Apricot Checkerboard Capri Pants: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

These Apricot Checkerboard Capri Pants are a soft, pastel-dreamy take on crochet trousers, made from solid granny squares joined into a two-tone checkerboard of peach and apricot. They are written for confident beginners who can chain, double crochet, and slip stitch, and for anyone who loves a project that grows square by square. The straight-leg tubes and elasticated waistband give a relaxed, comfortable fit that skims the hip and ends just below the knee. The dense double-crochet grid makes a sturdy, slightly structured fabric with visible square seams that add a handmade, patchwork charm.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Fingering weight (size 1) wool, approximately 800 yards total: 400 yards peach (Color A) and 400 yards apricot (Color B).
• Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4), or the size needed to match the gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, tape measure, scissors.
• Elastic: 1" (2.5 cm) wide elastic, cut to your waist measurement.
• Finished size: To fit waist 28-30" (71-76 cm), hip 38" (96.5 cm), inseam 18" (45.5 cm). Garment measures 30" (76 cm) at the waist unstretched, 38" (96.5 cm) at the hip, and 26" (66 cm) from waist to hem.

Abbreviations

• ch - chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sl st - slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• sc - single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc - double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
• sp - space: the gap made by a chain or between stitches.
• rep - repeat: work the instructions again as many times as stated.
• BL - back loop: the loop of the stitch farthest from you when you look at the top of the stitch.

Gauge

One finished square measures 3.5" x 3.5" (9 cm x 9 cm) after blocking. Work one square first and measure it flat after blocking; if it is larger, go down a hook size, and if it is smaller, go up a hook size.

Tips Before You Start

• Make all 40 squares first, then block them to exactly 3.5" (9 cm) before joining. Even squares give you even seams and a straight leg.
• Keep a tally of your colors as you go: you need exactly 20 peach and 20 apricot squares, 10 of each per leg.
• When joining, always match stitch to stitch and work through the back loops only; this keeps the seam flat and the checkerboard crisp.
• Try the waistband on over your hips before sewing the elastic casing closed, so you can adjust the fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square (make 40: 20 in A, 20 in B)

R1: With A or B, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

R2: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

R3: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 7 dc; rep from * around, join (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off.

Leg (make 2)

Each leg uses 10 squares (5 A, 5 B) arranged in 2 columns x 5 rows, alternating colors in a checkerboard. Join squares with sl st in back loops only, matching stitches. Join the columns to form a tube, leaving one square open at the top for the crotch. Work in the joined squares only; do not add extra rounds.

Waistband

R1: With A, join yarn at the top edge of one leg. Sc evenly around the top edge of both legs, join (approx 120 sc).

R2-6: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join (120 sc). Fasten off. Fold the waistband to the inside and sew the hem, leaving a 1" opening. Insert the 1" elastic cut to your waist measurement, sew the ends together, and close the opening.

Edging

R1: With B, join yarn at the leg hem. Sc evenly around the hem, join (approx 60 sc).

R2: Sc in each sc around, join (60 sc). Fasten off. Repeat for the other leg.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the crotch opening closed with A, using a flat seam and matching stitches so the join disappears into the checkerboard. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working each end through several stitches before trimming. Block the finished pants to the measurements given: waist 30" (76 cm) unstretched, hip 38" (96.5 cm), length 26" (66 cm), inseam 18" (45.5 cm). Pin the legs flat, mist lightly, and let dry completely before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the two colors for any pastel pair you like, or use a single color for a quieter, textured look.
• For a longer capri or full-length pant, add one more row of squares to each leg before joining the waistband.
• Work the waistband in B and the hem edging in A for a reversed color accent at the top and bottom.