Looking for a crochet shorts pattern that’s comfortable, customizable, and actually practical to wear? These crochet shorts are made with a stretchy sport weight yarn and feature an elastic waistband for the perfect combination of comfort, flexibility, and style.

Designed in sizes XS through XXL, this pattern is worked from the top down so you can easily adjust the length to suit your style. Keep them short for a fun summer look, add extra rounds for longer shorts, or continue crocheting to create lightweight pants.

The body uses a simple 2-row repeat that works up quickly and is easy to memorize. Combined with step-by-step photo tutorials and a full video tutorial, this project is suitable for adventurous beginners as well as experienced crocheters.

These crochet shorts were originally inspired by beachwear, but they’re versatile enough for so much more. Wear them as casual summer shorts, over your swimsuit at the beach or pool, on vacation, at backyard BBQs, festivals, picnics, or anywhere you want a lightweight handmade garment that’s both comfortable and stylish.

I designed this pattern using Perfect Bikini Stretch Yarn because of its excellent stretch and recovery. Along with the elastic waistband, it creates a comfortable fit that moves with you while helping the shorts keep their shape. If you’d like to substitute another yarn, be sure to check your gauge before getting started.

Whether you’re making your first pair of crochet shorts or adding another handmade summer staple to your wardrobe, I hope you enjoy this free crochet shorts pattern.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different yarn for this crochet shorts pattern?
Yes, but be sure to check your gauge before starting. The pattern was designed using Perfect Bikini Stretch Yarn, which provides excellent stretch and recovery.

Can I make these crochet shorts longer?
Absolutely. Since the shorts are worked from the top down, you can easily add extra rounds to customize the length.

Can I turn these crochet shorts into pants?
Yes. Continue working additional rounds until you reach your desired length.

Are these crochet shorts beginner friendly?
The pattern uses a simple 2-row repeat and includes both photo tutorials and a step-by-step video tutorial, making it suitable for adventurous beginners.

Do these crochet shorts have an elastic waistband?
Yes. An elastic waistband is added for extra comfort, structure, and a secure fit.

If you’d rather work from a clean, printable version without ads, you can grab the PDF below:

Get the PDF here Etsy, Ravelry, Lovecrafts

Keep scrolling for the free pattern

If you’re looking for more crochet fun projects to work on, you might like these crochet patterns below

1 Crochet Kimono / 2 Crochet Lacy Summer Top / 3 Crochet Side Slit Cardigan

Materials

I used 2 colors of Perfect Bikini Stretch #2 fine/sport weight yarn
2.5 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
2 stitch markers
Elastic band
Sewing needle and thread to sew the elastic band

*These materials contain affiliate links, for which I make a small commission. It’s no extra cost to you, makes shopping easier and helps to keep the lights on.

Stitches Used & Code (US Term)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together
dc3tog = double crochet 3 stitches together
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
bl = back loop
sp = space
beg dc = Beginning double crochet: 1 sc and then ch 1 losely
beg = beginning
YO = yarn over the hook
FDC = Foundation double crochet
REP = repeat
” = inches
Seamless join in the round = Slip stitch into the back loop of the first stitch. Pull the loop on your hook up slightly and remove the hook. Then insert the hook into the next stitch from behind to the front, going through both loops of the stitch and pull through. Check picture below the waistband section on how to make a seamless join

Skill: Easy intermediate

Notes:

This pattern uses English (US) Terminology
This crochet shorts pattern is made as women’s sizes XS(S, M, L, XL, XXL)
In this picture I have demonstrated with size small

Yarn needed:

Color A: 270(330, 400, 470, 540, 610) yards
Color B: 150(180, 220, 260, 300, 340) yards

Gauge blocked: 28 dc X 14 row = 4″ (The waistband and the body of the shorts are the same gauge measurements). Please adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge

Finished Garment Measurements After blocking (All measurements are taken without stretching the shorts. The shorts will stretch a few inches when worn)

Waist circumference: 28.28″(29.14″, 30.85″, 32.57″, 34.28″, 36″)
Hip circumference: 32.57″(34.28″, 36.85″, 39.42″, 42″, 44.57″)
Inseam length: 2″(2″, 2.57″, 3.14″, 3.71″, 4.28″)
Total length: 11.71″(12.85″, 13.42″, 15.14″, 16.85″, 18.57″)

Crochet Shorts Pattern

Waistband

*Notes for the waistband only:

For the waistband, I’ll be using a seamless join at the end of each round. You can also simply sl st into the first st to join.
At the beginning of each round, I’ll be making a beg dc in the same st where I pulled up the loop for the seamless join. If you’re using a sl st join instead, start with ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) and continue the pattern as written.
For the seamless join, place a stitch marker in the sl st join and another in the beg dc of the next round. This helps identify the first and last st of each round.
Check pictures below

Round 1 (Color A): There are two ways to start. You can make 198(204, 216, 228, 240, 252) FDC, which is the method I personally used, or make 200(206, 218, 230, 242, 254) ch loosely, then sk 3 ch (count as 1 dc), 1 dc into next and each ch across, then we’ll join the ends together to form the waistband, I prefer to use a seamless join method. Total of 198(204, 216, 228, 240, 252) dc

Round 2 (Color A): beg dc into the first st (same st that you pull your loop up at the end of previous round), 1 dc into next and each st around, end the round with a seamless join method. Total of 198(204, 216, 228, 240, 252) dc

Round 3 – Round 9: REP Round 2

Round 10: 1 sc into first st (same st that you pull your loop up at the end of previous round), *ch 3, sk 2 st, 1 sc into next st* REP from *TO* until you have 2 st left, ch 3, sk next 2 st, sl st into the first sc, cut the yarn. Total of 66(68, 72, 76, 80, 84) ch-sp. Check picture below

Body

*Notes:

Before we start the body, we’re going to place some stitch markers. First, place the first stitch marker in the ch-sp that you want to be the center back of your shorts. Then skip 32 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41) ch-sp and place the second stitch marker in the next ch-sp. This will mark the center front of your shorts. You should have 32 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41) ch-sp remaining on the other side as well.
Be sure to keep your stitch markers in the same center front and center back chain spaces throughout the pattern.
I’ll be cutting the yarn every time I change colors, but this is completely optional. You can also carry the unused yarn along the back of your work and bring it up whenever you need it again.

Round 1 (Color B): Add new yarn into the center back ch-sp, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into the same sp, 3 dc into next and each ch-sp until you reach the center front ch-sp, 6 dc into the center front ch-sp, 3 dc into next and each ch-sp across, end the round with, 3 dc into the same center back ch-sp, sl st into the beg 3rd ch. Total of 204(210, 222, 234, 246, 258) dc. Check picture below

Round 2 (Color B): ch 2 loosely (do not count as a st), dc2tog, ch 3, *dc3tog, ch 3* REP from *TO* around, end the round with sl st into the first dc2tog, cut the yarn. Total of 68(70, 74, 78, 82, 86) ch-sp. Check picture below

Round 3 (Color A): REP Round 1. Total of 210(216, 228, 240, 252, 264) dc

Round 4 (Color A): REP Round 2. Total of 70(72, 76, 80, 84, 88) ch-sp

REP Round 1 – Round 4: 5(6, 6, 7, 8, 9) more times. You’ll have a total of 24(28, 28, 32, 36, 40) rounds.

You’ll increase in every other round. By the end of round 24(28, 28, 32, 36, 40), you’ll have a total of 90(96, 100, 108, 116, 124) ch-sp. Check picture below

Right Leg (When you’re wearing it)

Round 1 (Color B): Add new yarn into the center back ch-sp, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into the same sp, 3 dc into next and each ch-sp until you reach the center front ch-sp, 3 dc into the center front ch-sp, ch 12(12, 15, 18, 21, 24), sl st into the beg 3rd ch. Total of 150(159, 168, 183, 198, 213) st included ch st. Check picture below

Round 2 (Color B): ch 2 loosely (do not count as a st), dc2tog, ch 3, *dc3tog, ch 3* REP from *TO* around, when you reach the ch st, work into it just like you would a regular st, end the round with sl st into the first dc2tog, cut the yarn. Total of 50(53, 56, 61, 66, 71) ch-sp. Check picture below

Round 3 (Color A): You can add the new yarn wherever you prefer. I like to add mine along the inside seam of the shorts, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into the same sp, 3 dc into next and each ch-sp around, end the round with, sl st into the beg 3rd ch. Total of 150(159, 168, 183, 198, 213) dc

Round 4 (Color A): ch 2 loosely (do not count as a st), dc2tog, ch 3, *dc3tog, ch 3* REP from *TO* around, end the round with sl st into the first dc2tog, cut the yarn. Total of 50(53, 56, 61, 66, 71) ch-sp

Sizes XS and S only:

Round 5 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 6 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 7 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 8 (Color A): ch 1, *sl st into next st, ch 1* REP from *TO* around, cut the yarn and weave the end.

Size M only:

Round 5 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 6 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 7 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 8 (Color A): REP Round 4

Round 9 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 10 (Color B): ch 1, *sl st into next st, ch 1* REP from *TO* around, cut the yarn and weave the end.

Size L only:

Round 5 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 6 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 7 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 8 (Color A): REP Round 4

Round 9 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 10 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 11 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 12 (Cold A): ch 1, *sl st into next st, ch 1* REP from *TO* around, cut the yarn and weave the end.

Size XL only:

Round 5 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 6 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 7 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 8 (Color A): REP Round 4

Round 9 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 10 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 11 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 12 (Color A): REP Round 4

Round 13 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 14 (Cold B): ch 1, *sl st into next st, ch 1* REP from *TO* around, cut the yarn and weave the end.

Size XXL only:

Round 5 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 6 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 7 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 8 (Color A): REP Round 4

Round 9 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 10 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 11 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 12 (Color A): REP Round 4

Round 13 (Color B): REP Round 3

Round 14 (Color B): REP Round 4

Round 15 (Color A): REP Round 3

Round 16 (Color A): ch 1, *sl st into next st, ch 1* REP from *TO* around, cut the yarn and weave the end.

*Note: I designed these shorts to be on the shorter side, with an inseam of about 2″(2″, 2.57″, 3.14″, 3.71″, 4.28″). If you prefer longer shorts, or even want to turn them into pants, just keep repeating Rounds 3 and 4, and change colors every two rounds. Be sure to make the same number of rounds on both legs. Check picture below

Left Leg (When you’re wearing it)

Round 1 (Color B): Add new yarn into the center front ch-sp, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into the same sp, 3 dc into next and each ch-sp until you reach the center back ch-sp, 3 dc into the center back ch-sp, 1 dc into each 12(12, 15, 18, 21, 24) ch that you did on the right leg, sl st into the beg 3rd ch. Total of 150(159, 168, 183, 198, 213) dc. Check picture below

Round 2 – Round 8(8, 10, 12, 14, 16) make the same as the right leg making the same number of rounds as you did for the right leg. Check picture below

Adding the elastic band into the shorts waistband

How to cut the elastic band: This is depending on how you like them to fit, and there are a lot of different kinds of elastic bands out there, but here’s my recommendation.

Light elastic band cut 19″(21″, 23″, 25″, 28″, 32″)
Medium elastic band cut 21″(23″, 25″, 27″, 30″, 34″)
Heavy duty elastic band cut 25″(27″, 29″, 31″, 34″, 38″)

Keep in mind that the elastic band is going to hold up the shorts, so cut it shorter if you need to. After that you can sew the elastic band ends together. You can sew it by hand or sewing machine.

Attaching the elastic into the crochet shorts waistband:

*Notes:

Make sure to weave the end where we started the waistband before attaching the elastic band
I hold 2 strands of color A together, it will cover the elastic band much better then just 1 strand

Step 1: Make a slip knot, insert hook into the loop, bring your elastic band and hold it on your left hand

Step 2: Insert hook into any st of the waistband you prefer. Make sure to go under the elastic band and the working yarn should be above the elastic band. YO pull up a loop, YO pull through all loops on hook (Basically we’ve just made a sc)

Step 3: Insert hook into next st. Make sure to go under the elastic band and the working yarn should be above the elastic band. YO pull up a loop, YO pull through all loops on hook (Basically we’ve just made a sc)

REP step 3 around the waistband, cut the yarn and weave all the ends (I used the invisible join). Check picture below