one individually.

Gauge: 16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet using a 4.5mm hook and DK weight cotton. Always make a gauge swatch before starting. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it’s too large, go down a hook size.

Sizes: This pattern covers XS through XL. Here are the approximate hip measurements for each size.

XS fits hips 32 to 34 inches. S fits hips 35 to 37 inches. M fits hips 38 to 40 inches. L fits hips 41 to 43 inches. XL fits hips 44 to 46 inches.

Stitch Abbreviations

If you’re relatively new to reading crochet patterns, here’s a quick reference for the stitches used in this pattern.

CH means chain. SL ST means slip stitch. SC means single crochet. HDC means half double crochet. HDC2TOG means half double crochet two together, which is your decrease stitch. YO means yarn over. ST means stitch.

Understanding the Construction

These shorts are worked from the top down in continuous rounds. You’ll start with the waistband, work the hip section with a few simple increases to shape the seat, and then divide the work at the crotch to work each leg separately. The stripe pattern is created by simply switching colors every few rounds, which makes it a perfect colorwork project for beginners because there are no complicated techniques involved. Weave in your ends as you go to make finishing easier at the end.

The Pattern

Step One: The Waistband

To begin, chain a number of stitches that equals your waist measurement plus one inch of ease. For a 30-inch waist, chain approximately 130 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist your chain.

Round 1: Chain 1, single crochet in every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. This forms the foundation of your waistband.

Round 2 through Round 5: Continue working in single crochet around, joining at the end of each round. This creates a firm, flat waistband that will hold your elastic casing.

Round 6: Chain 1, single crochet around. Do not join. You’ll begin working in a continuous spiral from this point forward, which eliminates the visible jog that joining rounds can create in stripe patterns.

After you finish the body of the shorts, you’ll fold this waistband section over and sew it down to create a casing for the elastic. Set a stitch marker at the beginning of your rounds so you always know where you are.

Step Two: The Hip Section

Now you’ll switch to half double crochet, which gives the shorts a slightly stretchy, drapey fabric that’s comfortable to wear. This is also where you introduce your first color if you want to start the stripes right away, or you can work a few plain rounds before beginning the stripe pattern. Either approach looks great.

The hip section is worked straight for several rounds with occasional increases to account for the difference between your waist and hip measurement.

For Size S (adjust for other sizes as noted):

Rounds 7 through 10: HDC in every stitch around.

Round 11 (increase round): HDC in the first 15 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch. Repeat this sequence around. This adds one stitch every 16 stitches and provides the gentle flare needed for the hips.

Rounds 12 through 14: HDC in every stitch around.

Round 15 (increase round): HDC in the first 18 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch. Repeat around.

Continue in this way, working two or three straight rounds between each increase round, until the piece measures your hip circumference divided by 3.14 (your radius) and the total length from the waistband to the crotch is roughly 9 to 11 inches, depending on how high-rise you want your shorts to be.

For a more low-rise look, work fewer rounds in the hip section. For a high-waisted style, work more rounds and add more increases to keep the silhouette smooth over the hips.

Step Three: The Stripe Pattern

The stripe pattern in these shorts is refreshingly simple. Work two rounds of your main color, then two rounds of your contrasting color, alternating throughout the entire pattern. When you switch colors, simply drop the old color at the end of a round and pick up the new one. Carry the unused yarn loosely along the inside of the work or cut it and rejoin as needed. Because you’re working in the round, the color changes will create clean, crisp stripes without any extra effort.

Feel free to play with the stripe widths. Three rounds of each color creates bolder stripes. Five rounds creates wide, vacation-ready stripes. Alternating single rounds of three different colors creates a more playful, festival-inspired look. This is your pattern, so make it yours.

Step Four: Dividing for the Legs

Once your hip section is the right length and you’ve reached the crotch point, it’s time to divide the work and begin the two legs separately.

Count your total stitches and divide by two. Mark the halfway point with a stitch marker. These two halves will become the front and the back of each leg opening.

Front Leg Opening:

Using your yarn needle, cut a length of yarn and use it to seam the crotch. You can use a whip stitch or a single crochet join on the inside for a clean finish. Most crocheters prefer to crochet the crotch seam because it creates a more durable join that can handle movement and wear.

To crochet the crotch seam, hold the front and back of the leg opening together with right sides facing and single crochet through both layers for approximately 2 to 3 inches. This closes the bottom center of the shorts and creates the two leg openings.

Step Five: Working the Legs

Now you’ll work each leg separately. Attach your yarn at the inside edge of one leg opening and begin working in the round around the entire leg circumference.

Rounds 1 through 5 of the Leg: HDC in every stitch around, continuing your stripe pattern.

If you want a more fitted leg that tapers slightly toward the hem, work a decrease round every 5 rounds.

Decrease Round: HDC in the first 12 stitches, HDC2TOG. Repeat around. This reduces your stitch count slightly and brings the leg in toward the knee.

Continue working until the leg is your desired length. For a classic short-shorts length, the inseam should be about 2 to 3 inches. For a mid-thigh length, work the inseam out to about 5 to 6 inches.

Leg Hem: To finish each leg with a clean, polished edge, work one round of single crochet around the leg opening. This creates a firm hem that won’t curl or roll up as you wear them. You can also work a simple picot edging if you want a more decorative finish.

To work a picot edge: single crochet in the first 2 stitches, then chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain of those 3 to form a little picot. Single crochet in the next 2 stitches and repeat around. It looks beautiful and takes almost no extra time.

Repeat all leg steps for the second leg.

Step Six: Finishing the Waistband

Now it’s time to finish the waistband and insert the elastic. Fold the waistband section (the single crochet rounds you worked at the very beginning) down toward the inside of the shorts. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, whip stitch the folded edge to the inside of the shorts, leaving a gap of about 2 inches to thread the elastic through.

Cut your elastic to your exact waist measurement (not your hip measurement). Thread it through the casing using a large safety pin or a bodkin. Overlap the ends of the elastic by about half an inch and sew them securely together. Close the gap in the waistband casing with a few whip stitches.

Give the waistband a gentle tug to distribute the gathers evenly around the elastic.

Step Seven: Weaving In Ends and Blocking

Weave in all remaining yarn ends using your yarn needle. Take your time with this step, weaving each end in at least two directions so it doesn’t come loose with wear or washing.

Blocking your finished shorts makes a tremendous difference in how they look and feel. Fill a basin with cool water and submerge the shorts completely. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing. Lay the shorts flat on a clean towel, smooth them into shape, and let them air dry completely before wearing them.

Wet blocking cotton is especially effective because it helps the stitches relax and even out, giving your finished shorts a polished, professional look.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Use stitch markers generously throughout this project. Mark the beginning of each round, mark your increase points, and mark the crotch division point. Stitch markers are inexpensive and they save you from having to recount constantly.

Check your gauge after completing the hip section. Hold the piece up to your body and see if the circumference matches your measurements before you continue. It’s much easier to frog a few rounds than to finish an entire pair of shorts that don’t fit.

If you find the fabric is too stiff, try going up a half hook size or switching to a yarn with a looser twist. Tightly spun cotton can create a very firm fabric, which is great for bags but less ideal for garments.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the length. Crochet is wonderfully forgiving. If your shorts feel a little too long, simply stop a few rounds earlier and work your hem. If you want them longer, add more rounds before finishing. The pattern is a guide, not a set of rules you must follow to the letter.

Color Combination Ideas

Part of what makes these shorts so fun to make is the nearly endless color possibilities. Here are a few combinations that look particularly beautiful in this pattern.

Classic nautical stripes in navy blue and crisp white never go out of style. Coral and cream creates a warm, beachy feel that pairs well with a white swimsuit top. Sage green and butter yellow feels fresh and modern and works beautifully with neutral sandals. Hot pink and tangerine creates a bold, energetic look that’s perfect for festival season. Black and white stripes are endlessly chic and make the shorts feel elevated and versatile.

You can also work these shorts in a single solid color for a more understated look. A deep olive, a warm terracotta, or a classic denim blue all make beautiful solid-color versions of this pattern.

Caring for Your Crochet Shorts

Cotton crochet items are generally easy to care for, but a few tips will help your shorts stay looking great through many summers.

Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry rather than putting them in the dryer. High heat can cause cotton yarn to shrink. If the shorts do shrink slightly after washing, re-wet them and gently stretch them back into shape while they dry. Store them folded rather than hung to prevent the waistband from stretching out over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a thicker yarn to make this project go faster? Yes, you can substitute a worsted weight yarn and a 5.0mm to 5.5mm hook. Just be aware that the fabric will be thicker and slightly less drapey, and your yardage requirements will increase significantly. Adjust your stitch count to achieve the right measurements for your size.

What if I’ve never worked garments in the round before? This pattern is a gentle introduction to in-the-round garment construction because there are no complex shaping techniques. As long as you’re comfortable with the basic half double crochet stitch and you check your gauge, you should be able to complete this project successfully.

Can I skip the elastic and use a drawstring instead? Absolutely. Instead of sewing the waistband casing closed, work a round of chain-3 spaces evenly spaced around the waistband before folding it over. Thread a length of coordinating ribbon or a crocheted cord through these spaces to create a drawstring closure. This is a lovely alternative that also makes sizing easier.

Final Thoughts

These easy crochet striped shorts are one of those projects that combines the satisfaction of making something beautiful with the joy of wearing it almost immediately. From first stitch to finished garment, you can complete this project in a weekend, and once you’ve made one pair, you’ll want to make them in every color combination imaginable.

Whether you’re a beginner just getting confident with your tension and gauge or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick, wearable summer project, these shorts deliver on every front. They’re practical, they’re stylish, and they’re made by your own hands, which makes them more valuable than anything you could pull off a rack.

Grab your hook, pick out your summer colors, and get started. The beach is waiting.