Free Crochet Drawstring Shorts Pattern For Easy Comfort
Step into summer style with this free crochet drawstring shorts pattern that offers soft comfy shorts for beach trips and casual outings.
Shorts are not just easy to make-they are stylish, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear. This free crochet pattern is simple, fun, and perfect for beginners or experienced crocheters. You can use recycled yarn, just like in the pattern, or choose a new yarn in your favorite colors. These shorts feel soft and cozy on the skin, making them ideal for lounging around the house or enjoying sunny days outdoors. The beauty of this pattern lies in its customizable design. You can adjust the size to fit your waist and hips perfectly. The design includes a stretchy waistband and an adjustable drawstring, ensuring the shorts won't slip and will always look flattering.
Cool Free Crochet Drawstring Shorts Pattern For Summer Fun
Whether you want them short and cute or long and comfy, the pattern lets you create shorts that suit your personal style. Working with simple double crochet stitches and chains, you will start by making the waistband, followed by creating the crotch shape and two identical leg openings. What makes this project exciting is the option to add fun, decorative touches-like colorful stripes, edges, or appliques, as shown in the pattern. You can also use leftover yarn to create unique designs, making each pair of shorts truly special.
Features and Benefits:
- Easy to follow instructions that even beginners can use.
- Custom fit design for a snug and stylish look.
- Stretchy waistband and drawstring for comfort and security.
- Perfect for recycling old yarn to make something useful and fashionable.
Crochet Drawstring Shorts Pattern
Finished Size
This pattern is designed to be customizable to fit any body. Adjust the chain length and row count for the perfect fit. Below are examples based on the tutorial video:
- Waist: Approximately 34 inches (stretches to fit up to 36 inches).
- Hip: Approximately 46 inches.
- Length: Booty short style (~7 rows per leg) or longer if desired by adding rows.
Feel free to adjust the total chain count and rows to fit any size waist, hip, or desired length.
Materials
- Yarn
- Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn.
- Approx. 360-400 yards for an average size, depending on length and size.
- Example used in the video: Recycled Red Heart Yarn.
- Crochet Hooks
- 5.5 mm hook for the main parts of the shorts (base, legs, crotch).
- 5 mm hook for the waistband ribbing for a tighter fit.
- Accessories
- Measuring tape: To measure the waist, hip, and desired length.
- Darning needle: For weaving in ends and attaching decorations.
- Scissors: To trim yarn.
- Stitch markers: To mark leg openings and crotch placement.
Gauge
Gauge is essential to ensure proper fit. The recommended gauge for this pattern is:
- 14 double crochet (DC) x 7 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) square.
If your gauge differs, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- FPDC: front post double crochet
- BPDC: back post double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- rep: repeat
- st(s): stitch(es)
Key Notes
- Sizing Guidelines:
- Chain a foundation length that is slightly larger than your waist but smaller than your hips to allow elasticity.
- Check measurements regularly throughout the process.
- Neat Edges:
- Work into the back bumps of the foundation chain for a clean finish.
- Adjustments:
- Add rows to the waistband or legs as needed for a better fit.
- Use a smaller hook for tighter sections, like the waistband.
Pattern Instructions
Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Start with the Waistband:
- Use your 5.5 mm hook to make a slip knot.
- Chain a length that measures your waist circumference plus stretch for your hips. Example: 18 inches flat = 36 inches in circumference.
- Ensure the chain isn't twisted, then join into a circle with a slip stitch.
- First Row - Back Bump DC:
- Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).
- Double crochet (DC) into each back bump of the foundation chain.
- Sl st to the first DC to close the round.
- Tubular DC Rows:
- Chain 2, turn your work, and DC into each stitch all the way around.
- Slip stitch to the first DC at the end of each round.
- Total Waistband Rows:
- Crochet 14 rows, or adjust the number to match your desired waistband to crotch depth.
Step 2: Splitting for Legs
- Mark the Leg Openings:
- Count the total stitches in your waistband. Example: 140 stitches.
- Divide the total count evenly in half and mark the splits for two leg openings. Example: 70 stitches per leg.
- Create the Crotch Bridge:
- Rejoin the yarn at one stitch marker.
- Chain 16 to 20 chains for the crotch width. Example: 18 chains = 7 inches across.
- Sl st into the opposite stitch marker to form the bridge.
You now have two leg openings, connected by the crotch chains.
Step 3: Working the Legs
- First Leg:
- Start at the crotch chain, ch 2, and DC into the same stitch.
- Continue working DC into each stitch around the leg opening, including all crotch chains (~88 stitches in total).
- Sl st to the first DC to close the round.
- Create Desired Length:
- Repeat rounds of DC for 7 rounds for booty length shorts or as many rounds as desired for additional length.
- Finish this leg with a round of single crochet (SC) using a contrasting color for a polished hem, if desired.
- Second Leg:
- Repeat all steps from the first leg for the second leg opening.
Step 4: Adding Ribbed Waistband
- Attach Yarn for Ribbing:
- Use a 5 mm hook for tighter stitches.
- Join yarn at the top of the waistband.
- Ribbing Round 1:
- Chain 2. Work 1 FPDC and 1 BPDC alternately around the waistband.
- Join with a sl st to the first FPDC.
- Ribbing Round 2 (Optional):
- Repeat FPDC into FPDC and BPDC into BPDC from the previous round for added texture.
- Single Crochet Edging:
- For a decorative finish, add a final round of SC in a contrasting yarn color.
Step 5: Create a Drawstring
- Make an I Cord:
- With your 5.5 mm hook, make a slip knot and chain 3.
- Pull up loops in the remaining chains to create 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops; then yarn over and pull through the final loop. Insert back into the next two loops and pull through to complete the next step in the I cord.
- Continue until your cord reaches the desired length (about 40-50 inches).
- Weave the Drawstring:
- Weave the cord evenly through the ribbing, skipping about 4 stitches per lace opening.
Customization Ideas
- Colors and Stripes:
- Use multicolored yarns or create stripes along the legs and waistband for a unique look.
- Appliques and Decorations:
- Add appliques (e.g., coasters, crocheted flowers) to the shorts for a decorative touch.
- Length Variations:
- Add more rows to the legs for a longer length. For higher rise shorts, add rows above the waistband tube before adding the ribbing.
- Texture:
- Experiment with textured stitches like shells, granny stripes, or cables for an intricate design.
Finishing Touches
- Weaving in Ends:
- Use a darning needle to weave in all loose ends securely.
- Blocking (Optional):
- Lightly block the shorts to smooth out stitches and improve fit.
- Fit Check:
- Try the shorts on to ensure the waistband, rise, crotch, and legs fit as desired.
Special Techniques
- Back-Bump Beginnings:
- Working DC into the back bumps of the foundation chain creates neater edges.
- Front/Back Post Stitches:
- Alternating FPDC/BPDC stitches in the waistband ribbing creates a structured elastic fit.
- Invisible Decrease at Crotch Joins:
- To avoid adding extra stitches when joining crotch and leg edges, make incompletely formed DCs into two consecutive stitches, then finish as one.
Conclusion
This crochet shorts pattern is both simple and fun to create. Offering flexibility in size, length, and design, it allows crocheters to make a custom piece tailored to their preferences. The ribbed waistband ensures a snug fit, while the drawstring provides additional adjustability. Whether you prefer booty shorts or longer designs, this pattern can be adapted to suit any style or body type.
Add your own personal touches using colors, textures, and appliques to create a unique look. These viral crochet shorts will be a wearable celebration of both creativity and skill-perfect for expressing your crochet talents.
Final Look
The finished shorts feature:
- A ribbed waistband with a secure drawstring.
- Symmetrical leg openings finished with a clean hem.
- Comfortable fit at the waist and hips with sufficient stretch for movement.
- Optional decorative appliques for personalized style.











