About This Adrian Pants Pattern
This pattern creates a pair of cozy, striped childrens pants knitted top-down with a neat, knitted hem and elastic waist. It features short rows for a better back fit, a gusset for comfort, and 1x1 ribbed cuffs. The stripes are worked in rounds with two colors and the pattern includes exact yarn quantities for five sizes.
You will work the body in stockinette in the round, shape a gusset with increases at markers, and finish each leg with decreases and ribbed cuffs. Detailed notes on German short rows are included to help you shape the back perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Adrian Pants Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple construction with thoughtful shaping that makes the pants fit wonderfully. I enjoy the clean look of the knitted hem — it gives a professional finish without extra sewing. The stripe pattern is playful and easy to customize, so I often make sets in different colorways. Working the gusset and short rows gives a great learning opportunity for knitters wanting to add shaping techniques to their skillset.
Switch Things Up
I love how easy it is to customize the stripes — change the width or colors to make a playful or subtle look.
You can create a coordinated set by knitting matching mittens or a hat in the same stripe sequence.
If you want a chunkier look, use a thicker yarn and larger needles, but remember to swatch for gauge and adjust yardage.
For a slimmer leg, omit some decreases or reduce the number of leg decrease repetitions and measure frequently.
Try a textured stitch for the body instead of plain stockinette to add visual interest and warmth.
I sometimes add small sewn-on patches or simple embroidery near the cuff for a personalized detail.
If you prefer a drawstring instead of elastic, pick a narrower elastic or cord and make a small buttoned opening in the waistband to thread it through.
To make shorties or shorts, stop before adding the gusset increases and work a wider ribbed hem instead of full-length legs.
For a vintage look, substitute the sport yarn with a wool blend and block more aggressively to open the fabric and soften the texture.
When making multiples, alternate color A and B positions so you get complementary outfits from the same two skeins.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping the stitch marker for the center back or front will make short rows and gusset shaping confusing; place markers exactly as instructed and double-check placement before turning short rows.
✗ Not leaving a gap when knitting the hem down prevents you from threading the elastic later; when knitting the hem down, remember to leave a small gap or sew a narrow opening before finishing.
✗ Overly tight tension during increases for the gusset makes the crotch area tight and uncomfortable; maintain even, relaxed tension and block lightly if necessary.
✗ Forgetting to count stitches after the increase rounds will lead to incorrect sizing later; count your sts after the increase round and after the gusset rounds to ensure you have the correct number.
✗ Not using the German short row instructions correctly can create visible gaps; follow the provided gsr steps carefully and work both legs of the double stitch when required to close gaps properly.
