Learn how to crochet shorts with this free pattern that is size from XS through to 5XL. These crochet shorts feature the Flame stitch in a striking side stripe and a lacy edge. Follow along with the full shorts pattern tutorial or view the written pattern to make your own own style.
his free crochet shorts pattern will show you how to crochet shorts that fit - sized from XS through to 5XL, you can make the leg section as long as you'd like to wear them AND those legs can be either solid or lacy - the choice is yours!
The pattern combines the much loved double crochet stitch with the flame stitch to create a lacy look down each side and around the bottom of the leg of the shorts.
The pattern is worked in 3 sections:
and there are 2 video tutorials to help you complete this pattern with confidence; even if you've never crocheted something to wear, this is an easy project that's quick to complete.
You can find the corresponding Bralette pattern for the Bella Shorts by Clicking Here
This bralette pattern uses bra sizing rather than any other measurement to ensure a close fit that gives you the support and coverage you really want from a summer top.
This pattern is featured in the Handmade Wardrobe - Spring Edition which means you can take 50% off the price of the printable pattern on Friday 14th April 2023.
There are 15 different crochet patterns to create your own handmade wardrobe including the Bella shorts and various other accessory and garment patterns.
You can find the discount code on the webpage linked in the button below - the coupon in valid on both Etsy and Ravelry.
If you like to get your patterns at the best price, you should treat yourself to the pattern bundle that features all 15 patterns which are releasing during the event - each pattern costs less than $0.70!
From Scarves & shawls, head warmers, bags and the cutest baby dress - there is a project for you to make for everyone in this pattern bundle.
Click the button below to see all the patterns featuring in the event and grab your own copy of the Handmade Wardrobe Bundle
If you'd like to increase your pattern reading skills, make notes as you work, or simply prefer to work from a printed pattern, you can get an AD-FREE, printable PDF version from Etsy or Ravelry by clicking the button below
Grab all the printable crochet patterns by Cosy Rosie Crochet which featured on the Crochet Fashion Week Runway hosted in Atlanta in February 2023, including the Bella Shorts and the corresponding Bella Bralette for a super low price. Click the button below to find out more about the Crochet Fashion Week Collection
The first thing to do before starting any crochet garment is to check your measurements - click here to find out more about how to measure yourself for the best fit.
Once you have your measurements, use the size chart below to confirm which size you would like to make:
Materials
Abbreviations
US terms (UK in brackets)
St(s) - Stitches
Ch - Chain
Ch Sp -Chain Space
BLO - work into the back loop only
Sl St - Slip Stitch
Sc (dc) - single crochet (double crochet)
Hdc (htr) - Half Double (treble) crochet
2hdc (2htr) - work 2 Half Double (treble) crochet into the same stitch
Dc (tr) - Double crochet (treble crochet)
2dc-cl (2tr-cl) - 2 Double (treble) Crochet Cluster
PM - place marker
RS - right side
WS - wrong side
Pattern Notes
Gauge
15 sts and 3 rows in hdc = 4 inches (10cm) in pattern using a 4mm hook. Use a larger or smaller crochet hook to obtain the correct tension.
Special Stitches
2 dc-cl (2 Treble Crochet Cluster) = yo, insert hook in indicated, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through all loops on hook.
Flame St = (2dc-cl, [ch 3, 2dc-cl] 4 times) in indicated st/sp
Row 1: Ch 13, hdc in 2nd from hook and each ch across, turn. (12)
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st throughout), working in BLO, hdc into each st across. Turn. (12)
XS
Rows 3-74: Repeat Row 2.
S
Rows 3-84: Repeat Row 2.
M
Rows 3-90: Repeat Row 2.
L
Rows 3-102: Repeat Row 2.
XL
Rows 3- 104: Repeat Row 2.
2XL
Rows 3- 126: Repeat Row 2.
3XL
Rows 3-134: Repeat Row 2.
4XL
Rows 3-144: Repeat Row 2.
5XL
Rows 3-156: Repeat Row 2.
Bring short ends together, ensuring it is not twisted, ch 1, working through both layers, sl st in each across. Turn waistband so that seam is on inside.
Do NOT fasten off, continue to Body.
Pattern is worked in continuous rounds from here and throughout. Place marker or scrap yarn in 1st stitch of round to keep track and move up as worked..
Round 1: Ch 1, working in row ends, 2 hdc in each around–148 (168, 180, 204, 216, 252, 268, 288, 312) hdc.
Place markers in following sts:
XS - 32, 42, 106, 116
S - 37, 47, 121, 131
M - 40, 50, 130, 140
L - 46, 56, 148, 158,
XL - 49, 59, 157, 167
2XL - 58, 68, 184, 194
3XL - 62, 72, 196, 206
4XL - 67, 77, 211, 221
5XL - 73, 83, 229, 239
Round 2: [hdc in each around to marked, sc in marked, (place marker), ch 3, skip 3, sc in next, ch 3, skip 1, sc in next, ch 3, skip 3, sc in next marked] 2 times, hdc in each around to end. (126, 146, 158, 182, 194, 230, 246, 266, 290 hdc & 8sc, 6 ch-3 sp)
Round 3: [Dc in each around to marked, dc in marked, *ch 1, skip (ch-3 sp, sc), flame st in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip (sc, ch-3 sp), dc in next] 2 times, dc in each around to end–128 (148, 160, 184, 196, 232, 248, 268, 292) dc, 2 flame sts.
Round 4: [Dc in each to next marked, dc in marked, place marker, ch 3, skip 1st ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3] 2 times, dc in each around to end.
XS & S
Rounds 5-22: Repeat Rounds 3-4.
M
Rounds 5-24: Repeat Rounds 3-4.
L & XL
Rounds 5-26: Repeat Rounds 3-4.
2XL & 3XL
Rounds 5-28: Repeat Rounds 3-4.
4XL & 5XL
Rounds 5-30: Repeat Rounds 3-4.
All Sizes: Continue to Legs
Counting from last dc of lace pattern, place markers in middle st between flame side stitches - 33 (38, 41, 47, 50, 59, 63, 68, 74)
Repeat for other side of Body.
Round 1: Dc in each around to 1st marked (middle st), hdc in marked, ch 13, sl st to 2nd marked (on front of short), dc in each to next marked (before lace), dc in marked, ch 1, skip 1st ch-3 sp, flame st in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in each st to end, continue to dc in each st and ch around to 2nd marked st. (2nd marked st becomes end of round) 81 (91, 97, 109, 115, 133, 141, 151, 163) dc, 10 flame sts.
Round 2: Dc in each around to marked next to lace, dc in marked, *ch 3, skip 3, sc in next, ch 3, skip 1, sc in next, ch 3, skip 3, dc in next, repeat from *, dc in each st to end. 81 (91, 97, 109, 115, 133, 141, 151, 163) dc, 6 ch-3 sps
Round 3: Dc in each around to marked next to lace, dc in marked, *ch 1, skip 1st ch-3 sp, flame st in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next, repeat from *, dc in each st to end. 81 (91, 97, 109, 115, 133, 141, 151, 163) dc, 10 flame sts.
There are 2 options if you'd like to make your shorts longer.
You can opt to continue the flame stitch just down the side of the leg, the same as the established pattern. Or you can create a lacy leg which features the flame stitch around the majority of the leg section:
For a solid leg section - repeat Rounds 2-3 until desired length has been reached.
For a lace leg section - continue to Round 4 and then repeat rounds 6-7 until desired length has been reached.
Round 4: Dc in next 5 (10, 3, 9, 2, 1, 5, 10, 6) sts, *dc in next, ch 3, skip 3, sc in next, ch 3, skip 1, sc in next, ch 3, skip 3, repeat from * 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) more times**, dc, skip 1st ch-3 sp, sc into next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3*, repeat from * to
** once more, dc into each st to end. 22 (32, 18, 30, 16, 14, 22, 32, 24) dc, 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20) ch-3 sps
Round 5: Dc in next 6 (11, 4, 10, 3, 2, 6, 11, 7) sts, dc in next, *ch 1, skip 1st ch-3 sp, flame st in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next, repeat from * 5 (5, 7, 7, 9, 11, 11, 11, 13) more times, dc in each st to end. 22 (32, 18, 30, 16, 14, 22, 32, 24) dc, 12 (12, 16, 20, 24, 24, 24, 28) flame sts.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat for other leg.
To increase leg length with lace, do NOT fasten off continue to Longer Lace Legs
To make the shorts longer with a lace look:
Round 6: Dc in each around to lace, dc in marked, *skip 1st ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3*, repeat from * 5 (5, 7, 7, 9, 11, 11, 11, 13) more times, dc in each st to end. 22 (32, 18, 30, 16, 14, 22, 32, 24) dc, 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20) ch-3 sps
Round 7: Dc in each around to lace, dc in next, *ch 1, skip 1st ch-3 sp, flame st in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next, repeat from * 5 (5, 7, 7, 9, 11, 11, 11, 13) more times, dc in each st to end. 22 (32, 18, 30, 16, 14, 22, 32, 24) dc, 12 (12, 16, 20, 24, 24, 24, 28) flame sts.
Repeat Rounds 6-7 until desired length achieved. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Come and share a photo of your finished Bella Shorts in the community group so we can all celebrate your success!
Hi, I'm Fiona,
A self-confessed yarn addict who's fueled by coffee.
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