purlJam

# Low-Rise Relaxed Fit Crochet Shorts

These beginner-friendly crochet shorts feature a comfortable, relaxed fit designed to flatter the hips. Worked top-down in the round with Half Double Crochet (hdc) for a smooth, "knit-like" fabric, they include a low-rise elastic waistband and a comfortable inseam. Perfect for lounging or a casual warm-weather look.

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Size:** M (Medium)
*(Pattern is written for Size M only. See gauge for accurate sizing.)*

**Finished Measurements (Approximate, blocked):**
*   Low-Rise Waist Circumference: 34 inches (86.5 cm)
*   Hip Circumference: 44 inches (112 cm)
*   Front Rise (from top of waistband): 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)
*   Back Rise (from top of waistband): 12.5 inches (32 cm)
*   Inseam: 3.5 inches (9 cm)
*   Total Length (top of waistband to hem): 13.5 inches (34 cm)

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**Materials:**
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn, 100% Cotton or Cotton blend recommended for drape. Approximately 600-700 yards (550-640 m).
    *   *Example:* Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Vanna's Choice, Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (held double).
*   **Hook:** US H / 5.0 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
*   **Notions:**
    *   1 inch (2.5 cm) wide elastic, approximately 30 inches (76 cm) long (adjust to fit your low-rise waist).
    *   Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and seaming).
    *   Scissors.
    *   Stitch markers (at least 4).

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**Gauge:**
13 hdc x 10 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in the round with US H/5.0 mm hook.
*Check your gauge carefully! A different gauge will result in different finished measurements.*

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**Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):**
*   ch: chain
*   hdc: half double crochet
*   sc: single crochet
*   st(s): stitch(es)
*   sl st: slip stitch
*   inc: increase (work 2 hdc in the same stitch)
*   sk: skip
*   FO: finish off
*   PM: place marker
*   rep: repeat
*   BLO: back loop only

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**Pattern Notes:**
*   This pattern is worked in rounds from the top down.
*   Ch 2 at the beginning of each round does NOT count as a stitch. Always hdc in the same st as the ch 2.
*   Join each round with a sl st to the first hdc of the round.
*   Stitch counts are given in parentheses `()` at the end of each round/row.
*   For the back rise shaping, you will be working back and forth in rows on only a portion of the stitches.
*   Read through the entire pattern before you begin.

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## Pattern Instructions

### I. Waistband
*(Worked in rounds)*

Using US H/5.0 mm hook and black yarn, ch 112. Sl st to first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
**Round 1:** Ch 2 (does not count as st), hdc in each ch around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (112 hdc)
**Rounds 2-8:** Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (112 hdc)

*The waistband currently measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall.*

### II. Body Shaping
*(Worked in rounds, increasing for hips)*

**Round 9 (Increase Round 1):** Ch 2, hdc in first 13 sts, *inc in next st, hdc in next 13 sts* rep 7 more times. Join with sl st to first hdc. (120 hdc)
**Rounds 10-12:** Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (120 hdc)
**Round 13 (Increase Round 2):** Ch 2, hdc in first 14 sts, *inc in next st, hdc in next 14 sts* rep 7 more times. Join with sl st to first hdc. (128 hdc)
**Rounds 14-16:** Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (128 hdc)
**Round 17 (Increase Round 3):** Ch 2, hdc in first 15 sts, *inc in next st, hdc in next 15 sts* rep 7 more times. Join with sl st to first hdc. (136 hdc)
**Rounds 18-20:** Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (136 hdc)
**Round 21 (Increase Round 4):** Ch 2, hdc in first 16 sts, *inc in next st, hdc in next 16 sts* rep 7 more times. Join with sl st to first hdc. (144 hdc)
**Rounds 22-24:** Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (144 hdc)

*The body shaping is complete. The circumference is now 44 inches (112 cm) at the hip. Total rounds from waistband: 16 rounds of shaping + 8 rounds of waistband = 24 rounds for the front section.*

### III. Back Rise Shaping
*(Worked in rows, to create a longer back rise)*

This section creates a longer rise in the back for a better fit. You will not be working in complete rounds.

**Preparation:**
*   Lay your shorts flat with the seam (where you joined rounds) at the approximate center back. PM at the center back, then PM for the left and right side seams. There should be 72 sts for the front and 72 sts for the back.
*   *For example:* From the seam, count 36 sts to the right and PM (right side seam). From the seam, count 36 sts to the left and PM (left side seam). The front section is between these two side markers.

**Row 1 (Right Side):** Ch 2, hdc in each st from the Left Side Marker to the Right Side Marker (72 hdc - this is the entire back section). Turn. (72 hdc)
**Row 2 (Wrong Side):** Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn. (72 hdc)
**Row 3 (Right Side):** Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn. (72 hdc)
**Row 4 (Wrong Side):** Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn. (72 hdc)

*You have now added 4 rows (approximately 1.5 inches / 4 cm) to the back rise. The yarn is currently at the right side seam. Do not cut yarn.*

### IV. Separate for Legs and Crotch
*(You will now create the crotch opening and prepare for individual legs)*

**Round 25 (Continue from Back Rise Row 4, working Right Leg):**
*   **Make Front Crotch:** Ch 4. (These chains will join the front and back sections at the crotch. This creates approximately 1.25 inches / 3 cm of crotch depth).
*   **Work across Front:** Hdc in the first 72 sts of the front section (from the Right Side Marker to the Left Side Marker).
*   **Join to Back Crotch:** Sl st into the first of the 4 chs you made. You have now formed a loop for the Right Leg. (72 hdc from front section + 4 chs = 76 sts for this leg circumference).

**Now work on the Right Leg first:**

**Right Leg - Rounds 1-9:** Ch 2, hdc in each of the 72 hdc and 4 chs around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (76 hdc)
*The inseam should now be approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) from the crotch point.*

**Right Leg Edging:**
**Round 10 (Edging):** Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (76 sc)
FO.

**Now work on the Left Leg:**

**Left Leg - Round 1 (Setting up):**
*   Attach yarn with a sl st to the **other side of the 4 chs** you made for the crotch (where the front and back sections meet).
*   Ch 2, hdc in each of the 4 chs.
*   Hdc in each of the 72 sts of the back section (from Left Side Marker to Right Side Marker). Join with sl st to first hdc. (76 hdc)

**Left Leg - Rounds 2-9:** Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (76 hdc)
*The inseam should now be approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) from the crotch point.*

**Left Leg Edging:**
**Round 10 (Edging):** Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (76 sc)
FO.

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## Finishing

1.  **Weave in Ends:** Use your yarn needle to securely weave in all loose ends.
2.  **Waistband Casing:** Fold the top 4 rounds of the waistband inwards (towards the wrong side of the fabric). Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, neatly sew the folded edge to the inside of the shorts, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) opening.
3.  **Insert Elastic:** Using a safety pin attached to one end of your elastic, thread the elastic through the casing you just created.
4.  **Fit Elastic:** Once the elastic is fully threaded, try on the shorts to determine the best fit for your low-rise waist. Overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and securely sew them together.
5.  **Close Casing:** Stitch the opening in the waistband casing closed.
6.  **Block (Optional but Recommended):** Gently wet the shorts and lay them flat on a clean surface or towel, shaping them to the desired measurements. Allow to air dry completely. Blocking helps to even out stitches and improve drape.

Your Low-Rise Relaxed Fit Crochet Shorts are complete! Enjoy your handmade creation.