Granny Square Crochet Shorts stand out as a stylish and creative way to blend comfort and fashion. This pattern is unique because it transforms the classic granny square motif into playful and wearable shorts, perfect for contemporary boho style. One standout element from the tutorial is how it incorporates joining techniques that give the shorts a seamless and professional finish.
Trendy Granny Square Crochet Shorts Pattern
These shorts take inspiration from retro-style crochet patterns combined with modern trends. Perfect for summer festivals, beach outings, or casual hangouts, they suit warm weather while keeping things light and breezy. They’re practical yet trendy, making them a versatile addition to your seasonal wardrobe.
Stitch Pattern & Structural Elements
The design uses the timeless granny square motif combined into a well-structured framework to craft shorts that fit comfortably. The tutorial emphasizes symmetry and balance in the construction, ensuring that the granny squares connect smoothly while maintaining the right shape.
Features & Benefits
- Customizable Look: You can use your favorite color palette, making each pair one-of-a-kind.
- Comfortable & Stylish: Lightweight yarn and airy stitches offer comfort with fashionable appeal.
- Beginner-Friendly Steps: The explained methods allow even those new to crochet to enjoy making this garment.
- Perfect Length: Adjustable design ensures you can craft the shorts in the length you prefer.
Step By Step Pattern
Materials
To create these stunning granny square crochet shorts, you’ll need the following:
- Yarn: 100% fingering acrylic yarn (feel free to choose any lightweight yarn in your preferred color palette). This tutorial uses four colors to achieve a “Rasta” look.
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm hook.
- Tape Measure: For accurate sizing.
- Scissors: To cut yarn as needed.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in the ends.
Optional: If you’d like a secure waist, use a drawstring or elastic band as an adjustment option.
Stitch Guide
Here are the basic crochet techniques used in this tutorial:
- Slip Knot: A common way to start crochet projects.
- Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull through the loop.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert the hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull through both loops.
- Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again, pull through (3 loops on the hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops.
- Shell Stitch (shell): A cluster of 3 double crochet stitches separated by a chain-2 space (e.g., 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Notes
- Gauge Adjustment: To ensure a proper fit, measure your hips and round fly (waist-to-upper-thigh measurement). Deduct 1 inch from the total hip measurement for snug shorts.
- Panel Creation: The shorts are made from two identical panels joined together.
- Customization: You can add or reduce rows for longer or shorter shorts. If tightening is needed for the thigh area, reduce the chain spaces to chain-1 instead of chain-2. Similarly, the waistband height is adjustable by adding more rows at the top.
- Yarn Color Changes: To create a colorful look, shift yarn colors after every few rows. Secure yarn tightly and weave in ends neatly.
Step-by-Step Pattern
1. Creating the First Panel
- Start with a slipknot and chain 8.
- Join the chain into a ring using a slip stitch to form the first loop.
- Foundation Row:
- Chain 3 (counts as your first dc).
- Inside the loop, make 2 double crochet (dc), chain 2, and create another set of 3 double crochet. Repeat this until you have 4 clusters of “3 dc, ch 2” inside the loop.
- Close the circle with a slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3.
2. Building the Granny Square
- Row 2 Onward:
- Chain 5 (first 3 count as dc + 2 for a chain space), turn the work.
- Work a shell stitch (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into each chain-2 space from the previous row.
- For all other chain-2 spaces, make 3 dc (no chaining between clusters).
- End each row with a chain 2 and a dc in the last stitch.
- Keep repeating rows until you reach half your hip size, ensuring that the width when stretched matches half of your calculated measurement.
3. Create the Second Panel
Follow the exact same steps to create a second panel. Ensure both panels are identical in size.
4. Joining the Panels
- Hold the two panels side by side, ensuring they’re aligned at the middle points.
- With the yarn, join the middle points of both panels by slip-stitching into the corresponding chain-2 spaces of each.
- Continue joining the sides of the shorts by alternating slip stitches and stitches across both panels until you reach the thigh gap.
- Secure the join with a slip stitch, cut the yarn, and weave in the ends.
5. Closing the Side Seams & Adjusting the Shorts
- Join the sides of the shorts (the left and right portions) by attaching yarn at the bottom of the crotch area.
- Work slip stitches across both sides (or use single crochet for added visual effect). Stop when the side seam is fully connected.
6. Working on the Thighs
- Attach the yarn to the chain-2 space of the crotch area.
- Chain 3 and create 3 dc clusters, chaining 2 between each, continuing around the leg opening until the row is complete. Join with a slip stitch.
- Add as many rows as desired, keeping the thigh row consistent. For smaller thigh gaps, replace chain-2 spaces with chain-1 spaces on the last few rows.
7. Creating the Waistband
- Attach the yarn at the center back of the shorts.
- Work a row of 3 double crochet into each chain space and cluster around the entire waist.
- To create a stretchy waistband:
- Chain 5, skip 2 stitches, and make a double crochet. Repeat “chain 2, skip 2, double crochet” until the end of the row.
- Join with a slip stitch and repeat this pattern for multiple rows, changing colors if desired.
- On the final row, make shell stitches (5 dc in 1 space, sc in the next) for a decorative edge.
8. Adding a Drawstring
- Use yarn to create a long chain or use a decorative ribbon.
- Insert this string into the waistband spaces, ensuring even distribution.
9. Weaving in the Ends
Securely weave in all loose yarn ends. This step is essential for ensuring a polished and durable finish.
Helpful Tips
- Always stretch your work while measuring to ensure accurate sizing.
- Use lightweight yarn for breathable and comfortable shorts.
- Experiment with different color combinations or add embellishments to customize your style.
Pattern Question
Q: How do I ensure the shorts fit my hip size perfectly?
A: Deduct 1 inch from your total hip measurement, then divide that by two for each panel’s width. Stretch your work fully when measuring to get accurate sizing.
