This crochet shorts project offers a unique and eye-catching way to utilize scrap yarn. Starting with a ribbed waistband and transitioning to a textured main section through double crochet stitches, the shorts exhibit a colorful and eco-friendly design, ideal for personalized summer wear.
Crochet Shorts
Perfect for beach days or lounging around, these scrap yarn crochet shorts merge comfort with sustainability. The use of varying yarn colors not only makes each pair one-of-a-kind but also promotes a fun and creative way to repurpose leftover materials. An adjustable waistband ensures a snug fit for all body types.
Step By Step Pattern
Materials:
- Acrylic yarn (1-2 skeins, but amount may vary as scrap yarn was used)
- Crochet hook (size not specified)
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Pattern Steps:
- Starting the Waistband:
- Create a slipknot.
- Chain 11 stitches.
- Turn your work, and single crochet back into each stitch.
- At the end of the row, chain 1, turn your work.
- Continue to single crochet back into the back loop only, creating a ribbed pattern.
- Repeat this process until the band reaches the desired length.
- Join the ends of the band with a slip stitch to form a circle.
- Creating the Body:
- Single crochet around the waistband; finding the correct place for stitches can be tricky:
- Find two loops with a space between them.
- Single crochet into the second loop, then into the gap. Repeat this sequence around the waistband.
- To change colors, use “magic knot” as described below.
- Single crochet around the waistband; finding the correct place for stitches can be tricky:
- Magic Knot:
- Cut the existing color, leaving a loop.
- Lay two yarn colors horizontally and make a knot by wrapping one around the other.
- Pull knots together tightly and pick up loop to continue with the new color.
- Continue Double Crochets:
- Perform double crochets all around until the shorts reach the desired rise.
- When starting a new round, slip stitch into the first stitch, then double crochet into the same stitch and proceed with the round.
- To change colors, use the magic knot method.
- Dividing for Leg Holes:
- Find the middle of your shorts and mark it with a stitch marker.
- Count the total number of stitches, divide by 2, and place another stitch marker accordingly to find the center of each leg hole.
- From one stitch marker, single crochet around to the other marker.
- To create the inseam, chain 10-20 stitches (adjust as needed) and join with a slip stitch to the stitch marker’s position on the opposite side.
- Continue double crochets until reaching the chains, being careful to evenly crochet into each chain.
- Finishing Each Leg:
- For the second leg, attach yarn with a single crochet and chain one.
- Double crochet around the leg hole.
- Single crochet around each leg hole for a uniform edge without joining with a slip stitch.
- Use the yarn needle to weave the yarn through the first stitch’s V and the last loop, before weaving in the end securely.
- Adding a Drawstring:
- Create a slipknot and chain enough to fit around your waist plus extra for tying.
- Weave the chain through the waistband’s ribbing, using the pattern as a guide.
- Finishing Touches:
- Trim any excess yarn after secure weaving of ends.
- Optionally create a bow with the drawstring for a finished look.
- Final Tips:
- Ensure to hold your project correctly with the band facing you and the right side out.
- Keep the stitch counts equal for symmetry.
- Clip off any tails from the magic knot without worrying about unraveling.
Can I make these shorts with only one color of yarn?
Yes, you can use a single yarn color for a uniform look. The pattern does not change; just skip the color-changing steps.
