Sylvan Shorts Knitting Pattern

Sylvan Shorts in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Yarn

What is Being Made

The Sylvan Shorts are a beginner-friendly knitted shorts pattern designed for comfortable, everyday wear. This downloadable knitting pattern (Pattern Number M20407 BSAP) is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and 1X, with finished waist measurements ranging from 28.5 inches to 40.5 inches and finished lengths between 14 and 14.5 inches. The pattern is crafted from Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling yarn in the Cedarwood colorway, making these shorts a practical project for knitters new to garment construction.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction includes increases worked using the M1 (make 1) method, which involves lifting the horizontal strand between needles and knitting it through the back loop to add stitches. Decreases are accomplished using the ssk (slip, slip, knit) technique, where two stitches are slipped individually to the right needle, then knitted together through their front loops. These shaping techniques allow the shorts to be tailored to different sizes while maintaining proper fit and drape.

Stitches Used

The Sylvan Shorts pattern incorporates two primary stitch patterns. The K1, p1 Rib is worked over an odd number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches on the right side, with subsequent rows following the established stitch pattern. The Twisted Rib variation is also featured, worked over an odd number of stitches using knit through the back loop (k tbl) and purl stitches, creating a refined textured edge. The main body is worked in Stockinette Stitch (St st), created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, which produces the classic smooth, flat fabric ideal for fitted garments.

Materials and Gauge

The Sylvan Shorts pattern calls for Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling yarn (Article #202) in the Cedarwood colorway, with yardage requirements of 3 balls for sizes Small and Medium, and 4 balls for sizes Large and 1X. Knitting is worked on Lion Brand size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. The pattern also requires Lion Brand stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for seaming and weaving in yarn ends. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch, and knitters are strongly advised to check their gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.