Lana Grossa Shorts Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Shorts in Alta Moda Cotolana

What Is Being Made

These are knitted shorts designed by Lana Grossa, offered in two sizes: 36/38 and 40/42. The pattern features a classic construction with shaped leg openings, an elasticated waistband, and a tailored fit achieved through strategic increases and decreases along the side seams and inseams. The finished shorts are designed to be worn as a warm-weather or transitional garment.

Techniques Used

The construction employs fundamental flat knitting techniques worked on straight needles. Key shaping methods include:

• Increases at edges: Single stitch increases worked at the beginning of rows for side shaping, performed on the 3rd row and then every 4th row (or every alternate 2nd and 4th row depending on size) to create the leg width
• Cast-on increases: Multiple stitches cast on at the end of right-side rows to build additional width at the inseam, with varying quantities (2, 3, or 4 stitches) across different rows
• Decreases at edges: Single and multiple stitch bind-offs worked at the beginning of rows to shape the leg openings, creating a tapered silhouette
• Blocking and finishing: Pieces are pinned to measurements and blocked before seaming, ensuring proper fit and professional appearance
• Seaming: Side seams and inseams are sewn together to complete the garment structure

Stitches Used

The shorts utilize two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The main fabric, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbed pattern: An alternating knit and purl pattern (k1, p1) used for the waistband casing, providing elasticity and a finished edge. Selvage stitches (purled on both sides) frame the edges for neat seaming

A turning ridge created by purling across a knit row provides structure for the waistband casing, allowing the elastic to be threaded through for a secure fit.

Materials

Yarn: Lana Grossa Alta Moda Cotolana in Greige (color 8). This yarn is a premium blend of 45% Merino wool, 45% Pima cotton, and 10% polyamide, offering breathability, softness, and durability. The yardage provided is 150 meters per 50 grams, with quantities of 200 grams for size 36/38 and 250 grams for size 40/42.

Needles and notions: Size 3 and 4 millimeter straight needles are required for different sections of the pattern. Size 4 mm needles are used for the main stockinette stitch fabric, while size 3 mm needles are used for the ribbed waistband. The pattern also calls for 100 centimeters of 25 millimeter waistband elastic by PRYM (item 955245) to secure the waistband.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 29 rows measured over 10 by 10 centimeters when working stockinette stitch on size 4 millimeter needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished measurements.