How to Make Easy & Stylish Crochet Granny Square Shorts

Granny square shorts are a unique and colorful way to wear your crochet creations. These cute and comfortable shorts are handmade by combining traditional granny squares, making them stylish and playful. Perfect for everyday wear, lounging at home, or even gifting to someone special, these shorts add charm and vibrancy to any outfit. They’re not just clothing; they’re a piece of art you can wear.

Crochet Granny Square Shorts

To create these lovely shorts, you’ll start by making two granny square pieces using colorful yarns. Then you’ll join the two pieces together, add leg holes, and finish up with a neat waistband. While the tutorial explains each step in detail, you don’t need to worry about technical terms; just follow along. It’s a wonderful way to practice crochet skills and create something wearable at the same time.

Personal Touch

These shorts can fit various sizes and styles, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Add a colorful tie at the waist to bring everything together, and you’ll have an adorable and comfy pair of shorts that’s unique to you. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you love, granny square shorts are sure to bring smiles.

Credit Dee’s Creations

Materials and Preparation

To crochet these granny square shorts, you’ll need:

• Yarn: Roubini yarn, 100% acrylic (or similar), doubling the strands to make the stitches more manageable.
• Hook: 5mm crochet hook.
• Additional Tools:
  • Tape measure (for accurate measurements).
  • Scissors (to cut yarn neatly).
  • Yarn needle (to weave in ends).
• Finished Measurements:
  • Without stretching: 12 inches across the waistband.
  • With stretching: Up to 15 inches (adjust based on the recipient’s waist size).

Abbreviations and Notes

Abbreviations:

• CH: Chain
• DC: Double Crochet
• SC: Single Crochet
• SL ST: Slip Stitch
• YO: Yarn Over

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Step-by-Step Pattern

1. Foundation Row (Creating the Ring)

1. Start with a magic ring.
2. CH 3 (this counts as the first DC).
3. Perform 2 DCs into the ring.
4. CH 1, then work another set of 3 DCs into the ring.
5. Repeat the above pattern (3 DCs + CH 1) until you complete 4 sets of clusters.
6. SL ST to the top of the first chain to close the ring.
7. Pull the yarn tail to tighten the ring.

2. Building the Granny Square

Row 1:

1. CH 3 and turn your work.
2. Into the last CH 1 space: 2 DCs (counts as 1 shell cluster).
3. CH 1, then move to the next CH 1 space and make another shell: 3 DCs, CH 2, 3 DCs.
4. Repeat in all CH 1 spaces around the ring.
5. SL ST to the first CH 3 to close the round.

Rows 2-4:

1. Continue building the granny square by performing clusters in each CH space from the previous row:
   • 3 DCs + CH 1 for spaces between groups.
   • 3 DCs + CH 2 + 3 DCs for corners.
2. Increase the square incrementally until you’ve created a size appropriate for your desired shorts width.

3. Joining Two Granny Squares

1. Once you’ve created two identical granny squares (front and back pieces), place them with the right sides facing inward.
2. Use a SL ST method to join the edges:
   • Starting from the bottom corner, perform SL STs into both squares while working upward.
   • Alternate between squares to ensure both edges match evenly.
3. Stop stitching where the waist begins. This creates the shape of the shorts.

4. Shaping the Leg Holes

Row 1:

1. In the middle of one leg hole, attach your yarn using a SL ST.
2. CH 3 and work 3 DCs in each CH space around the leg opening.
3. CH 1 between clusters.

Rows 2-3:

1. Continue working three rows of granny square patterns for the leg holes.
2. If desired, switch colors after completing row 3 to add contrast.

5. Creating the Waistband

Row 1:

1. Attach yarn to the top edge of the shorts (waist edge).
2. Perform a shell stitch (cluster of 3 DCs + CH 1) around the waistband.

Rows 2-6:

1. Switch to a mesh stitch pattern:
   • Perform CH 1, SK next stitch, and DC into the following stitch.
   • Continue around the waistband edge.
2. Change colors between rows for a striped effect.

6. Finishing Touches

1. Weave In Ends: Use a yarn needle to securely weave in all excess yarn tails.
2. Create a Drawstring: Make a long chain and weave it through the waistband mesh to create adjustable shorts.
3. Tie the drawstring securely, and your granny square shorts are ready to wear!

Video Tutorial