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Adrian Pants Pattern

Adrian Pants Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.8K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Adrian Pants Pattern

This is a top-down knitted pattern for childrens striped pants called Adrian Pants, featuring a tidy knit-down hem and elastic waist. The design uses sport-weight yarn with two colors to create pretty wide stripes and includes short-row shaping for a better seat fit. Youll work a gusset to shape the crotch and finish the legs with a 1x1 rib cuff.

Adrian Pants Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern includes clear instructions for multiple sizes from 6-12 months up to 7-8 years and specifies yardage and needle recommendations. Short rows and the German short-row method are described to help you add fabric in the back for comfort and fit.

Why You'll Love This Adrian Pants Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it takes a classic, comfortable silhouette and makes it charming with bold stripes and clean finishing. I enjoy the way the short rows create extra room in the back for a better fit without altering the clean look of the pants. The knit-down hem option is a small detail that makes a big difference in the finished appearance, and I love offering that neat finish. Working top-down is practical and fun — you can try on as you go and adjust length easily to suit your little ones.

Adrian Pants Pattern step 1 - construction progress Adrian Pants Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Adrian Pants Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Adrian Pants Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I like changing up the stripe widths and colors to create different personalities for the pants; try narrow stripes or two contrasting brights.

I sometimes use a bulkier yarn and larger needles to make a chunkier, warmer winter version — adjust yardage accordingly.

I often lengthen the legs by adding extra rounds before the cuff if I want a longer pant or shorter for a cropped look.

I add embroidered details or small knitted patches for a playful touch, like a little heart on the knee or a star near the cuff.

I swap the 30 mm elastic for a narrower elastic for a softer waist feel for babies, or a wider elastic for older children for better support.

I like to change the rib at the cuff to a 2x2 rib or a folded hem for different finishes and textures.

I sometimes replace the knit-down hem with a sewn hem if Im making many pairs quickly; sewing can be faster and still neat.

I add a contrast-colored I-cord drawstring through the waistband gap for adjustable fit and a cute detail.

I recommend trying different needle types (wooden vs metal) for drape variations — wood gives a warmer hand while metal gives a slicker fabric.

I also experiment with using the same pattern for mittens or booties by adjusting stitch counts and lengths for coordinating sets.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not placing the marker before joining in the round; place a marker (M) and ensure you join carefully to avoid twisting the cast-on edge. ✗ Skipping stitch counts after increases during the gusset rounds; count your stitches after each increase round to ensure you reach the correct total. ✗ Neglecting short-row technique detail and leaving loose gaps; follow the German short-row instructions exactly and pull the wrap snug so the double stitch lies correctly. ✗ Pulling the knitted hem too tightly when knitting it down; leave a small gap to thread the elastic and keep tension even so the waistband stays comfortable. ✗ Forgetting to switch to larger needles for the increase round; change to the recommended 3.5 mm / US 4 needle when instructed to keep gauge and ease correct.

Adrian Pants Pattern

Make cozy, striped Adrian Pants knitted top-down with a gentle gusset and short-row shaping for a comfortable fit. Youll love the soft sport-weight yarn and simple striping—perfect for everyday wear and play. This pattern is detailed and clear, guiding you through hem finishing, short rows, gusset shaping, and cuff finishing so you can create a polished pair of pants.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Adrian Pants Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sport weight yarn (recommended): Color A: 190 (220) 260 (300) 350 meters / 210 (250) 290 (330) 390 yards
  • 02
    Sport weight yarn (recommended): Color B: 140 (160) 180 (200) 220 meters / 160 (180) 200 (220) 240 yards
  • 03
    Model yarn: Wool4You Capella colors 260 and 264 (used for 18 mo-2 yrs sample)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3 mm / US 2.5 circular needle (40 cm / 16 inches) and DPNs
  • 02
    3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles (40 cm / 16 inches and 60 cm / 24 inches) and DPNs
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    Stitch holder or scrap yarn to hold half the sts
  • 05
    Tapestry/yarn needle for weaving ends and finishing
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    30 mm elastic approx. length 46 (49) 52 (55) 58 cm / 18 (19.5) 20.5 (21.25) 22.75 inches
  • 08
    Measuring tape

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Body :

Info :

With ndl 3 mm / US 2.5 and color A, CO 112 (119) 126 (133) 140 sts. PM, join to work in the rnd.

Info :

Work stst in the rnd until your work measures 3 (3) 3.5 (3.5) 3.5 cm / 1.25 (1.25) 1.5 (1.5) 1.5 inches. Next rnd: P all sts.

Info :

Then work sts in the rnd for another 3 (3) 3.5 (3.5) 3.5 cm / 1.25 (1.25) 1.5 (1.5) 1.5 inches.

Info :

Knit the hem down: The following rnd, fold your work at the purled rnd and knit the cast on edge together with the live sts, by working your ndl knitwise into the live st then into the associated CO st, and pull your yarn through both sts. Remember to leave a small gap to thread the elastic. Tip: If you find this too complicated, you can knit this rnd, and sew down the hem later. But knitting it down gives it a neater look, so give it a try!

Round 1 :

Next rnd: With ndl 3.5 mm / US 4 work one rnd while inc as follows: *K7, INC1*. Repeat *-* to end of rnd. You have 128 (136) 144 (152) 160 sts on your ndl.

Info :

Short row shaping for the back: Working short rows, you will add fabric in the back of the piece, to allow for better fit. Use the german short rows as described in the box below, or use your preferred short row technique.

Round 2 :

Short rows: 1. row (RS): K6 sts past M, turn work.

Round 3 :

2. row (WS): gsr, P6 sts past M, turn work.

Round 4 :

3. row (RS): gsr, K6 sts past last TP, turn work.

Round 5 :

4. row (WS): gsr, P6 sts past last TP, turn work.

Round 6 :

Repeat row 3 and 4 until you've turned a total of seven times on each side of the M in the back.

Info :

Next, start the stripe pattern: 7 rnds of each color. Continue in the rnd with the stripe pattern until your work measures approx. 15 (16) 17 (18) 19 cm / 6 (6.25) 6.75 (7) 7.5 inches center front. PM center front.

Info :

Gusset: You will now inc on each side of M both in front and back to create a gusset. Inc at both M as follows:

Round 7 :

1. rnd: M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L.

Round 8 :

2. rnd: no inc. K all sts.

Round 9 :

3. rnd: M1R, K2, SM, K2, M1L.

Round 10 :

4. rnd: no inc. K all sts.

Round 11 :

5. rnd: M1R, K3, SM, K3, M1L.

Round 12 :

6. rnd: no inc. K all sts.

Round 13 :

7. rnd: M1R, K4, SM, K4, M1L.

Info :

You have 144 (152) 160 (168) 176 sts on your ndl.

Info :

The pattern continues on the next page.

Info :

German short rows: When you've turned your work: wyif slip 1 st purlwise. Bring working yarn over the ndl to the back, pull tightly until the st falls to the back of the work and the 2 legs are on the ndl. These two legs are now referred to as a double st (DS) and are counted as one st. If the next st is a purl st, bring working yarn under the right hand needle and get ready to purl as usual. If the next st is a knit st, keep working yarn on the back of work and k the next st as usual. When you get to the point of working the DS you either k or p it, depending on whether you're on the RS or WS. Remember that the DS is just 1 st, you work both legs at the same time.

— Legs :

Info :

Slip half of the sts, from M to M, on a st holder. You have 72 (76) 80 (84) 88 sts on your ndl.

Info :

PM and join to work the remaining sts in the rnd while you continue the stripe pattern.

Info :

Leg dec: ssk, SM, k1, k2tog.

Round 14 :

Work the leg dec every 2 (2) 2.5 (3) 3 cm / 0.75 (0.75) 1 (1.25) 1.25 inches, a total of 10 (11) 12 (13) 14 times. This should leave you with 52 (54) 56 (58) 60 sts on your ndl.

Info :

Continue working in the rnd until the leg measures 22 (27) 33 (39) 45 cm / 8.75 (10.75) 13 (15.5) 17.75 inches.

Cuff :

With ndl 3 mm / US 2.5 and color A, K one rnd. Work 1x1 rib, i.e., K1, P1, until the rib measures approx. 6-10 cm / 2.5-4 inches. Bind off in pattern.

Info :

Knit the other leg the same way and weave in all ends.

Assembly Instructions

  • After knitting the hem down, remember to leave a small gap before closing so you can thread the elastic through the waistband.
  • Thread the 30 mm elastic through the hem opening, try on for fit, then sew the elastic ends securely and close the gap discreetly.
  • Slip half of the stitches onto a stitch holder between markers (M to M) to work each leg separately and maintain the stripe pattern alignment.
  • When joining remaining stitches for each leg, place markers and continue in the rnd to keep your stripes consistent and even.
  • Weave in all yarn ends securely and block the pants gently to even out stitches and set the rib cuff.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of the round and the center front as indicated to keep track of gusset and shaping rounds.
  • 💡Leave a small gap when knitting down the hem to thread elastic; do not close completely until the elastic is inserted and fitted.
  • 💡Follow the German short-row instructions carefully to avoid loose gaps; treat the double stitch (DS) as one stitch when working across it.
  • 💡Switch to the recommended 3.5 mm / US 4 needle for the increase rnd to maintain correct gauge and a comfortable fabric after increases.

These Adrian Pants are designed for comfort, play, and everyday style with bold stripes and a soft sport-weight yarn. Theyre knitted top-down with short rows and a gusset for a great fit around the seat and crotch. Perfect for gifting or everyday wear — cozy, cute, and practical. 🧶👖

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FAQs

What sizes are included?

The pattern includes sizes 6-12 months (18 months-2 years), 3-4 years (5-6 years), and 7-8 years with stitch counts and measurements provided for each size.

What yarn weight and yardage do I need?

This pattern uses sport weight yarn; Color A requires 190 (220) 260 (300) 350 meters and Color B requires 140 (160) 180 (200) 220 meters depending on size. Yardage in yards is provided in the pattern.

Do I need to know short rows to make these pants?

Yes, short rows (German short rows) are used to add fabric in the back for a better fit. The pattern includes a box with step-by-step German short-row instructions to guide you.

How do I finish the waistband?

You can knit the hem down by folding the cast-on edge to the purled round and knitting the cast-on stitches together with live sts, leaving a small gap to thread elastic. Alternatively, you can sew the hem down after knitting if you find knitting it down complicated.