Alpine Bobble Cuff Shorts: Free Knit Pattern

Alpine Bobble Cuff Shorts: Free Knit Pattern

Introduction

These boxy knitted shorts are made for anyone who wants a cozy, streetwear-inspired layer that still feels handmade and playful. They are worked flat as two simple rectangles, so there is no complicated shaping to worry about, and the sunset ombre stripes do all the visual work for you. The deep orange bobble cuffs at each hem add a chunky, tactile detail that makes them look far more advanced than they really are. Knitted in worsted tweed wool, they feel warm, slightly rustic, and perfect for cool mountain mornings or a quirky Christmas gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight tweed wool (100 g / 200 yds per skein), approximately 150 yds of each color:
  • Color A (deep orange): 1 skein (150 yds)
  • Color B (burnt orange): 1 skein (150 yds)
  • Color C (golden yellow): 1 skein (150 yds)
  • Color D (dusty pink): 1 skein (150 yds)
• Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) straight needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional), tape measure, scissors
• Finished size: To fit hip circumference 36–40 inches, inseam 4 inches. Each leg piece measures 18 inches wide x 16 inches long before seaming.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side (the smooth knit face of the fabric)
• WS: wrong side (the purl side)
• K: knit
• P: purl
• yo: yarn over (wrap the yarn around the needle to create an extra stitch)
• sl1: slip one stitch without knitting it
• psso: pass the slipped stitch over the stitch just worked
• MB: make bobble (full instructions given in the pattern)
• BO: bind off
• rep: repeat

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Knit a small swatch in stockinette, block it lightly, and measure a 4-inch section to confirm you match this gauge before starting.

Tips Before You Start

• Make both leg pieces at the same time if you can, or keep careful notes, so the stripes and bobble rows match exactly.
• Count your bobbles as you go: each bobble row should have exactly 20 bobbles. It is easy to lose track in the k3 repeats.
• Keep your color changes tidy by twisting the old and new yarn together at the edge before the first stitch of the new color.
• Bind off loosely, especially at the waistband, so the shorts stretch comfortably over the hips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Leg (make 2)

Row 1 (set-up): With Color A, CO 80 sts.

Rows 2–7: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS rows, purl on WS rows) with Color A (80 sts).

Rows 8–13: Change to Color B and work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Rows 14–19: Change to Color C and work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Rows 20–25: Change to Color D and work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Rows 26–31: Change to Color C and work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Rows 32–37: Change to Color B and work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Rows 38–43: Change to Color A and work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Total: 42 rows, approximately 7 inches of striped stockinette.

Bobble Cuff

Row 1 (RS): With Color A, K1, *MB, K3; rep from * to last st, K1 (20 bobbles, 80 sts).

Rows 2–4: Work in stockinette stitch (purl WS rows, knit RS rows) (80 sts).

Row 5 (RS): K3, *MB, K3; rep from * to last st, K1 (20 bobbles, 80 sts).

Rows 6–8: Work in stockinette stitch (80 sts).

Rows 9–16: Repeat Rows 1–8 once more (40 bobbles total across the cuff, 80 sts).

Total: 16 rows, approximately 3 inches. BO all sts loosely.

MB (make bobble): In the same stitch, K1, yo, K1, yo, K1 (5 sts on needle). Turn, P5. Turn, K5. Turn, P5. Turn, sl1, K1, psso, K1, psso, K1, psso (1 st remains).

Assembly Seams

Place the two leg pieces with RS together. Sew the side seams from the bottom edge up to 8 inches from the top, leaving an 8-inch opening. Sew the inner leg seams from the bottom edge up to 4 inches from the top, leaving a 4-inch crotch opening.

Waistband

Set-up: With RS facing, pick up and knit 80 sts evenly around the waist opening.

Rows 1–6: Work in K1, P1 rib (80 sts).

BO all sts loosely.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends carefully on the wrong side, especially at each color change. Block lightly to measurements: mist the shorts, pat them into shape, and lay flat to dry so the bobbles stay plump and the stripes sit straight. Check that the waistband and cuffs are not twisted before the final dry.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the sunset palette for cool winter tones (navy, teal, silver, cream) for a different seasonal look.
• Add a drawstring through the waistband rib for a sportier fit and extra security.
• Make the cuffs longer by repeating Rows 1–8 a third time for a chunkier, more dramatic bobble hem.