Crochet granny square shorts. Honestly, first time I heard those words, I kinda snorted my coffee and thought, “Really? Granny squares on my butt?” But hear me out. If you’ve ever wished for something comfy, a little retro—and actually kind of cute—to lounge around in, this is it. (And yes, you’ll get hooked making them. Pun? Maybe.)
Oh, and if you’re looking for something quick to whip up or even want to make crochet shorts for beginners, check out those patterns right over here. If you’re all about creative crochet projects, I got some fun stuff for you too! These shorts are the perfect blend of chill-home vibes and “Yeah, I totally made these myself.”
Designing a Square
Granny squares are like the old-school peanut butter and jelly of crochet. Super classic, but you can throw in your own twist. Here’s my two cents—make ’em bright!
- Pick 2-4 colors you actually dig. You’ll stare at these a lot.
- Standard worsted yarn does the job, but leftover yarns? Even better.
- Keep your hook size in the H/5mm ballpark for that cozy-not-stiff feel.
- Add one oddball color for that “did they buy these at a hipster market?” effect.
Tip: Don’t stress if your squares aren’t all identical. A little wobbly square just means more personality.
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“I never thought making my own clothes was realistic for me. The granny square shorts were the easiest project to start—I messed up a few squares but honestly, no one noticed!” —Lila, actual crochet newbie
Making the Squares
Here’s where the “magic” (and a little chaos) happens.
- Work one square at a time—Netflix and yarn, anyone?
- If you don’t remember how to start, it’s always: chain 4, slip stitch into a loop.
- Vary your color line-ups; don’t overthink perfection.
- Make more squares than you think you’ll use. (You will miscount. Trust me.)
Making these squares is sort of like microwaved mug cake; quick, easy, and a little messy at times—just go with it.
Pattern for the Squares {video_youtube}
Alright, let’s cut the jargon.
- Each granny square usually ends up about 4 inches across. Try to keep them close in size—eyeballing is fine.
- The pattern in plain English: Start with a loop, chain three, do a bunch of double crochets in clusters, then corners.
- Keep going around for 3-4 rounds, changing colors whenever you get bored.
- Not sure how? Video tutorials are everywhere now—just search “basic granny square tutorial.”
Reminder: It’s fine to just follow your own rhythm. Your shorts, your rules!
Joining Strategy
Time to turn that pile of squares into something, you know, wearable.
- Lay ’em out how you want—the front, back, and two sides.
- Use a whip stitch or single crochet to attach. (Don’t worry about a little wonkiness.)
- Check the fit as you join! Too skinny? Add a row. Too baggy? Remove one.
- I recommend joining as you go—not after all squares are made—to see if you like the look.
These might not win any blue ribbons… but boy, they’re fun.
Waist Band
Now, for the difference between “homemade shorts” and actual shorts you’ll wear twice a week.
- Single or double crochet around the top edge, make 4-6 rows for a stretchy band.
- Thread a drawstring (or even just a shoelace) through to keep ’em from slouching.
- Try them on right here to check how they sit—it’s way easier to adjust now than after weaving in ends.
- Some folks add elastic. I just go old-school with the drawstring—comfy, quick, easy to adjust after pizza.
Done! Time to parade these beauties around (or, yeah, just nap in style).
Common Questions
Do these shorts itch?
If you use soft yarn (acrylic, cotton), totally not itchy. Wool? Maybe a little. So stick with the cozy stuff.
How many granny squares do I need for a pair?
Usually about 12-16 per side, depending on your size and the squares’ size. Make a few extras—it’s easier to skip than scramble later.
Can I wash them?
Absolutely! Just check your yarn type. Machine-washable yarn is best unless you adore hand-washing.
What if my squares look wonky?
No biggie. Once they’re joined, little wobbles kinda disappear. Adds “character,” right?
Is this beginner-friendly?
One hundred percent. (I’m basically allergic to complicated patterns myself!) The hardest part is choosing colors.
Give These Cozy Shorts a Whirl
So, ready to jazz up your loungewear drawer? These granny square shorts are surprisingly beginner-friendly—you’ll look at your finished pair and think, “Wow, I made these?! I could open a five-star Etsy shop.” If you want more inspo, see how Mikey tackled his own crochet granny shorts for men. Trust me, whether you’re a newbie or an old pro at crochet, jumping into crochet granny square shorts will scratch that creative itch. Give it a go, try out new crochet granny shorts patterns, and remember—it’s supposed to be fun!
