This beginner-friendly, top-down top short pattern includes a fitted look and simple ribbing and finishing details throughout. The classic fit of these shorts and the ease of the make will have you making a full collection, perfect for a variety of settings - from the pool to bed. This pattern is perfect for any body, any yarn, and any skill level.

Sizes
This pattern is written to meet the finished measurements in the chart provided below, with finished waist sizes: 22, 26, 30, (34, 38, 42, 46)50, 54, 58, 62“/56, 66, 76.5 (86.5, 97, 107, 117)127, 137.5, 147.5, 158cm. Check the measurement chart to find the pattern that works for your body. If you’re between multiple sizes (like many of us are) I recommend you start by choosing the size that will fit your waist and adjusting your increases to fit your hips and legs as needed.

The sample was knit to about 2”/5cm of negative ease (smaller than my body measurements) throughout, with slightly more negative ease at the waist. With previous garments, I have found through testers and my own samples, that these patterns can easily accommodate from 4”/10cm of negative ease to 2”/5cm of positive ease.

Materials
You will need at least four stitch markers and one BOR marker, waste yarn, 3/4”/2cm elastic (optional), thread and sewing needle, darning needle, scissors, measuring tape, and your super amazing body.

Techniques
You will need to know how to cast on with a provisional cast on, knit in the round, purl, increase, decrease, sewn bind-off, pick up stitches, kitchener, block, weave in ends, and have fun.

Suggested Yarn
Sunfish from thelittlewolfknits: 75/25 superwash merino/nylon, fingering weight 4-ply, 463yd/424m per 100g. The sample used two skeins of Up At Dawn.

Any light fingering should work – just make sure to adjust to get gauge.
-Alternatives include: Knit Picks Stroll, Cascade Yarns Heritage

Color Suggestions
Like I said, this pattern is perfect for any yarn, and can be made with a tonal or variegated AND it would make amazing scrappy project. Have random odds and ends lying around? Use them for a fun stripey version!

Suggested Needles
Ribbing Needle: US 4 (3.5mm) circular needle
Main Needle: US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle
But use whatever needle you need to achieve gauge!
(Or just do the math and do your own thing)

Gauge
24 sts x 32 rows = 4”/10cm stockinette knit in the round and blocked with your main needle. When swatching, remember to cast on more stitches than you’re intending to measure so that you can get an accurate measurement (the end and beginning stitches tend to be looser). I recommend using this tutorial to start and finish the swatch for the most accurate measurements.

Yardage:
The yardage for the bottoms with a 2”/5cm leg you’ll need:

510, 571, 636 (696, 755, 816, 881)941, 1001, 1062, 1121yds/467, 522, 582 (637, 691, 746, 806)861, 915, 971, 1025m.

Each additional 1”/2.5cm of length to both legs will require approximately an additional 39, 43, 47 (50, 54, 57, 61)64, 68, 72, 75yd/36, 39, 43 (46, 49, 52, 56)59, 62, 66, 69m so add or subtract as needed to determine final yardage.