Bold Hexagon Lounge Shorts Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
These bold hexagon lounge shorts are the perfect project for anyone who wants a relaxed, wearable piece with a little visual punch. Made from just 16 hexagon motifs in alternating cobalt and orange, they create a striking checkerboard effect that looks far more complicated than it really is. The shorts are worked as two flat panels, then seamed into leg tubes with a soft drawstring waistband, so the fit stays comfortable and forgiving. They feel soft and cozy against the skin, ideal for lazy weekends, and the bulky yarn means they work up quickly even for a confident beginner.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky weight wool, approx. 400 g total — Cobalt (A) 200 g, Orange (B) 200 g.
- Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, tape measure.
- Finished size: To fit waist 28–40" (71–102 cm); hip 40" (102 cm); inseam 3" (7.5 cm); rise 10" (25 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- sp — space
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rep — repeat
Gauge
One hexagon motif measures 4" (10 cm) across flat-to-flat after blocking. Work one motif first and measure it flat before starting the rest; if it is larger or smaller, adjust your hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Make all 16 motifs first and block them lightly so they are all the same size before joining — this keeps your panels even.
- Keep your sc joining seams loose and even; tight seams will pull the hexagons out of shape.
- Count your waistband stitches carefully — you need about 72 sc to make the 18 buttonholes line up evenly.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the front and back crotch points before joining the legs so you don't twist the tubes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Hexagon Motif (make 16 total: 8 in A, 8 in B)
Rnd 1: 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] 5 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (6 groups of 3 dc, 6 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (6 groups of 7 dc, 6 ch-2 sps)
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Repeat until you have 8 motifs in A and 8 motifs in B.
Assembly of Panels (make 2 identical panels)
Arrange motifs in a checkerboard: 2 rows of 4 motifs, alternating A and B (8 motifs per panel).
Joining: With right sides together, using A, sc through both layers along touching edges (flat-to-flat), working 1 sc in each st and 1 sc in each ch-2 sp. Join all adjacent edges to form a flat rectangle approx. 16" wide x 8" high. Repeat for the second panel.
Form Leg Tubes
Fold each panel in half with right sides together to form a tube (approx. 8" wide x 8" high). Join the two short edges with sc through both layers to create a leg seam. Repeat for the second panel.
Join Legs
Place the two leg tubes side by side with right sides together. Join the front crotch and back crotch edges (the inner curves) with sc through both layers, leaving the outer edges open for the legs. This creates the rise (approx. 10").
Waistband
Rnd 1: With A, join yarn at waist edge. Sc evenly around waist opening (approx. 72 sc).
Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around (72 sc).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc; rep from * around, join with sl st. (18 buttonholes)
Rnd 4: Sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around (72 sc).
Rnd 5: Sc in each sc around (72 sc). Fasten off.
Drawstring
With B, ch 100. Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. Weave through Rnd 3 buttonholes.
Leg Edging
With B, join yarn at leg opening. Sc evenly around leg opening (approx. 36 sc). Fasten off. Repeat for the second leg.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all remaining ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly to the finished measurements, pinning the waistband and leg openings flat so the shorts hold their shape. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the orange for a third color to create a different checkerboard palette, or use a self-striping bulky yarn for a marled effect.
- Add a second sc round to the leg edging for a slightly deeper, more finished cuff.
- For a longer inseam, add an extra row of motifs to each panel before seaming.
