If you want to update your summer look with something handmade, this collection of 15 free shorts knitting patterns for adults is the perfect place to start. Finding the right pair of shorts can be tricky, but these designs offer a great range of styles that work for different body types and needs.
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- How I pick the best shorts knitting patterns for you
- Pick your next pattern
- Why these patterns are for you
- Who are these shorts for?
- Take a look at these shorts knitting patterns below
- Prairie Rose Set
- Short Crush
- Walk the Walk
- Why Not
- Unmentionables
- Woodland Berry Shorts
- Walk the Walk (Version 2)
- Gams shorts
- The Island Shorts
- Caroline Knitted Shorts
- Biker Shorts
- Blondeshorts 2.0 / picotbloomers
- Knitting Shorts
- Knitted Shorts With Cable Design
- Pantashrooms
- Final Thoughts
- Looking For Similar Knitting Patterns?
How I pick the best shorts knitting patterns for you
Having spent many years as a designer in the yarn industry, I know exactly what makes a project worth your valuable time. When I put these roundups together for you, I look closely at the photos to see how the garment sits and how original the design is.
I also look at who the designer is to make sure they are someone our community can trust. These were selected to give you plenty of variety, from retro looks to modern styles, so that the whole topic is covered. For the kawaii lovers out there, you will find plenty of cute and happy options that fit that aesthetic perfectly.
Pick your next pattern
You can use the details provided with each project to find exactly what you need for your next making session. These details help you narrow down the list so you can find the right match for your yarn stash and your current skill level.
Why these patterns are for you
- Versatile Styles: Includes everything from loungewear to active styles.
- Detailed Fit: Many use short rows to make sure the back rise is comfortable.
- Custom Options: Some allow you to use your own measurements for a perfect fit.
- Clear Instructions: These patterns are selected for their clarity.
Who are these shorts for?
- Beginners: Some of these use basic stitches like stockinette which are great for learning.
- Fashion Lovers: If you like retro or modern trends, there is a style here for you.
- Gift Makers: These make wonderful presents for friends who love unique clothing.
- Practical Makers: Several designs include pockets or drawstring waists for daily use.
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Take a look at these shorts knitting patterns below
I have organized this list so you can see all the important information at a glance. Each entry includes the size, the materials you will need, and whether there is a video or a written guide to help you out. This makes it easy to scroll through and find your favorite.
Prairie Rose Set
These vibrant shorts are worked top-down in the round, making them a seamless and engaging project for fellow knitters. The design features a comfortable ribbed waistband and utilizes short rows to create a higher back rise for a better fit, finished with stockinette legs and neat ribbing at the hems.
Designer: DROPS Design
Size: XS/S – M – L/XL – XXL /XXXL
Materials: DROPS FABEL yarn (colour 922, fruit patch), circular needles sizes 3.5 mm and 3 mm (40 and 60 cm lengths)
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Short Crush
Fellow stitch enthusiasts will love this seamless, top-down pattern that prioritizes both style and comfort. It begins with a clever folded waistband designed to house a drawstring and incorporates short rows in the back to provide extra room and a taller rise.
Designer: Pickles – Heidi
Size: Varies based on the external pattern
Materials: Yarn, circular needles in two sizes, stitch markers, and pearls or a piece of twisted yarn for the drawstring
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: NO
Video: YES
Walk the Walk
These classic stocking stitch shorts are worked top-down in the round and are a great choice for a polished, handmade look. They feature a ribbed waist for comfort, short rows for back elevation, and even include knitted belt loops with a matching knitted belt to complete the ensemble.
Designer: DROPS Design
Size: S – M – L – XL – XXL
Materials: DROPS COTTON LIGHT yarn (colour no 16, navy blue), circular needles sizes 3.5 mm and 3 mm (40 and 80 cm lengths)
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Why Not
Looking for something cozy? These top-down shorts are knitted in smooth stocking stitch and feature an elevated back for an improved fit. The ribbed waistband includes delicate eyelet holes, allowing you to add a twined tie for a functional and decorative touch.
Designer: DROPS Design
Size: S – M – L – XL – XXL – XXXL
Materials: DROPS BIG MERINO yarn (colour 01, off white), circular needles sizes 5 mm and 4 mm (in 40 and 60/80 cm lengths)
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Unmentionables
Celebrate vintage style with these Edwardian-inspired low-rise knit drawers. Constructed entirely in the round, this project features a delicate picot ruffle and intricate lace edging on the legs, making it a beautiful and unique addition to any wardrobe.
Designer: Lee Wood Juvan
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Materials: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece yarn, US #6/4.0mm circular needle, US #7/4.5mm double-point needles, crochet hook, ribbon
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Woodland Berry Shorts
These sleek, top-down stockinette shorts offer a modern silhouette with functional details. They feature stylish ribbed side panels that run down the legs and include short-row elevation at the back to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit for the wearer.
Designer: DROPS Design
Size: XS/S – M – L/XL – XXL/XXXL
Materials: DROPS FLORA yarn (color 07, beige), circular needles sizes 3 mm and 2.5 mm
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Walk the Walk (Version 2)
This second version of the stocking stitch shorts provides the same top-down construction that our community values for its seamless finish. With its ribbed waist and back elevation, it remains a reliable project for those seeking a tailored fit in their summer headwear.
Designer: DROPS Design
Size: S – M – L – XL – XXL
Materials: DROPS COTTON LIGHT yarn, circular needles sizes 3.5 mm and 3 mm (40 and 80 cm lengths)
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Gams shorts
Inspired by Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic Nether Garments, these “Gams” shorts are designed for both men and women. They are a simple and comfortable choice featuring a striking side cable panel that adds a touch of sophisticated texture to the design.
Designer: Craig Hunter
Size: Women’s XS-XL / Men’s S-2X
Materials: Cotton Fleece or New England Highland wool, US #6/4mm circular needles, cable needle, and elastic thread
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
The Island Shorts
For a clean and professional finish, check out these seamless, top-down shorts. They feature an invisible folded waistline with a hidden elastic band for ease of wear, and you can even customize them with an optional lace trim sewn directly to the hem.
Designer: paula on knits
Size: XS to 2XL
Materials: Cotton yarn, 3.5 mm needles, 3 or 4 mm crochet hook, 4 cm wide elastic band, and optional lace trim
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: NO
Video: YES
Caroline Knitted Shorts
Inspired by retro gymnastics wear, these basic shorts are remarkably easy to knit. They are worked in the round with short row shaping for comfort and feature a practical folded elastic waistband, making them a perfect project for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
Designer: Pilar R. Méndez (Tejiendo en la isla)
Size: S/ M/ L/ XL
Materials: Katia Love Denim yarn, circular needles size 11 (8 mm), 3/4″ wide elastic, and sewing needle/thread
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: YES
Biker Shorts
If you’ve ever struggled with sizing, this step-by-step tutorial is a game-changer. It teaches you how to calculate and knit custom top-down shorts based on your own personal measurements, featuring a folded elastic waistband and twisted ribbing for a professional finish.
Designer: Handmade by Aura
Size: Custom measured based on your own body
Materials: Yarn of choice, 3 mm needles, elastic band, measuring tape, and sewing supplies
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: NO
Video: YES
Blondeshorts 2.0 / picotbloomers
These adorable baby and child bloomers are as practical as they are sweet. Featuring a delicate picot edge and an eyelet row for waist and leg ribbons, they are the perfect layer to wear underneath a dress or tunic for a touch of handmade charm.
Designer: Tina Hauglund
Size: 3 months to 7 years
Materials: Sport weight yarn, US 2.5 (3.0 mm) and US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles, and elastic or ribbon
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Knitting Shorts
This top-down seamless project offers another opportunity for stitch enthusiasts to master short row shaping. With its folded waistband and drawstring feature, it provides a versatile and comfortable fit that our audience values.
Designer: shoshe
Size: Varies based on the external pattern
Materials: Yarn, circular needles in two sizes, stitch markers, and pearls or a piece of twisted yarn for the drawstring
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: NO
Video: YES
Knitted Shorts With Cable Design
Crafted from soft merino wool, these shorts feature two distinct and beautiful cable designs running down the sides. The construction involves knitting separate right and left halves and sewing them together, creating a cozy and stylish textured garment.
Designer: HandMadeRukodelky
Size: 28″ waist (unstretched) to 36″ (stretched)
Materials: Super fine sock yarn (#1) in three colors, needles size #3 and #4, cable needle, and crochet hooks
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Pantashrooms
For those who love a playful touch, these knee-length pantaloons are a must-knit. Constructed from the bottom up, they feature a classic picot hem and a stunning stranded colorwork mushroom motif that is sure to spark creativity in your knitting journey.
Designer: Motoko Takahashi
Size: Women’s XS to 3X
Materials: Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift yarn in 6 colors, US #4/3.5mm circular needles, and 2cm-wide elastic
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO
Final Thoughts
I hope you found a pair of shorts that you are excited to start working on. Thank you for reading and for trusting my curated selections. Happy Knitting!
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