Summer Shorts in BC Garn Allino - 2283-S-BC - Downloadable PDF

Summer Shorts in BC Garn Allino – Knitting Pattern by Ann Højgaard Slot (No. 2283-S-BC)

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern by designer Ann Højgaard Slot, published by BC Garn, guides knitters through the construction of a pair of stylish, lightweight summer shorts. Worked primarily in the round on a circular needle, these shorts are a satisfying intermediate-level project that combines simple shaping techniques with classic stitch work to produce a clean, wearable garment suited to warm-weather dressing.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a pair of fitted knitted summer shorts with a waistband, a front zip opening, and an elastic waistband finish. Three sizes are available — S, M, and L — with approximate waistband measurements of 70 cm, 74 cm, and 78 cm respectively, and finished lengths of approximately 29 cm, 30 cm, and 33 cm. A front slit of approximately 15 cm accommodates an 18 cm zip across all sizes, giving the shorts a polished, structured look.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for BC Garn Allino in colourway cl34, a DK weight yarn that is ideal for warm-weather garments due to its natural fibre composition. Yarn quantities required are 150 g for size S and 200 g for sizes M and L. In addition to yarn, knitters will need:

• A 4 mm circular needle, 60 cm in length
• An 18 cm zip for the front opening
• An elastic band, 2 cm wide, measuring approximately 70 cm (S), 75 cm (M), or 80 cm (L) for the waistband

Tension

The stated tension is 20 stitches × 25 rows = 10 × 10 cm, measured before washing. As with all garments, achieving the correct tension swatch is essential to ensure the finished shorts match the intended measurements. BC Garn Allino may relax or change slightly after washing, so knitters are advised to take this into account when blocking their finished piece.

Construction Method

The shorts begin with a back-and-forth section at the top, casting on 158 (168) 178 stitches on the 4 mm circular needle. The first 18 rows are worked flat — back and forth — in Stocking stitch, with the first and last stitch of every row knitted to create a neat selvedge edge. This flat section forms the waistband area and accommodates the zip slit at the front.

After the initial flat section, the work transitions to knitting in the round, which continues until the piece reaches approximately 25 cm (S), 26 cm (M), or 28 cm (L) in length. At this point, shaping begins for the crotch area: stitches are increased at Mid Front (beneath the zip slit) and at Mid Back (to form the gusset). A plain round follows the first increase round, and then further increases are worked just before and just after the increase points on subsequent rounds, building the necessary width for the leg openings.

The work is then divided into Right Front, Back, and Left Front sections, which are worked separately to shape the individual legs of the shorts. This method of construction — beginning in the round and then splitting for the legs — is a practical and efficient approach that minimises seaming and keeps the fabric smooth and continuous.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (St st) — the primary stitch pattern, worked both flat (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) and in the round (knit every round)
• Knitting in the round on a circular needle — used for the main body of the shorts after the initial flat section
• Flat knitting (back and forth) — used for the waistband/zip slit section at the beginning
• Increases (inc) — used at Mid Front and Mid Back to shape the crotch