Crochet Co-ord Set Pattern: Top & Shorts

Materials and supplies

• DK or light worsted garment yarn
• 4-5 mm hook or size needed for gauge
• Flexible tape measure
• Locking stitch markers
• Blocking supplies and yarn needle
• Wide non-roll elastic for the shorts waistband

Crochet terms used

The instructions in Crochet Co-ord Set Pattern: Top & Shorts use US terms: ch (chain), sl st (slip stitch), sc (single crochet), hdc (half double crochet), dc (double crochet), inc (two stitches in one), and dec (decrease). Counts in parentheses show the stitches expected after that row or round.

Co-ord top

Make a washed hdc swatch. Multiply half the desired finished bust by stitches per centimeter and round to an even number. Add 2 turning chains, hdc in the third chain and across, and keep that stitch count through the lower body. Make two rectangles to the measured underarm. For each panel, decrease once at each edge on the next 4 rows, removing 8 stitches total. Mark a centered neck opening; the stitches on either side become the shoulder sections. Work each shoulder section separately to the measured shoulder height, then seam matching shoulders and sides. Add one sc round around neck and armholes.

Co-ord shorts

Measure full hip, upper thigh, crotch-to-hem, and waist-to-crotch rise. Calculate one leg count from upper-thigh circumference plus 4-6 cm ease and round it to an even number. Foundation hdc that count, join without twisting, and work even rounds to the measured crotch-to-hem length. Make a second identical leg.

Mark the inner-leg point on each tube. Beginning at that marker, hdc around leg 1, foundation hdc enough stitches to span 5-8 cm for the front gusset, hdc around leg 2 from its marker, then foundation hdc the same count for the back gusset and join to leg 1. The joined round contains twice the leg count plus twice the gusset count. Work the next round into every leg and gusset stitch.

Compare the joined round with the calculated full-hip count. If it differs, distribute the exact difference as paired increases or decreases over the next 2-4 rounds, then work even until the total rise is reached. Keep the top edge large enough to pass over the full hip; fold the upper 3 cm around wide elastic cut to a comfortable waist measurement and sew the casing without piercing the elastic.

Tips & troubleshooting

Measure the top and shorts separately

The top is calculated from finished bust width; each leg starts from thigh circumference and ease. Use separate notes for both pieces so a bust calculation does not accidentally become the shorts width.

Check the joined shorts round

Count both legs and both gusset spans before working upward. The combined count must equal twice the leg count plus twice the gusset count before any hip shaping begins.

Test the waistband opening before closing it

The crocheted opening must pass over the full hip even though the elastic rests at the waist. Try the shorts on before sewing the casing, and keep the elastic free to move inside it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a washed swatch?

The top and shorts must fit after laundering. Use washed hdc stitch and row gauge for width and rise, and check whether the chosen fabric becomes too transparent when stretched.

Can I shorten the shorts after joining the legs?

The leg length is established before the joining round. Decide on the crotch-to-hem length while the legs are separate; changing the rise afterward will not shorten the leg tubes.

May I sell the finished item?

Small-scale sales of finished items from this pattern are allowed with credit to Crochet Co-ord Set Pattern: Top & Shorts. Do not copy, sell, or republish the written instructions or site images.

Keep exploring

To build on Crochet Co-ord Set Pattern: Top & Shorts, continue with Boho Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Beginners, Cottagecore Crochet Dress Pattern, Cozy Oversized Crochet Sweater Pattern (Free). For a broader route through the site, use the Ultimate Free Crochet Pattern Library.