the microshorts

This is a customisable knitting pattern, consisting of a basic pattern for a pair of stockinette shorts, plus a 'Pick and Mix' section with many options to customise your shorts. The basic shorts are knit top-down in the round, and are comprised of four sections of shaping: 1) hips, 2) butt, 3) front, 4) legs. Customisation options included in the pattern consist of hip ribbing options, super microshorts, biker shorts, loose knit trousers, button bands, rompers, skorts, and stripes.

Key techniques used: long tail cast on, lifted increases, short rows (w&ts or German short rows), tubular cast off (optional). I have created a short YouTube video linked in the pattern explaining these techniques.

This pattern is designed with negative ease for a snug fit. The shaping and construction are based on the idea that the main section—covering the hips, back, and front—will fit like underwear, similar to a cheeky bikini bottom. Coverage around the butt is created by knitting the legs after completing the short row shaping. Because of this design, sizing up for a looser fit is not recommended. For a super tight and skimpy short, size down.

Sizes available, corresponding to full hip measurement:
1 (80cm), 2 (85cm), 3 (90cm), 4 (95cm), 5 (100cm), 6 (107cm), 7 (115cm), 8 (122cm), 9 (130cm), 10 (138cm), 11 (145cm), 12 (155 - 164cm)

** Note: as of publishing, I am still looking for testers to knit and try on sizes 10, 11, and 12. Please shoot me a message if you are interested!

Choose a yarn at DK weight (or that makes gauge when held together - like two sock yarns). Yarns with some memory and wool content are best. Please read page 6 on yarn choices for more detail.

Gauge: 21 stitches by 25 rows in a 10cm x 10cm swatch

Materials needed: Interchangeable knitting needles, 2x 40-60cm cables, 4mm (US 6) needles, 3.5mm (US 4) needles. 3 stitch markers.

Yarn: ~80g of DK for size 1, plus ~15g per increased size. The yardage required varies significantly depending on which customisation options you choose.