Twisted Motif Patch Shorts Free Knit Pattern
Introduction
These Twisted Motif Patch Shorts are a relaxed, boho pair of knit shorts designed especially for teens who want something handmade but easygoing. The body is a simple straight tube knit in the round from the top down, so there is no shaping to worry about, just smooth stockinette in a soft mauve linen blend. Twisted-rib waistband and hems give the edges a neat, slightly textured finish that holds its shape, and a small plum twisted-stitch square patch appliquéd on one front leg adds a playful handmade detail. The fabric is light and breathable, perfect for warm days, and the whole project is friendly to knitters making their first garment.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight linen blend (approx. 50% linen, 50% cotton), 125 yd / 50 g per skein.
- Mauve (A): 4 (4, 5) skeins, approx. 440 (480, 540) yd
- Plum (B): 1 skein, approx. 25 yd for the patch
- Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) 16" circular needle and a set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs), or the size needed to get gauge
- Notions: stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn, tapestry needle, tape measure, pins for the patch
- Finished size: Teen S (M, L): waist 26 (28, 30)" relaxed, hip 34 (36, 38)", inseam 3 (3.5, 4)", rise 10 (10.5, 11)", total length 13 (13.5, 14.5)"
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k1tbl: knit one stitch through the back loop (this twists the stitch)
- p1tbl: purl one stitch through the back loop (this twists the stitch)
- k2tog: knit two stitches together (a decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- pm: place marker
- BO: bind off
- RS: right side
Gauge
22 sts and 30 rnds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette in the round, blocked. Knit a swatch in the round (or a flat swatch and treat purl rows as knit rows), block it, and measure a 4" section in the middle to check your stitch and round counts before you begin.
Tips Before You Start
- Twisted stitches are simply knit or purled through the back loop. Work them a little more loosely than usual so the rib stays stretchy and comfortable at the waist.
- Try the shorts on (or measure against a favorite pair) after the body rounds to confirm the rise before you split for the legs.
- When you pick up the stitch at the crotch gap for Leg 2, keep it snug; the k2tog on the next round closes the gap neatly.
- Block the patch to a true 3" x 3" square before sewing it on so it sits flat against the shorts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes: Worked top-down in the round as one straight tube, split for legs, no shaping. Twisted sts = knit through back loop (k1tbl) or purl through back loop (p1tbl). Numbers are given for sizes S (M, L).
Waistband (Yarn A)
Setup: CO 144 (156, 168) sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist, and pm for the beginning of the round.
Rnds 1-8: [k1tbl, p1tbl] around (144 / 156 / 168 sts).
Body (Yarn A)
Rnds 9-60 (9-64, 9-68): k all sts (144 / 156 / 168 sts). Piece measures approx. 8 (8.5, 9)" from cast-on.
Leg Split
Rnd 61 (65, 69): k 72 (78, 84), place next 72 (78, 84) sts on a holder for Leg 2. Continue on 72 (78, 84) sts for Leg 1 only.
Leg 1 (Yarn A)
Setup row: Work flat 1 row p (72 / 78 / 84 sts).
Join: Join to work in the round (72 / 78 / 84 sts), pm at the join.
Rnds 1-10 (1-12, 1-14): k all sts (72 / 78 / 84 sts).
Hem Rnds 11-16 (13-18, 15-20): [k1tbl, p1tbl] around (72 / 78 / 84 sts).
BO: Bind off all sts in twisted rib. Leg length approx. 3 (3.5, 4)".
Leg 2 (Yarn A)
Setup: Return 72 (78, 84) held sts to your needles. Rejoin A at the inner leg, pick up and knit 1 st at the crotch gap, pm (73 / 79 / 85 sts).
Next rnd: k2tog at the gap, k to end (72 / 78 / 84 sts).
Rnds 1-10 (1-12, 1-14): k all sts (72 / 78 / 84 sts).
Hem Rnds 11-16 (13-18, 15-20): [k1tbl, p1tbl] around (72 / 78 / 84 sts).
BO: Bind off all sts in twisted rib.
Patch (Yarn B)
Setup: CO 17 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl, p1tbl, k1tbl (17 sts).
Rows 2-17: repeat Row 1 (17 sts). This makes a twisted-rib square, 17 sts x 17 rows = approx. 3" x 2.25".
BO: Bind off in twisted rib. Block the patch to 3" x 3".
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the shorts, then steam block the hems and waistband lightly, being careful not to stretch the twisted rib. Pin the patch centered on the front of Leg 1, approx. 1.5" below the waistband rib and centered across the leg width. With yarn B, whipstitch the patch edges to the shorts, catching only the front layer of fabric so the stitching does not show on the inside. Weave in the remaining patch ends and give the patch a final light press.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make a second patch in mauve or a contrast color and place it on the back pocket area or the opposite leg for a balanced look.
- For a longer inseam, add extra plain knit rounds to each leg before the hem ribbing.
- Try a contrast waistband or hem in yarn B for a bolder boho color block, using the same twisted-rib rounds.
