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For a long time I said one of the major genres of knitting I’d never done was pants, but I’ve done that now so it’s time to look at some shorts knitting patterns so I can take that off my list, too.
Honestly I should have started with shorts because they’re a lot, well, shorter. The pair of pants I knit were worked in sock yarn, and while I love them, they took a really long time to knit. Shorts are not like that.
They’re also a great way to get to wear your knits even when it’s hot outside. I’ve gathered some fun shorts knitting patterns for knitters of all skill levels (and comfort levels) to try.
Mini Shorts
Since I mentioned comfort levels, let’s go ahead and start with mini shorts knitting patterns. If you’re looking for super short shorts, these projects are for you. Of course you can knit them longer, too!
The Microshorts by Loupy Studio (available on Ravelry) use DK or light worsted weight yarn and come in 12 sizes to fit hip measurements ranging from 80-164 cm/31.5-64.5 inches. The pattern includes lots of options for customization including ribbing options, making them super short, biker shorts or pants, using buttons on the waistband, adding stripes and more.
The Summer Lounge Shorts from taKnitwear use a cotton/linen yarn for extra coolness, as well as a teensy inseam (though it looks like the back is a little longer than the front). There are 12 sizes and the pattern uses sport or DK weight yarn.
June Lagoon (on Ravelry) has the super cute Treasure Knit Mini Shorts, which use DK weight yarn and come in sizes XXS to XXL (the pattern notes on Ravelry don’t mention specific measurements).
I don’t know if shorts with a 4-inch/10 cm inseam technically count as mini, but they’re definitely short, so I’m adding them here. The Candy Shorts from Paula on Knits (find on Ravelry) are so fun with their stripes, though of course you could make them a solid color, too. They call for worsted weight yarn and come in three sizes, for a 34 to 38 inch waist (86.4 to 96.5 cm).
Fast Car by Paula Narkiniemi is a similar length, with a roomier fit in the leg and side pockets. They can be customized to be longer shorts or full-on pants as you like. They call for fingering weight yarn and come in nine sizes, with a waist circumference of 24 to 56 inches/60-140 cm. You can find them on Ravelry.
The easy shorts from The Knit Yorker are another nice option for shorty shorts (it’s hard to see in this picture but there are cables running down the outside of the legs). They come in 9 sizes, with hip measurements ranging from 23 to 50 inches/58.5-124 cm.
The K4 Project’s women’s boy shorts are great for hugging curves and super comfy looking. They come in four sizes and call for DK to light worsted weight yarn, depending on your gauge.
Striped and Color Blocked Shorts Knitting Patterns
It’s true that you never have to follow the color choices or conventions of the designer if you don’t want to, but when you see these colorful shorts knitting patterns I think you’ll want to.
The What a Life colorblocked shorts from Flicolana are like a dose of sunshine. The pattern comes in seven sizes and uses a super luxurious light worsted weight silk mohair blend yarn. (These are not shorts to wear outside on a hot summer day.)
Add some stripes to the bottom of you shorts with the Koodi Shorts pattern from Novita Design Studios. This pattern, available on Ravelry, calls for DK weight yarn and comes in sizes from XS to 2XL. This is a great relaxed unisex shorts knitting pattern and there’s a coordinating sweater pattern if you’re into that.
By Lambert offers the appropriated named simple knit shorts, which are shown striped in cotton DK weight yarn. These high-waisted drawstring shorts come in four sizes but there are tips for customization in the pattern as well.
Short Sets
Speaking of coordinating pieces, there are lots of patterns that include the possibility of knitting shorts with a top that goes together. Of course you don’t have to knit a matching set just because it’s available, but stitching up a shirt to go with your shorts just adds to the homemade cuteness. Here are some shorts knitting patterns sold as a set with a coordinating top.
The Gelma Set by Low Key Bold Knit includes a pair of striped shorts and a coordinating striped sweater. You can buy them together or just get the shorts pattern. I love the jaunty angle of the stripes on the shorts. They use DK weight yarn and have eight size options, with waist circumference ranging from 23-54 inches, or 57 to 135 cm.
Joan Ho’s Poppy Pocket shorts are super cute with a drawstring waist and pockets on the legs with flaps and snaps. You can buy the pattern for the shorts alone on Ravelry, or get a discount if you also buy the coordinating top. Both are worked in DK weight yarn, and the shorts come in 10 sizes, with a waist circumference from 24.75 to 52.25 inches or 63 to 134 cm.
The Lana Lounge Set by Knits by Riles comes as a set only, but it’s super cute, with high-waisted short shorts and a V-neck tank top worked in bulky yarn. The pieces come in eight sizes and there’s also a coordinating cardigan sold separately.
Haley Leary-Forrey knits stripes on stripes in her Puddle shorts and sweater set. You can buy either just the shorts or both patterns on her website or on Ravelry. The shorts are sized from XS to 4XL and use worsted weight yarn.
The Keep Dreaming shorts and bra top set from Girly Knits looks perfect for lounging. They’re worked in fingering weight yarn and come in 11 sizes. The shorts fit a range of waists from 24 to 44 inches, or 61 to 111.75 cm.
More Shorts Knitting Patterns
If you prefer your shorts on the voluminous side, Muki Crafts has what they call skirt style shorts, with nice, wide legs and an I-cord drawstring at the waistband. The pattern comes in seven sizes and calls for sport weight yarn. It has pockets! And there’s an instructional video included if you need extra help.
Tidal Glow by Ivy Knežević has a fun cable pattern running down the legs and a cozy ribbed waistband. The pattern comes in 12 sizes from 22 to 48 inches/55.8 to 122 cm, with options for customization for a great fit. It uses worsted weight yarn and you can grab a copy on Ravelry.
Allover ribbing makes for shorts that are super comfortable and makes the sizing a little more forgiving. The Lost Shorts pattern from Friday Knits Designs features a high waist and short inseam, and is recommended to be worked with sock yarn for even more stretch. There are eight sizes to fit a waist of 22 to 52 inches/56 to 132 cm. While not sold as a set there’s also a coordinating tank top and halter top.
The perfect knit shorts from Originally Lovely are pretty basic everyday shorts with a fun sporty look thanks to the curved I-cord hem line. The skills used in this pair make them intermediate level, but well worth the work for cute shorts you’ll want to wear every day. The pattern comes in nine sizes and calls for a DK weight cotton yarn.
