Marla's Summertime Skirt and Short Crochet Patterns

Looking for the perfect crochet set to make for yourself to wear in the warmer months? You’ll want to crochet something lightweight with open stitches that allows plenty of air flow. Something that can be worn with cute jean shorts OR together over a swimsuit. Marla’s Summer Set is it… let me show you the pieces and how to make them!

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Marla’s Summer Set

Earlier this year I sat down with my sister-in-law, Marla, to design a new crochet pattern for a “summer tee”. She picked out the stitch, we talked about how long she wanted it to be, how she wanted the neck to lay, and how lightweight she wanted it to be (what weight yarn to use). What we ended up with is so much more than I ever imagined. We now have a tee, a skirt, AND a pair of shorts.

I used elastic thread for the waistband on the skirt and the shorts, and it really helps to pull it all together. You could, of course, use a drawstring instead.

The Double Diamond Stitch is perfect for this design. This easy open stitch work is created by using mainly single crochets and chains. Find a full tutorial for this stitch here.

You can make just the Marla’s Tee pattern, or just the Marla’s Skirt pattern, or just the Marla’s Shorts pattern. Will you make one, two, or all three?

For the summer set with the Tee + Shorts I used CotLin yarn in the new colorway, “Beetroot“. I love this yarn because it has a cotton and linen blend that makes for a lightweight, breathable fabric that feels great in any weather. This color just POPS, doesn’t it? There are so many amazing colorways of this yarn, and a whole new batch of colorways just dropped.

I used one of the staple CotLin colors, “Wallaby” for Marla’s original Tee and Skirt set. I’ll share photos of that soon!

I used Premier Cotton Fair in “Black” for my Tee + Skirt set. This yarn always creates a gorgeous fabric, and I used yarn I had left over from making the Lacy Leaf Coverup. So, you can use CotLin yarn, Premier Cotton Fair, Shine Sport, Coboo, or any other cotton size 2 or size 3 yarn blend.

Grab the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry, Etsy, or right here in the Heart Hook Home Blog Shop. Thank you!

Each individual pattern has its own sizing chart. Please refer to the chart for the pattern/design that you are making before you get started. If you’re wanting to make Marla’s Tee, that pattern is right here.

Let’s start with the gauge swatch first! There is a video tutorial for the stitch to get you going should you need it.

Pattern Notes:

Pattern written using US terms.

The chain at the beginning of the row/round does not count as a stitch.

If you need help reading a crochet pattern, make sure you head over here and check out this detailed post.

Abbreviations:

Ch(s): Chain(s)
RS: Right Side
Sc: Single crochet
Sk: Skip
Sl st: Slip stitch
Sp(s): Space(s)
St(s): Stitch(es)
WS: Wrong Side

Gauge Pattern:

Row 1: Ch-20, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, * ch-5, sk-3 chs, sc in each of next 3 chs * repeat between * * one more time, ch-5, sk-3 chs, sc in each of final 2 chs. (3 ch-sps)

Row 2: Ch-1, turn, sc in first st, * ch-3, sk-next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc in next sc, * repeat between * * to end. (6 ch-sps)

Row 3: Ch-1, turn, hdc in first st, ch-2, sc around ch-sp, sc in next sc, sc around ch-sp, * ch-5, sk-next sc, sc around next ch-sp, sc in next sc, sc around ch-sp * repeat between * * one more time, ch-2, hdc in final st. (3 ch-sps)

Row 4: Ch-1, turn, sc in first st, ch-3, sk-next st, sc in next sc, sk-next st, * ch-3, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, sk-next st, sc in next sc, sk-next st * repeat between * * one more time, ch-3, sc in final st. (6 ch-sps)

Row 5: Ch-1, turn, sc in first st, sc around ch-sp, ch-5 * sk-next st, sc around next ch-sp, sc in next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-5 * repeat between * * one more time, sk-next st, sc around ch-sp, sc in final st. (3 ch-sps)

Rows 6 through 13: repeat rows 2 – 5 in order

Here’s a VIDEO of the gauge swatch to get you going:

Grab the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry, Etsy, or right here in the Heart Hook Home Blog Shop. Thank you!

Skirt Materials:

DK/#3 Weight Yarn (CotLin in “Wallaby”)
-approx. (450, 510, 600, 710, 770, 910, 960, 1050, 1150) yards

Crochet hook in size 4mm or size needed to obtain gauge

Crochet hook in size 3mm (for adding elastic)

Yarn needle

Stitch Marker

Elastic Thread for waist band

Gauge: Three pattern repeats = 4” unblocked

Sizing:

Skirt Pattern:

Foundation: Ch-(156, 162, 180, 198, 216, 240, 252, 258, 282) Join to first ch without twisting.

Round 1: Ch-1, do not turn, sc in next ch, * ch-5, sk-3 chs, sc in each of next 3 chs * repeat between * * around until four chs remain, ch-5, sk-3 chs, sc in next ch, sc in same as join. Join to top of first st with sl st. (26, 27, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47) ch-sps

Round 2: Ch-1, turn, sc in next st, ch-3, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, * sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-3 * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first st with sl st. (52, 54, 60, 66, 72, 80, 82, 86, 94) ch-sps

Round 3: Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, sc in next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (26, 27, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47) ch-sps

Round 4: Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (52, 54, 60, 66, 72, 80, 82, 86, 94) ch-sps

Round 5: Ch-1, turn, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc, * sc around ch-sp, sc in next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around, sc around final ch-sp, sc in final st. Join to top of first st with sl st. (26, 27, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47) ch-sps

Rounds 6 through (41, 45, 49, 53, 53, 57, 57, 61, 61) or to desired length: repeat rounds 2 through 5

Round (42, 46, 50, 54, 54, 58, 58, 62, 62): repeat round 2

Round (43, 47, 51, 55, 55, 59, 59, 63, 63): Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, sc in next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (26, 27, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47) ch-sps

Add beads to the final round if you like. I added one bead in the center ch of each ch-3 around.

Waist Band:

Looking at the “Right Side” attach near the seam of the foundation chain with a sl st.

Round 1: Ch-2, do not turn, dc around placing one dc in each st and 3dcs around each ch-sp. Join to top of first st with sl st. (156, 162, 180, 198, 216, 240, 252, 258, 282)

Round 2: Ch-2, do not turn, * Fpdc around next st, Bpdc around next st * repeat between * * around until you have two sts remaining, Fpdc2tog. Join to top of first st with a sl st. (155, 161, 179, 197, 215, 239, 251, 257, 281)

Round 3: Ch-2, turn, * Bpdc around next st, Fpdc around next st * repeat between * * until one st remains, Bpdc around final st. Join to top of first st with a sl st. (155, 161, 179, 197, 215, 239, 251, 257, 281)

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Round 4: Ch-2, turn, * Fpdc around next st, Bpdc around next st * repeat between * * until one st remains, Fpdc around final st. Join to top of first st with a sl st. (155, 161, 179, 197, 215, 239, 251, 257, 281)

Round 5: repeat round 3

*if desired, add rounds in multiples of TWO for added height.

Round 6: Ch-1, turn, sc in each st around. Fasten off using Invisible Join. (155, 161, 179, 197, 215, 239, 251, 257, 281)

Weave in all ends.

Elastic:

Looking at the inside, attach elastic thread toward the bottom of the Front Post/Back Post waistband. Work in a spiral around the inside of the waistband making surface sl sts in the Front Posts only. Continue for several rounds until the elastic feels sufficient. Fasten off, tie a few knots and weave in ends as securely as possible.

If you’re looking for the pattern for Marla’s Shorts, you’ve found them! Let’s make those next…

Marla’s Shorts Materials:

DK/#3 Weight Yarn (CotLin in “Beetroot” pictured)
-approx. (450, 510, 600, 710, 770, 910, 960, 1050, 1150) yards

Crochet hook in size 4mm or size needed to obtain gauge

Crochet hook in size 3mm (for adding elastic)

Yarn needle

Stitch Marker

Elastic Thread for waist band

Sizing:

Pattern:

Foundation: Ch-(156, 168, 180, 204, 216, 240, 252, 264, 288) Join to first ch without twisting.

Round 1: Ch-1, do not turn, sc in next ch, * ch-5, sk-3 chs, sc in each of next 3 chs* repeat between * * around until four chs remain, ch-5, sk-3 chs, sc in next ch, sc in same as join. Join to top of first st with sl st. (26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 48) ch-sps

Round 3: Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, sc in next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 48) ch-sps

Round 4: Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (52, 56, 60, 68, 72, 82, 84, 88, 96) ch-sps

Rounds 6 through (29, 29, 29, 33, 33, 33, 33, 37, 37) or to desired length: repeat rounds 2 through 5

Round (30, 30, 30, 34, 34, 34, 34, 38, 38): repeat round 2

Round (31, 31, 31, 35, 35, 35, 35, 39, 39): repeat round 3

Create the Gusset:

Find the center sc directly opposite the join and mark with a stitch marker. You should have (13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24) ch-sps on each side of the st marker.

Ch-29 for the gusset (all sizes), turn, sl st in the marked st.

Leg One:

Round 1: Ch-1, do no turn, sc in same as join (the marked stitch), ch-3, sk-next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, * sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-3 * repeat between * * (11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22) more times, sk-next sc, sc in next. (Should be at the gusset chain). [Ch-3, sk-2 chs, sc in next ch] 9x across gusset chain, ch-3, join to top of first st with sl st. (36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 58) ch-sps

Round 2: Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, sc in next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29) ch-sps

Round 3: Turn, sl st in next two chs, * sc around ch-sp, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. (36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 58) ch-sps

Round 4: Ch-1, turn, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc, * sc around ch-sp, sc in next st, sc around ch-sp, ch-5, sk-next sc * repeat between * * around, sc around final ch-sp, sc in final st. Join to top of first st with sl st. (18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29) ch-sps

Round 5: Ch-1, turn, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, * sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-3 * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first st with sl st. (36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 58) ch-sps

Rounds 6 through 13 or until desired length is reached: repeat previous four rounds (18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30) sets

Add beads to the final round if you like, placing one bead in the center ch of each ch-3 around. Fasten off.

Leg Two:

Looking at the “inside”, attach in the same space as where the gusset chain started.

Round 1: Ch-1, sc in same as join, ch-3, sc around ch-sp, ch-3, * sk-next sc, sc in next st, ch-3, sk-next sc, sc around ch-sp, ch-3 * repeat between * * (11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22) more times, sc in marked st, [Ch-3, sk-2 chs, sc in opposite side of next sc] 9x across the gusset chain, ch-3, join to top of first sc with sl st. (36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 58) ch-sps

Rounds 2 through 13: Repeat as in “Leg One”.

Waist Band:

Looking at the “Right Side” attach near the seam of the foundation chain with a sl st.

Round 1: Ch-2, do not turn, dc around placing one dc in each st and 3dcs around each ch-sp. Join to top of first st with sl st. (156, 168, 180, 204, 216, 240, 252, 264, 288)

Round 3: Ch-2, turn, * Bpdc around next st, Fpdc around next st * repeat between * * until one st remains, Bpdc around final st. Join to top of first st with a sl st. (155, 167, 179, 203, 215, 239, 251, 263, 287)

Round 4: Ch-2, turn, * Fpdc around next st, Bpdc around next st * repeat between * * until one st remains, Fpdc around final st. Join to top of first st with a sl st. (155, 167, 179, 203, 215, 239, 251, 263, 287)

Round 5: repeat round 3

*if desired, add rounds in multiples of TWO for added height.

Round 6: Ch-1, turn, sc in each st around. Fasten off using Invisible Join. (155, 167, 179, 203, 215, 239, 251, 263, 287) Weave in all ends.

Elastic:

What do you think of your new shorts? I hope you love them as much as I do! I plan to wear them mostly just around the house, and maybe with a swimsuit if I decide to swim. What color will you use for yours?

Remember that in the listings for these patterns, I included ALL THREE of the files. Pay once, and download whichever you like! Grab the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry, Etsy, or right here in the Heart Hook Home Blog Shop. Thank you!

I can’t wait to see yours! Be sure to tag @HeartHookHome across all social media, or share in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook.