The ArtFit Shorty Shorts!
I think my first attempt at this style of shorts was back in 2019. I was a full time teacher crocheting as often as I could, which wasn’t very often. The shorts turned out so small they could only fit my mannequin. My next attempt led me to eventually making my first pair of fitted crochet leggings. In 2020 my design bug was reignited and I decided to revisit old designs. I was really in my social media bag back then and EVERYBODY and their mama was on the internet. I saw ArtFit by Zakyla grow in ways I never thought possible. My content was doing well and I posted the 2020 version of the Shorty Shorts I was bombarded with comments like “pattern please,” or “where can I find the pattern?” I was confused. Who are these people and why do they just want to copy all my hard work? Why would I give them the formula and they reap the benefits of my years of trial and error? It took me quite a while but I realized that the followers I had gained, the people that were supporting me, and who were apart of my online community were crafters, crocheters, and the overall artsy type. I had a skill I could teach and they wanted to learn. I could charge for it too. So here we are.
This is my FIRST EVER PATTERN! That sounds kind of crazy to say but let’s talk about it. The ArtFit Shorty Shorts pattern is completely customizable and also comes with instructions for standard sizes. I love love love to use Lion Brand Coboo for this pattern. It’s a DK weight cotton/bamboo blend. It has just enough stretch and drape to give me the fit that I like. I’ve made multiple iterations with a few different fibers. 100% I’d stay away from. Unless it’s mercerized and a smaller weight. If you’re lookin for a super snug fit I suggest using cotton yarn or any kind of yarn that has elastic in it. I’ve made a pair that fit well and didn’t require a drawstring out of Cascade Fixation.
Be sure to take your measurements as suggested in the pattern. Think about where you want the waistband to sit. Will they be high waist, low rise, mid waist? These different starting points will determine the length of the shorts. Getting the waistband right makes a difference in how the shorts fit. Trust me when I say, you will have to wiggle into the shorts in order to get the best fit in my opinion. There are no decreases made in this pattern. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try them on as you go!
If you’re the type to work outside the box then try experimenting with different yarn and hook sizes. This pattern is adaptable to thinner and chunkier yarns. If you want to make pants, continue the thigh rows for as long as you want. I’m working on a pair right now myself. Don’t like the picot edging? Try the crab stitch or reverse single crochet stitch instead.
This pattern comes with access to a private YouTube video walking you through each step. If you have any questions about the written instructions please don’t hesitate to send me an email.
I’m finishing off today with beautiful photos from my testers! Thank you thank you to everyone who took time out of their lives to help me make this pattern better. It may not be perfect but I’m very proud of myself for taking the leap!
