Refresh your summer style with this free crochet shorts pattern that’s simple to personalize and perfect for lazy days or sunny adventures.

How can you bring more creativity and comfort into your summer wardrobe? A crochet shorts pattern offers a fun and customizable way to achieve both. With just one pattern and your favorite yarn, you can choose colors, adjust the length, and decide whether you want a high or low-rise waist for the perfect fit. You can even add pockets, a decorative edge, or a playful drawstring to further personalize your shorts.

Easy Free Crochet Shorts Pattern for Summer

The lightweight, breathable fabric makes a pair of crochet shorts ideal for warm weather, but they’re versatile enough to be layered when it’s cooler. This kind of project is great for any age—just adjust the sizing for a custom fit. While soft and comfortable, crochet shorts are also sturdy enough for daily wear and regular washing, making them a practical addition to your wardrobe.

Easy to care for and machine washable, your handmade shorts will be perfect for travel, lounging, or outdoor activities. A crochet shorts pattern lets you showcase your style and crochet skills, creating a comfortable, unique piece you’ll love to wear again and again.

Easy Crochet Swim Shorts Pattern

Materials

• Yarn: 100% cotton yarn (shown: Alize Cotton Gold or similar, various colors including white for accent)
• Hook: 3.0 mm and/or 3.5 mm crochet hook (choose for comfort and density)
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape

Key Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• dc: double crochet
• sc: single crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)

Special Notes

• Shorts are constructed from two pentagon motifs, joined together and worked in the round for waistband and legs.
• Adjust size by changing motif row count (see ‘Pattern Corrections & Tips’).
• Color may be changed as desired—pattern shown with contrasting colors and white trim.

Pattern

1. Make Two Pentagon Motifs

First Motif:

1. Start: Ch 7, sl st to first ch to form a ring.
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2. Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 4 dc into the ring. Ch 3, 4 dc into ring.
   Rep from * 2 more times (4 corners formed), total 5 sets.
   Ch 3, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
3. Rnd 2: Sl st to next sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same sp,
   *ch 3, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around.
   Join with sl st to starting ch-3.
4. Rnd 3+ (Corners & Sides):
   Sl st to corner sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in corner.
   Ch 3, 3 dc in next side sp, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner sp.
   Repeat around. Join with sl st.
5. Continue: Repeat previous round for a total of 17 rounds for the first motif.
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Second Motif:

• Make as for the first motif, but complete 16 rounds only.
• Do not cut yarn: you will join as you work the 17th round together with the first motif.

2. Joining the Motifs

• Place motifs WRONG sides together, aligning sides.
• On the second motif’s 17th round:
  1. Begin the round as usual. At each side/corner (where you want them joined), work as follows:
     • After working ch-3 between side groups, insert hook through matching ch sp on both motifs and sl st/join with sc. Continue pattern.
  2. Join selected sides for the crotch and both outer legs.
  3. Leave top (waist) open.
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3. Waistband (Work in the Round)

1. Join yarn at one motif seam/top edge of shorts.
2. Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc evenly around entire waist opening, working 3 dc (or as needed) in each ch-3 space, placing extra dc at seams/corners as needed to lay flat.
3. Rnds 2–4 (or more):
   • Continue with dc rounds, changing color as desired, for a total of 4 rounds (1 empty, 1 filled as shown in sample).
   • For a drawstring, finish with a round of ch-1, skip 1, sc (creates eyelets).
   • Fasten off and weave in all ends.

4. Leg Openings

Repeat the following for both legs:

1. Join yarn at crotch seam.
2. Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc evenly around leg opening, including in ch spaces and at motif corners.
3. Rnds 2–3 (or more if longer leg desired): Continue in dc.
4. For last 2 rounds, work in white or contrast color as desired.
5. Edging (Optional): Ch 3, (3 dc in ch sp, sc in next space) around for a scallop effect.
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5. Crotch Seam & Back Gusset

• For added coverage at the back, crochet a triangle or trapezoid shape to join motifs at the back as needed, or simply sew motifs directly together for a more open style.

6. Drawstring (Optional)

• Make a long twisted or chained cord. Weave through waist eyelets if you wish for extra adjustability.
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Sizing

• Measure your hips at the widest point—motifs should equal at least this width at their broadest; add rounds for greater coverage.
• For children’s shorts: Use 10–12 motif rounds.
• For adult shorts: Use 16–17 motif rounds, waist finished to fit (see “Conclusion & Corrections”).

Conclusion

You have created a colorful, comfortable pair of cotton crochet swim shorts with a clever motif construction requiring minimal sewing. This pattern fits most adult sizes (38–42); for smaller or larger, simply add or reduce motif rounds or use a different hook/yarn. Easily adjustable at the waist and legs.

Pattern Correction

• Carefully align and join motifs at matching points for best fit.
• If your shorts are too wide/tall, remove a round; if too snug, add a round before joining.
• Place increases at corners so the shorts lay flat and fit comfortably.

Tips

• For a secure fit, use a drawstring. For softer edges, add an optional lace/scalloped border.
• Choose high-quality, colorfast cotton if using as swimwear for minimal stretching when wet.
• Block your motifs before joining for neatness and ease of assembly.
• Try on as you go: everyone’s body is different—adjust motif count/waistband width for your unique fit.