purlJam

# Men's Boxer Briefs

A comfortable, snug-fitting pair of boxer briefs worked seamlessly from the waist down in easy half double crochet. Perfect for everyday wear with sport weight yarn for breathability and stretch.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Sport weight (#2 Light) yarn in desired color
- Yardage: approximately 400-450 yards
- Suggested: cotton/cotton blend for breathability and durability

**Hook:** US D/3 (3.25mm) or E/4 (3.5mm), or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- 1" wide elastic: 30" for waistband
- ¾" wide elastic: 48" for leg openings (24" per leg)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Sewing needle and thread to match yarn

## GAUGE

20 sts × 14 rows = 4" (10 cm) in hdc

**Gauge is critical for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge.**

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- Waist circumference: 31" (snug fit for 32" waist)
- Rise (waist to crotch): 11"
- Leg opening: 22" circumference
- Inseam: 3"

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- hdc = half double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- sl st = slip stitch
- dec = decrease (hdc2tog: yo, insert hook in next st, pull up loop, yo, insert hook in next st, pull up loop, yo, pull through all 5 loops)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- BLO = back loop only

## PATTERN NOTES

- Pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) from waist down until crotch split.
- Do not join rounds unless specified; use a stitch marker to mark beginning of round.
- Move marker up as you work.
- Turning chain does not count as a stitch.
- Stitch count is provided at end of each round in parentheses.
- Hdc fabric has natural stretch; negative ease is intentional for snug fit.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Waistband

**Rnd 1:** Ch 157, being careful not to twist chain, sl st to first ch to join. Ch 1 (does not count as st), hdc in same ch and in each ch around. Place marker in first hdc. (156 sts)

**Rnds 2-3:** Hdc in each st around. (156 sts)

**Rnd 4 (Casing fold):** Hdc in BLO of each st around. (156 sts)
*This creates a fold line for the elastic casing.*

**Rnds 5-7:** Hdc in each st around. (156 sts)

*Do not fasten off. You will fold this casing and sew closed after completing the body.*

### Body

**Rnds 8-40:** Hdc in each st around. (156 sts)
*Work a total of 33 rounds from casing fold (approximately 9.5" from fold line). This brings you to the crotch area.*

**Check your work:** Measure from fold line down. You should have approximately 9.5" of fabric below the waistband casing.

### Front Panel

The garment is now split into front and back panels.

**Row 1 (RS):** Hdc in next 78 sts, turn. Leave remaining 78 sts unworked for back panel. (78 sts)

**Row 2:** Ch 1, hdc in each st across, turn. (78 sts)

**Row 3 (Leg shaping):** Ch 1, dec, hdc in each st to last 2 sts, dec, turn. (76 sts)

**Row 4:** Ch 1, hdc in each st across, turn. (76 sts)

**Row 5:** Ch 1, dec, hdc in each st to last 2 sts, dec, turn. (74 sts)

**Row 6:** Ch 1, hdc in each st across, turn. (74 sts)

**Rows 7-10:** Rep Row 6. (74 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 20" tail for seaming.

### Back Panel

With RS facing, join yarn to first unworked st from body.

**Row 1 (RS):** Ch 1, hdc in same st and in next 77 sts, turn. (78 sts)

**Row 2:** Ch 1, hdc in each st across, turn. (78 sts)

**Row 3 (Leg shaping):** Ch 1, dec, hdc in each st to last 2 sts, dec, turn. (76 sts)

**Row 4:** Ch 1, hdc in each st across, turn. (76 sts)

**Row 5:** Ch 1, dec, hdc in each st to last 2 sts, dec, turn. (74 sts)

**Row 6:** Ch 1, hdc in each st across, turn. (74 sts)

**Rows 7-10:** Rep Row 6. (74 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 20" tail for seaming.

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## FINISHING

### Crotch Seam

With tapestry needle and yarn tails, align front and back panels. Using whipstitch or mattress stitch, sew the inner leg seams together, working from the leg opening up through the crotch and down the other leg opening. The seam should measure approximately 3" on each side of the center crotch point.

Weave in ends except for waistband casing tail.

### Waistband Elastic

1. Fold Rnd 5-7 down to inside of garment, creating a casing channel with Rnd 4 as the fold line.
2. Using the yarn tail and tapestry needle, whipstitch the cast-on edge to Rnd 7, leaving a 2" opening for elastic insertion.
3. Cut 1" elastic to 30" length (or measure around waist and subtract 2").
4. Thread elastic through casing opening using a safety pin or bodkin.
5. Overlap elastic ends by 1" and sew securely with sewing needle and thread.
6. Sew casing opening closed with yarn tail.

### Leg Opening Elastic

**For each leg opening:**

1. With RS facing, join yarn at inner seam of leg opening.
2. Work 1 rnd of sc evenly around leg opening, working approximately 110 sc. Sl st to first sc, fasten off, leaving 12" tail. (110 sc)
3. Cut ¾" elastic to 23" length (or desired snugness).
4. With sewing needle and thread, sew elastic to WS of leg opening using a stretch stitch (zigzag if using machine), stretching elastic to fit as you sew. This will create a gathered, snug fit.
5. Overlap elastic ends by ½" and sew securely.

Weave in all remaining ends.

### Blocking (Optional)

Gently steam block or spritz with water and lay flat to dry. Do not over-stretch the elastic areas.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid bleach and high heat, which can damage elastic.

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## CUSTOMIZATION TIPS

**For a looser fit:** Use a larger hook or add 10-12 sts to the initial chain (work Ch 169, then work 168 sts).

**For a longer rise:** Add 1-2" of additional rounds in the Body section (approximately 4-6 rounds).

**For a shorter inseam:** Work fewer rows in the Front and Back Panels (reduce to 6-8 total rows).

**Yarn substitution:** Cotton or cotton-blend yarns work best for underwear due to breathability. Avoid 100% acrylic, which doesn't breathe well.

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## DESIGN NOTES

This pattern creates a comfortable, stretchy garment suitable for everyday wear. The hdc stitch provides good coverage while maintaining stretch. The continuous round construction minimizes seaming and bulk. Elastic in the waistband and leg openings ensures a secure, comfortable fit.

**Skill level:** Beginner (requires knowledge of basic stitches, working in the round, and simple shaping)

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**Math Verification:**
- Initial: 156 sts ÷ 5 sts/inch = 31.2" waist ✓
- Front panel: 78 sts (half of 156) → dec to 74 sts ✓
- Back panel: 78 sts → dec to 74 sts ✓
- Total at leg opening: 74 + 74 = 148 sts before finishing
- Leg opening after finishing: approx 110 sts ÷ 5 sts/inch = 22" ✓