Hello, crafting friends! Get ready to crochet the cutest pair of shorts that will add a touch of handmade sweetness to any little one’s wardrobe. These adorable shorts feature a cozy ribbed waistband, a solid and comfortable main body, and a charming little scalloped edge. What truly makes them special are the three tiny heart appliqués and the contrasting drawstring!
The shorts in the picture are made in a beautiful peachy-pink hue, perfect for spring and summer, or even layered for cooler days. The main body of the shorts uses a simple, dense stitch (likely half double crochet), providing good coverage and durability. This pattern is suitable for intermediate crocheters or confident beginners looking to create a complete garment.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: DK weight (Light Worsted / 8 ply) cotton or cotton blend yarn.
- Main Color: Peach/Light Pink (approx. 80-120g, depending on size).
- Contrast Color 1 (Drawstring/Edging): White (approx. 10-15g).
- Contrast Colors 2 (Hearts): Small amounts of yellow, white, and green for the hearts.
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E/4) or 4.0mm (G/6) – choose the hook size that gives you a nice, even fabric for both the ribbing and the main body.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and attaching appliqués.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (optional, but helpful for working in the round and marking increases)
Abbreviations Used:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- fpdc: front post double crochet (for ribbing)
- bpdc: back post double crochet (for ribbing)
- inc: increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- FO: fasten off
- BLO: back loop only
Gauge (Approximate):
Crucial for garment sizing! Make sure to check your gauge. For the main body (hdc): 16 hdc x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) For the ribbing: 18 fpdc/bpdc sts = 4 inches (10 cm)
Size Chart & Notes (Approximate):
This pattern is written for 6-12 months with notes for adjusting to other sizes.
- 6-12 Months: Waist (relaxed) approx. 17-19 inches / 43-48 cm
- 12-18 Months: Waist (relaxed) approx. 19-20 inches / 48-51 cm
- 18-24 Months: Waist (relaxed) approx. 20-21 inches / 51-53 cm
Sizing Adjustment:
- To adjust the waist circumference, ensure your starting chain for the waistband is a multiple of 2 that fits the desired waist measurement, keeping in mind the stretch of crochet.
- To adjust length, add or subtract hdc rounds in the main body section before splitting for legs.
Pattern: Sweetheart Crochet Shorts
These shorts are worked from the top down, starting with the waistband, then the body, and finally dividing for the legs.
Part 1: The Waistband
The waistband uses a post-stitch ribbing for a comfortable and stretchy fit. Use your Main Color.
Using a 3.5mm hook (or smaller for tighter ribbing):
Round 1: Ch 68 (for 6-12 months, adjust for larger sizes – make sure it’s an even number). Join with a sl st to the first ch, being careful not to twist. Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc). Dc in each ch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (68 dc) Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc). Fpdc around the next dc, bpdc around the next dc. Rep from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first fpdc. (68 sts) Round 4-6: Ch 2. Rep Round 3. (68 sts)
- You should now have a robust ribbed waistband. The image shows about 4-5 rows of ribbing.
Part 2: The Body of the Shorts
The main body of the shorts appears to be solid half double crochet (hdc), which provides a nice, dense fabric. Continue with Main Color.
Switch to a 4.0mm hook (or your preferred hook for the main body).
Round 7: Ch 1. Hdc in BLO in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (68 hdc)
- Working in the BLO for this round creates a slight ridge that clearly separates the waistband from the body, as seen in the image.
Round 8-18: Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (68 hdc)
- Work until the piece measures approximately 5-6 inches from the top of the waistband, or until desired length before the crotch split. The image shows about 11-12 rows of hdc before the split.
Part 3: Dividing for Legs & Crotch
Now we’ll create the leg openings.
Round 19: Ch 1. Hdc in next 34 hdc. Ch 4 (this creates the crotch chain, adjust if needed for a wider crotch). Skip remaining 34 hdc (the other half of the shorts body). Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc of this round. (This forms the first leg opening and creates the crotch).
- You now have 34 hdc on your hook, plus the ch-4. The next rounds will work into this loop.
Part 4: First Leg
We’ll now work in the round for one leg. Continue with Main Color.
Round 20: Ch 1. Hdc in each of the 34 hdc. Hdc 4 times into the ch-4 space. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (38 hdc)
Round 21-22: Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (38 hdc)
- The image shows about 3-4 rows of hdc after the split for each leg before the edging.
Round 23 (Eyelet Row for Decorative Edge): Ch 1. Hdc in first hdc. Ch 1, sk next st, hdc in next st. Rep from * to * around. You should end with an hdc. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (approx. 19 hdc, 19 ch-1 spaces)
Round 24 (Scalloped Edging – Join Contrast Color 1): Join Contrast Color 1 (White) with a sl st into the first hdc. Ch 1. Sc into the hdc, (dc, ch 1, dc) into the next ch-1 space, sc into the next hdc. Rep from * to * around. Adjust last stitches to end cleanly. Join with a sl st to the first sc. FO and weave in ends.
Part 5: Second Leg
Join Main Color to the crotch chain on the opposite side of the shorts.
Round 20 (for 2nd Leg): Ch 1. Hdc 4 times into the ch-4 space. Hdc in each of the 34 hdc along the remaining unworked half of the shorts body. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (38 hdc)
Round 21-22: Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (38 hdc)
Round 23 (Eyelet Row for Decorative Edge): Ch 1. Hdc in first hdc. Ch 1, sk next st, hdc in next st. Rep from * to * around. You should end with an hdc. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (approx. 19 hdc, 19 ch-1 spaces)
Round 24 (Scalloped Edging – Join Contrast Color 1): Join Contrast Color 1 (White) with a sl st into the first hdc. Ch 1. Sc into the hdc, (dc, ch 1, dc) into the next ch-1 space, sc into the next hdc. Rep from * to * around. Adjust last stitches to end cleanly. Join with a sl st to the first sc. FO and weave in ends.
Part 6: Drawstring
Using Contrast Color 1 (White). Ch 80-100 (or desired length, long enough to tie a neat bow). Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. FO. Weave this chain through the topmost row of the hdc body (Round 7 or 8) just below the ribbed waistband. This allows the drawstring to cinch the waist for a snug fit.
Part 7: Heart Appliqués (Make 3 – in various Contrast Colors 2)
- Yellow, White, Green hearts shown.
- These are simple small hearts. There are many patterns for small crochet hearts. Here’s a quick one:
- Make a magic ring. Ch 2.
- (3 dc, 3 hdc, ch 1, 1 dc, ch 1, 3 hdc, 3 dc). Sl st into the magic ring.
- Pull ring tight. FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
- Assembly: Using your yarn needle, securely sew the three hearts onto the front of the shorts, centered just below the waistband, as pictured.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining loose ends neatly.
- Give your finished shorts a gentle block if desired to even out stitches and enhance the drape.
- Present your beautiful handmade Sweetheart Crochet Shorts to a lucky little one!
I hope you have a wonderful time creating these charming shorts! They are a fantastic project for showcasing your crochet skills and creating a practical, stylish, and utterly adorable garment. Don’t forget to share your finished projects – I’d love to see them. Happy crocheting!
