Granny square shorts take the classic concentric-square motif and shape it into something wearable instead of a blanket block — each leg is worked as its own square, joined at the center, then finished off with a drawstring waist. The color rotation here (black, orange, white) keeps each round distinct as it grows outward, so it’s easy to see where you are in the pattern at a glance. For a top in the same technique to pair with them, the granny square crop top uses the same motif construction scaled down.
Crochet Granny Square Shorts
Because each leg starts as a self-contained square before assembly, this is a forgiving project to pick up and put down — there’s no long, unbroken row to lose your place in. If the squared-off leg shape isn’t quite what you’re after, the high-waisted crochet shorts use a more traditional fitted construction instead.
Materials
- Materials
- Yarn in black, white, orange, or preferred colors
- 4.5 mm crochet hook
- 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Measuring tape
- Stitch markers or pins
Crochet Methods Used
Create the Granny Square Panels
- Begin with a magic ring, chain 3, and work 2 double crochets into the ring
- Chain 2 and work 3 double crochets to form the first corner cluster
- Repeat the corner sequence until four clusters are completed
- Join with a slip stitch to close the round
- For the next round, work 3 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 double crochets into each corner
- Use chain 1 spaces between side clusters
- Change colors as desired, starting with white in the center, followed by two rows of orange and two rows of black
- Continue repeating rounds until the square reaches the desired size
- Turn the work after every round to keep the square straight
- Make two identical granny squares
Assemble the Shorts
- Fold each square in half diagonally to form leg shapes
- Measure down from the top corner to determine the waist-to-crotch depth and mark the point
- Using the 4.0 mm hook, slip stitch the inner edges together from the marked point to the bottom to form the legs
- Seam the front and back sections from the waist down to the crotch area
- If you’re still learning how to read crochet patterns, no stress! Follow the video tutorial below and use the written pattern below as you get more comfortable!
Create the Waistband
- Attach yarn at the waist opening and chain 3
- Work double crochets evenly around the entire waist
- Skip stitches evenly to reduce the waist circumference for a better fit
- Continue working until the stitch count fits comfortably
- Create ribbing by alternating front post and back post double crochets
- Add optional contrast rows at the top for a decorative finish
Make and Insert the Drawstring
- Hold two strands of yarn together and create a long chained cord
- Thread the cord through the waistband using a safety pin or latch hook
- Skip stitches evenly for a balanced look
- Tie off the ends securely and weave in all loose ends
How the Granny Squares Shape the Shorts
Each square is a standard, evenly built granny square.
The shaping happens later, not during the square itself.
When you fold a square diagonally, it naturally creates a triangular shape that becomes one leg.
The fold line becomes the center of the leg opening, and the open edges are what you seam together.
- Turning your work after every round is important here.
- Granny squares can subtly twist if worked in the same direction each round.
- Turning keeps the square visually straight and helps both squares behave the same when folded and joined.
- Making two truly identical squares matters more than it might seem.
- Even a small size difference can cause uneven leg openings or twisting at the crotch seam.
Fit and Sizing Guidance
The size of your squares controls nearly everything about the fit.
- Square size: Larger squares create looser, longer shorts. Smaller squares result in shorter, more fitted shorts.
- Waist-to-crotch depth: Measuring down from the top corner lets you customize how high or low the shorts sit. A deeper measurement gives more room and a relaxed fit. A shorter measurement creates a snug, higher-rise fit.
- Waist shaping: Skipping stitches evenly during the waistband is what prevents gaping. This is not a mistake correction step, but an intentional shaping technique.
Try folding and pinning the squares together before seaming. This gives a clear preview of how the shorts will sit on the body and helps confirm your measurements before committing.
Stitch and Shaping Clarity
- Corner clusters: Each corner always uses the same structure. The chain 2 creates the turn, while the 3 double crochets on either side provide strength and shape.
- Side clusters: The chain 1 spaces between side clusters keep the square flexible rather than stiff.
- Slip stitch seaming: Using a smaller hook for seaming creates a firm join without adding bulk. This is especially important in the inner leg area, where friction is highest.
- Post stitch ribbing: Alternating front post and back post double crochets forms vertical ridges that stretch comfortably around the waist without elastic.
Beginner Notes
- If your magic ring feels loose, pull it tight before joining the first round. Granny squares rely on a firm center.
- Use stitch markers when marking the waist-to-crotch point. Both squares should be marked at the exact same spot.
- When skipping stitches for waist shaping, spread the skips evenly rather than clustering them. This keeps the waistband smooth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Leg openings feel uneven: Check that both squares are the same size and folded in the same direction. A flipped square can cause mismatched seams.
- Waistband flares out: More stitches need to be skipped in the first waistband round. The goal is a comfortable but secure fit before adding ribbing.
- Crotch feels too tight: The marked depth may be too short. Next time, measure slightly lower from the top corner before seaming.
- Twisting or leaning shorts: This usually comes from not turning the square each round or from uneven seaming tension.
Finishing Notes
- Weave in all ends securely, especially around the waistband and crotch seams.
- These areas experience the most movement.
- When inserting the drawstring, skipping stitches evenly prevents bunching and keeps the waistband balanced.
- Once finished, lightly block the shorts flat.
- This helps the granny squares relax and allows the seams to settle into their natural shape.
