Foxy boxers

Foxy Boxers by Brigitte Reydams

What is Being Made

Foxy Boxers is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of boxer-style shorts designed by Brigitte Reydams. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted garment with a 40-inch hip measurement and 17-inch length, suitable for those with knitting experience who are ready to tackle garment construction and colorwork techniques.

Construction Method

The boxers are knitted sideways, which is an efficient construction technique that minimizes seaming and allows for easier shaping. After the main body is completed using the sideways method, stitches are picked up along the edges to create the waistband and leg bands, resulting in a seamless, comfortable fit.

Pattern Stitches and Techniques

This design features two distinct stitch patterns that create visual interest:

• Chevron Stitch: The primary pattern stitch uses a combination of decreases (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over and knit 2 together), stockinette stitch, and yarn overs to create the classic chevron texture. This stitch is worked using yarn doubled for added fabric weight and visual impact. The chevron pattern alternates between a knit row and a purl row to build the textured design.
• Domino Pattern: A colorwork technique using two contrasting colors (Color C and Color D) worked in a four-stitch repeat. The domino pattern alternates knit and purl rows with strategic color changes, creating a checkerboard or domino-like visual effect. This pattern is worked before transitioning back to the chevron stitch.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for a combination of yarn weights and fiber content:

• 4-ply Sock Yarn: One skein each of Steven Be Springvale in 100% merino superwash in two colorway options—"Stop trying to make me fetch Happen Mean Girls" (Color A) and "Too Gay to function Mean Girls" (Color B). These are worked doubled to create the chevron pattern.
• Worsted Weight Yarn: One skein each of 100% merino superwash in Black (Color C) and White (Color D) for the domino colorwork sections.
• Needles: One 24-inch circular needle in size 7, along with 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches per inch, which is typical for worsted and doubled 4-ply weight yarns on size 7 needles. The finished garment measures 40 inches around the hip with a 17-inch length, creating a comfortable, fitted boxer silhouette.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern requires solid foundational knitting skills including the ability to work with circular needles, manage multiple colors, execute decreases and yarn overs for the chevron stitch, and pick up stitches for the waistband and leg bands. The sideways construction and colorwork elements make this an engaging project for knitters looking to expand their garment-making abilities.