Alisa Shorts

Sizes: 1 (2) 3 (4) 5 (6) 7 (8) 9 (10) ● Level: 3/5 ● The Alisa shorts are the perfect excuse to push your sweater projects aside and try something new. I got so excited about knitting shorts that I ended up making two different pairs: one sporty for summer, and another that is luxuriously unexpected. The sporty version, knit from a cotton-merino blend, features casually rolling hems and a relaxed fit to ensure undergarments won't show through. The winter shorts, knit from angora, have a generous, oversized fit to prevent the delicate yarn from being stretched out. The waistband sits right around the belly button, but you can easily adjust the fit and style by wearing the shorts higher or lower. To make sure they stay securely in place, knit a slim i-cord drawstring or insert a wide elastic band inside the waistband. * FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Waist Circumference: 59 (63) 66 (72) 78 (86) 95 (104) 114 (124) cm / 23.5 (25.25) 26.5 (28.75) 31.25 (34.5) 38 (41.5) 45.5 (49.5)". Hip Circumference: 98 (102) 106 (112.5) 119 (127) 138 (148) 159 (169) cm / 39.25 (40.75) 42.5 (45) 47.5 (50.75) 55.25 (59.25) 63.5 (67.5)". Leg Circumference: 63 (65) 68 (71) 74 (78) 84 (90) 94 (99) cm / 25.25 (26) 27.25 (28.5) 29.5 (31.25) 33.5 (36) 37.5 (39.5)". Rise (center front): 31 (31) 31.5 (31.5) 32 (32) 32.5 (32.5) 32.5 (32.5) cm / 12.5 (12.5) 12.5 (12.5) 12.75 (12.75) 13 (13) 13 (13)". CHOOSING YOUR SIZE The shorts fit a waist circumference of approx. 60 (65) 70 (75) 80 (90) 100 (110) 120 (130) cm / 24 (26) 28 (30) 32 (36) 40 (44) 48 (52)". The finished waistband has 1–6 cm / 0.5–2.5" of negative ease, meaning it is slightly tighter than your actual waist measurement. In sizes 1–5, the negative ease is approx. 1–3 cm / 0.5–1.25". In sizes 6–10, the negative ease is approx. 4–6 cm / 1.5–2.5". Measure your waist at the navel. Also measure your hip circumference at the widest point. The hips have approx. 10 cm / 4" of positive ease so the shorts are roomy at the legs. If your yarn is dark or has a good stitch definition, you can go one size down from the recommended size. Sample shorts in size 3, Leeni’s waist 70 cm / 28", hip circumference 93 cm / 37.25", height 168 cm / 67.25", model’s waist 62 cm / 24.5", hip circumference 92 cm / 36.25", height 173 cm / 68". MATERIALS Yarn Pink shorts Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino (70% cotton, 30% merino, 250 m / 273 yds – 50 g). 185 (200) 210 (230) 250 (270) 290 (320) 340 (360) g in the colourway Ballerina. Or 925 (1000) 1050 (1150) 1250 (1350) 1450 (1600) 1700 (1800) m / 1012 (1094) 1148 (1258) 1368 (1477) 1587 (1750) 1860 (1969) yds of light fingering-weight yarn. The pink shorts are worked holding two strands of yarn together. Other yarn options include CaMaRose Økologisk Sommeruld held double, or Sandnes Garn Duo or Cascade Anchor Bay held single. Gray shorts Fonty Coeur D’angora (80% angora, 20% merino, 108 m / 118 yds – 25 g). 100 (110) 120 (130) 140 (150) 160 (180) 190 (200) g in the colourway gray (211). Or 430 (475) 520 (560) 605 (650) 690 (789) 820 (865) m / 475 (520) 565 (615) 660 (710) 755 (850) 900 (945) yds of fingering-weight yarn. The gray shorts are worked with a single strand of yarn. Other yarn options include Blue Sky Fibers Brushed Suri held single or fingering-weight merino held together with lace-weight mohair. Needles 3.5 mm (US 4) Circular needle (60 cm / 24") for the body. 3 mm (US 2.5) Circular needle (60 cm / 24") for the waistband. Notions Stitch markers, tapestry needle, stitch holders or waste yarn, thin spare circular needle for attaching the waistband, 4 cm / 1.5" wide elastic for the waistband (optional). GAUGE 20 sts x 28 rows = 10 cm / 4" in Stockinette St with 3.5 mm (US 4) needle. Waistband: 21 sts x 28 rows = 10 cm / 4" in Stockinette St with 3 mm (US 2.5) needle. CONSTRUCTION The shorts are worked from the waist down so you can try them on as you go. The waistband is folded double and secured, and the back of the shorts is raised using short rows. The body is shaped with increases at the back, front, and sides, then divided into legs below the hips. The legs can be knitted to your preferred length and finished with either a neat folded helm or left to roll up casually.