You’ve got your yarn on the table, hook in hand, and the first chain of a new project is about to take shape. There’s something special about that moment—the anticipation of creating something wearable and unique. These sunflower summer crochet shorts are that project. With a gorgeous basket-weave texture, cheerful retro vibes, and a sweet sunflower applique, they’re the kind of piece that makes people stop and ask, “Wait, you MADE those?” Let’s get started.
Why This Project Works
These shorts are the perfect blend of style and simplicity. The basket-weave stitch looks intricate but is just a clever repeat of front and back post double crochets. The construction is straightforward—two flat panels seamed together—so you avoid complicated in-the-round shaping. The adjustable drawstring waistband gives you flexibility with fit, and the removable sunflower applique can be pinned on or taken off for washing. It’s a wearable that feels both vintage and fresh, and it’s a joy to make.
Project Overview
These crochet shorts are worked as two identical flat panels (front and back) in a basket-weave pattern, then seamed together. The waistband and leg bands are added after assembly, and a drawstring and sunflower applique complete the look. The pattern is written for size Small, with Medium and Large in parentheses.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated intermediate. You should be comfortable with post stitches (FPdc and BPdc), working flat panels with turning chains, seaming crochet pieces, and picking up stitches around curved edges. If you’ve made a hat or a simple bag before, you’re ready for this.
Finished Measurements
- Waist circumference (relaxed): 26 (30, 34) inches / 66 (76, 86.5) cm
- Hip circumference (at widest): 32 (36, 40) inches / 81.5 (91.5, 101.5) cm
- Total rise (waistband top to crotch): 10 (10.5, 11) inches / 25.5 (26.5, 28) cm
- Inseam length: 2.5 (2.5, 3) inches / 6.5 (6.5, 7.5) cm
- Leg opening circumference: 18 (20, 22) inches / 45.5 (51, 56) cm
The drawstring gives you approximately 4 inches of adjustment range on either side, so don’t stress too much about getting the waist measurement exactly perfect.
Materials
- Yarn A (main colour, butter yellow): Worsted weight, approximately 450 (520, 600) yards / 410 (475, 550) meters
- Yarn B (trim colour, rust/caramel): Worsted weight, approximately 80 (95, 110) yards / 73 (87, 101) meters
- Yarn C (drawstring and accent, forest green): Worsted weight, approximately 120 (130, 140) yards / 110 (119, 128) meters
- Yarn D (sunflower center, dark brown): Worsted weight, approximately 15 yards / 14 meters
- Hook: US size J / 6.0 mm for main fabric, bands, and sunflower
- Hook: US size I / 5.5 mm for waistband only (optional, for a firmer edge)
- Other supplies: Tapestry needle, 6 stitch markers, 2 locking stitch markers or safety pins, brooch pin or sewing needle and thread, scissors
Gauge and Finished Size
In basket-weave pattern with J hook:
16 stitches = 4 inches / 10 cm
12 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm
In single crochet:
16 sc = 4 inches / 10 cm
18 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm
Gauge swatch instructions: Chain 22 with Yarn A and your J hook. Work the basket-weave pattern for 16 rows. Block lightly. Measure the center 4 inches. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it’s too big, go down a hook size. Please, please check your gauge. This is a garment that needs to fit your body. Skipping the swatch will lead to disappointment, and nobody wants that.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sc2tog: single crochet two together (decrease)
- sl st: slip stitch
- FPdc: front post double crochet
- BPdc: back post double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- t-ch: turning chain
- rep: repeat
- sk: skip
- pm: place marker
Pattern Notes
- The shorts are made from two identical flat panels, one for the front and one for the back. After crocheting both panels, you’ll seam the sides and inseam, then pick up stitches around the waist and leg openings to add the bands.
- The chain 3 at the beginning of every basket-weave row counts as the first double crochet. This is important for your stitch counts.
- When working post stitches, always skip the stitch at the base of the post stitch in the current row. The post stitch itself replaces that skipped stitch.
- The stitch count for each panel should be a multiple of 8 plus 2. Size S uses 66 stitches, Size M uses 74 stitches, and Size L uses 82 stitches.
Pattern Instructions
Front Panel
Foundation chain: Using Yarn A and J hook, ch 68 (76, 84).
Row 1 (RS): Dc in the 4th ch from hook (beginning ch-3 counts as first dc), dc in each ch across. Turn. 66 (74, 82) dc
Row 2 (WS, establish basket-weave, Block A positions):
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn.
Work BPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Work FPdc around each of next 4 sts, work BPdc around each of next 4 sts repeat across to last 4 sts before t-ch.
Work FPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. 66 (74, 82) sts
Row 3 (RS):
Ch 3, turn.
Work FPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Work BPdc around each of next 4 sts, work FPdc around each of next 4 sts repeat across to last 4 sts before t-ch.
Work BPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. 66 (74, 82) sts
Row 4 (WS): Repeat Row 2. 66 (74, 82) sts
Row 5 (RS): Repeat Row 3. 66 (74, 82) sts
This completes the first basket-weave block set. Now you’ll switch the block positions.
Row 6 (WS, Block B positions):
Ch 3, turn.
Work FPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Work BPdc around each of next 4 sts, work FPdc around each of next 4 sts repeat across to last 4 sts before t-ch.
Work BPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. 66 (74, 82) sts
Row 7 (RS):
Ch 3, turn.
Work BPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Work FPdc around each of next 4 sts, work BPdc around each of next 4 sts repeat across to last 4 sts before t-ch.
Work FPdc around each of next 3 sts.
Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. 66 (74, 82) sts
Row 8 (WS): Repeat Row 6. 66 (74, 82) sts
Row 9 (RS): Repeat Row 7. 66 (74, 82) sts
One full basket-weave repeat is complete. Continue repeating Rows 2 through 9 until the panel measures 7.5 (8, 8.5) inches or 19 (20.5, 21.5) cm from the foundation chain. End after a Row 5 or Row 9.
Back Panel
Work exactly the same as the Front Panel. You now have two identical panels.
Assembly
Place front and back panels together with wrong sides facing each other. Using Yarn A and a tapestry needle, seam the two side edges together from the waist edge down to the bottom of the basket-weave section. Do not seam the sc crotch rows yet. Complete both side seams.
With right sides of one leg facing together, fold the shorts so the front inseam meets the back inseam. Seam the inseam from the crotch center point downward to the bottom leg edge. Repeat for the other leg.
Close the curved crotch seam where the two panels meet at the center. Weave in all ends.
Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side, working through at least 2 inches of stitches in different directions.
Leg Bands (make 2)
Join Yarn B to the leg opening at the inseam, RS facing.
Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc evenly around the leg opening. Target stitch count is 72 (80, 88) sc. Sl st to join. 72 (80, 88) sc
Round 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Sl st to join. 72 (80, 88) sc
Round 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Sl st to join. 72 (80, 88) sc
Fasten off. Repeat for second leg.
Tips
- Use stitch markers to keep track of your place in the basket-weave repeat, especially when switching between Block A and Block B positions.
- For a firmer waistband, switch to the US size I / 5.5 mm hook when working the waistband rounds.
- Block your panels before seaming for a more professional finish and to ensure accurate measurements.
FAQs
Can I adjust the length of the shorts?
Yes. To make them longer or shorter, simply work more or fewer rows of the basket-weave pattern before the crotch shaping. Keep in mind that this will also affect the total rise measurement.
What if my gauge doesn’t match?
Gauge is critical for a garment that fits. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it’s too big, go down a hook size. Always block your swatch before measuring.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
This pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn. Using a different weight will change the finished size and gauge. If you substitute, be sure to make a gauge swatch and adjust your hook size accordingly.
How do I attach the sunflower applique?
The sunflower can be sewn directly onto the shorts using a tapestry needle and yarn, or attached with a brooch pin for easy removal during washing. Use a sewing needle and thread if you prefer a more secure, invisible attachment.
How do I care for these shorts?
Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Do not wring. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry or iron directly. Store flat or loosely rolled to prevent stretching.
Can I make the drawstring longer or shorter?
Absolutely. The drawstring length is adjustable. Simply chain to your desired length, then work the slip stitches back. You can also make two separate cords or one continuous cord that threads through both sides.
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