The Sunkissed Shell Stitch Summer Shorts: A Free Crochet Pattern for Breezy, Textured Beachwear

Introducing the Sunkissed Shell Stitch Summer Shorts

Dive into summer with these airy, textured shorts featuring a rhythmic shell stitch pattern that evokes the gentle ebb and flow of ocean waves. Crafted in a soft, breathable cotton blend, they are the perfect statement piece for a beach day or a casual sunset stroll. This free crochet pattern is designed for confident beginners and includes detailed instructions for sizes S through XL. The seamless construction and alternating color bands create a stunning gradient effect, making these shorts a standout addition to your handmade wardrobe.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight, 100% mercerized cotton) in the following colors:
  • Color A (MC - Main Color): 'Sand' - 2 skeins
  • Color B (CC1 - Contrast Color 1): 'Seafoam' - 1 skein
  • Color C (CC2 - Contrast Color 2): 'Coral' - 1 skein
• Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, 1-inch wide elastic (cut to your waist measurement), stitch markers (optional)

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 shell stitches (as defined in pattern) x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch. Always check your gauge for best fit.
• Sizes: S (M, L, XL)
  • Waist: 28 (32, 36, 40) inches
  • Hip: 36 (40, 44, 48) inches
  • Inseam: 3 inches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stitch Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• sk = skip
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat

Special Stitch – Shell Stitch (Shell St)

Shell St: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all worked into the same stitch or space.

Pattern Notes

• The shorts are worked from the waist down in the round, creating a seamless garment.
• Color changes are made at the end of each round. When changing colors, complete the last yarn over of the final stitch with the new color, then sl st to join.
• The waistband is folded over and sewn down to create a casing for elastic.

WAISTBAND (worked in MC - Sand)

Row 1: Ch 120 (136, 152, 168). Join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain. Ch 1.

Row 2-5: Sc in each ch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (120, 136, 152, 168 sc)

Row 6 (Fold line): Ch 1, sc in the back loop only of each st around. Join with a sl st. (120, 136, 152, 168 sc)

Row 7-10: Sc in both loops of each st around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off MC.

BODY (worked in pattern stitch)

Round 1 (CC1 - Seafoam): Join CC1 with a sl st to any st. Ch 3 (counts as first dc). *Sk 1 st, work a Shell St in the next st, sk 2 sts.* Rep from * to * around, ending with sk 1 st, sl st to the top of the ch-3. (30, 34, 38, 42 shells)

Round 2 (CC2 - Coral): Ch 3. *Work a Shell St in the ch-1 space of the next shell from the previous round.* Rep from * to * around, sl st to the top of the ch-3. (30, 34, 38, 42 shells)

Round 3 (MC - Sand): Ch 3. *Work a Shell St in the ch-1 space of the next shell.* Rep from * to * around, sl st to the top of the ch-3.

Rounds 4-12: Rep Rounds 2-3, alternating colors every 2 rounds (CC1, CC2, MC). You will have a total of 12 rounds of shells. The color sequence is: Round 1-2: CC1, Round 3-4: CC2, Round 5-6: MC, Round 7-8: CC1, Round 9-10: CC2, Round 11-12: MC.

DIVIDE FOR LEGS

Round 13 (MC - Sand): Ch 3. Work a Shell St in the ch-1 space of the next 14 (16, 18, 20) shells (this is the front). Ch 6 (this creates the crotch gap). Skip the next 15 (17, 19, 21) shells (this is the back). Work a Shell St in the ch-1 space of the next 15 (17, 19, 21) shells (this is the back). Ch 6. Sl st to the top of the ch-3. (You now have 30, 34, 38, 42 shells total, but the work is separated into two leg openings.)

LEFT LEG

Round 14 (CC1 - Seafoam): Join CC1 at the crotch chain (the ch-6 space). Ch 3. Work a Shell St in each shell around the leg opening. When you reach the ch-6 space, work 2 shells into it: work a Shell St into the 3rd chain, skip 2 chains, then work a Shell St into the 6th chain. Sl st to join. (16, 18, 20, 22 shells)

Rounds 15-18: Continue in pattern, alternating colors every 2 rounds (CC2 for Rounds 15-16, MC for Rounds 17-18). You will work a total of 4 rounds after the crotch.

Round 19 (MC - Sand): Ch 1. Sc in each dc and ch-1 space around the leg opening. Work 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 space. Join with a sl st. Fasten off. (Approximately 80, 90, 100, 110 sc)

RIGHT LEG

Repeat the Left Leg instructions (Rounds 14-19) for the right leg, joining the yarn at the crotch chain of the other leg opening.

FINISHING

1. Fold the waistband: Fold the waistband at the fold line (Row 6) to the inside of the shorts. The back-loop-only row creates a crisp fold.
2. Sew the waistband: Using a yarn needle and MC yarn, whipstitch the folded edge of the waistband to the inside of the shorts, leaving a 2-inch opening for inserting the elastic.
3. Insert elastic: Cut a piece of 1-inch wide elastic to your waist measurement. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it through the waistband casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1 inch and sew them securely together.
4. Close the opening: Sew the remaining opening closed with a whipstitch.
5. Weave in ends: Weave in all yarn ends using a yarn needle.
6. Block: Lightly block the shorts to shape. Lay them flat on a towel, gently pat into shape, and allow to dry completely. This will even out the stitches and enhance the shell stitch texture.

Your Sunkissed Shell Stitch Summer Shorts are now complete! Enjoy the breezy, coastal style and the beautiful textured pattern you've created.