With the right pattern and yarn, you can knit a pair of flattering pants that will fit you perfectly.
Unfortunately, good knitting patterns for pants are hard to come by – they rarely come with standard measurements for different thigh and calf sizes, inseams, or crotch depths. If they do, the design is simply not fashionable enough to make it worthwhile.
In our years of experience test knitting, we’ve learned a number of things about what makes a good pair of knitted pants, and we’ve put that experience to use in this list. You’ll find 11 of the best pants knitting patterns out there, chosen by style, fit, and yarn fiber.
When choosing a knitting pattern for pants, the most important things to keep in mind are fashion, fit, and yarn type. To help you decide, we’ve listed the designer’s recommended yarn and sizing beside each pattern photo below.
These patterns are designed for adult women using an average of 10 balls of yarn and rib stitch for a soft, stretchy texture. Most of them include instructions to add a pocket and an elastic waistband too, which means you don’t have to worry about sizing your trousers perfectly around the waist.
We’ve included a mix of construction techniques, though most of the patterns listed here involve both circular knitting for the legs and flat knitting for the crotch. You can customize the waistband height to choose between low-rise or high-rise pants, or customize the length to knit a pair of straight leg or bootcut pants.
11 Pants Knitting Patterns (Straight Leg & Bootcut Pants)
In the list below, you can find knitting patterns for knitted pants of all types including leggings, sweatpants, flares, bootcut pants, and much more. Using these instructions, you’ll be able to make your own stylish knitted trousers in just a week or two.
If you’re not quite ready to commit, we’ve also included a small selection of free pants knitting patterns, too. For more detailed knitting instructions, you can also skip to our section on how to knit a pair of pants.
1. “003” Trousers
| Price | $5.25/£4.00 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Alpaca Soft DK – Rowan |
| Designer’s Website | “003” Trousers – Rowan |
This pattern uses 14 balls of merino yarn, circular needles, and rib stitch to create a stunning pair of flared pants. Designed by Lisa Richardson from Rowan knitwear, these knitted pants have a vintage, retro look that will make a statement as part of any outfit.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 3/3.25mm Circular Needles (70cm Cable) US Size 5/3.75mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 125m |
| Yarn Quantity | 14 balls |
2. Deima’s Rib Trousers
| Price | $5.40/£4.11 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Double Rib Stitch German Short Rows |
| Suggested Yarn | Smart – Sandnes Garn |
| Designer’s Website | Deima’s Rib Trousers – Deima Knitwear |
These knitted pants feature a high waist, straight legs, and a slight flare. You’ll use double rib stitch for the majority of the pattern, increases around the crotch for decoration and shaping, and german short rows in the back to create the best fit.
The pattern uses up to 16 skeins of yarn depending on the sizing, with instructions for waist sizes between 76cm and 92cm. For more modern patterns from Deima Knitwear, you can also check out our list of knitted balaclava patterns.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles (40cm and 60cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m |
| Yarn Quantity | 13-16 Skeins |
3. “Boring” Biker Pants Knitting Pattern
| Price | $8.25/£6.28 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “Boring” Biker Pants Knitting Pattern – Boring Knit |
Worked up using a soft mix of wool and cotton yarn, these biker pants from Boring Knits are soft and super stylish. The knitting pattern creates a pair of straight leg pants in sizes XS to XXL, with waist sizes measuring between 63cm and 93cm. You’ll need an elastic band for the waist and two pairs of circular needles for the rest of the pants.
If you like this aesthetic, you can find more designs from Boring Knits in our collection of knitted dress patterns.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles (80cm Cable) US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (60cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m |
| Yarn Quantity | 550g-800g |
4. “Joost” Knitted Pants
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Jeans Yarn – Lion Brand Yarn |
| Designer’s Website | “Joost” Knitted Pants – Lion Brand Yarn |
The “Joost” pants is a free pants knitting pattern that’s worked in the round using medium weight yarn. Not only is it free, it’s easy to follow, which makes it well-suited to beginners looking to get started with more complicated projects.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 225m |
| Yarn Quantity | 5 balls |
5. 60s Vintage Pants Knitting Pattern
| Price | $3.30/£2.51 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | 60s Vintage Pants Knitting Pattern – PDFPatternsCentral on Etsy |
1960s-chic is back, especially when it comes to knitwear. This set of vintage knitting patterns includes 2 patterns: one for a pair of pants with lace decoration, and one for a sweater. That means you get two patterns for the price of one, and you can choose to knit the full set or half of it.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | N/A – See Pattern |
| Yarn Quantity | 15-17 balls |
6. “Hush” Pants
| Price | $8.40/£6.40 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch German Short Rows |
| Suggested Yarn | Pickles Cozy – Pickles |
| Designer’s Website | “Hush” Pants – Pickles |
If you’re looking to knit some cozy pants for winter, then this pattern is for you. Just like the previous listing, it contains two patterns in one, so you can knit a pair of pants alone or the full matching suit.
The pants are knitted from the top down in the round, with some flat knitting for the pockets. You’ll also use some short rows and sewing for the hem.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles US Size 9/5.5 mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Bulky/12 ply (7 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | 770m-1430m |
7. “Cable Crush” Sweatpants Knitting Pattern
| Price | $9.56/£7.28 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Increasing & Decreasing |
| Suggested Yarn | Wool-Ease Yarn – Lion Brand Yarn |
| Designer’s Website | “Cable Crush” Sweatpants Knitting Pattern – Knitatude on Etsy |
Knitted seamlessly in the round, the “Cable Crush” knitting pattern is designed with a loose fit around the backside that is tapered down for a tighter fit around the ankle. Written in nine sizes, these comfy pants include a tie at the waist and pockets created using cable stitch.
Part of a matching loungewear set with the “Cable Crush” hoodie pattern, these joggers are best for intermediate-level knitters.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles (60cm Cable) US Size 8/5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 85g = 180m (Worsted Weight) |
| Yarn Quantity | 5-9 Skeins |
8. “Shaan” Trousers
| Price | $6.13/£4.67 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Rib Stitch Lace Knitting |
| Suggested Yarn | Re-Jeans – Pascuali Yarns |
| Designer’s Website | “Shaan” Trousers – Pascuali Designs |
These three-quarter length knitted trousers are designed to fit loosely with an elastic waistband, a wide leg, and a casual cut similar to culottes. The pattern is knitted seamlessly from the top down using increases for the hips, ribbing for the hem, and lace detailing for decoration down the side of the legs.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Sport/5 ply (12 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | 1150m-1536m |
9. The “Dallas” Pants
| Price | $8.40/£6.40 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Pickles Cozy – Pickles |
| Designer’s Website | The “Dallas” Pants – Pickles |
Inspired by 80s fashion but with a modern twist, the “Dallas” pants are knit from the top down with baby alpaca yarn, making them soft and comfortable to wear directly on your skin. Unlike most of the knitted pants in this list, these pants are knitted flat in two panels until the pockets, and in the round using stockinette stitch afterwards.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles (100cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 110m |
| Yarn Quantity | 400g-650g |
10. Woolen Pants Knitting Pattern
| Price | $4.46/£3.40 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Woolen Pants Knitting Pattern – Villahousut on Ravelry |
This pattern creates a pair of pants with a snug, tailored fit similar to leggings. They’re worked in the round using 400g of mid-weight yarn and 5mm circular needles, with basic instructions ideal for beginners.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Worsted/10 ply (9 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | 800m-850m |
11. Culottes Knitting Pattern
| Price | $8.40/£6.40 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Pickles Cozy – Pickles |
| Designer’s Website | Culottes Knitting Pattern – Pickles |
Worked up in stockinette stitch using circular and double pointed needles, this baggy, wide leg pants knitting pattern will keep you looking stylish even when it’s cold outside. It uses up to 650g of soft yet durable yarn that will keep its shape even after lots of wear.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles US Size 8/5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 110m |
| Yarn Quantity | 450g-650g |
How Do You Knit a Pair of Pants?
Although many knitters don’t know it, it’s possible to knit a pair of adult pants just like any other project. You’re not limited to simple sweatpants either – with the right pattern, you can work up knitted leggings, tailored slacks, and even wide leg or bootcut trousers.
Pants knitting patterns usually start by knitting two tubes in the round for the legs. The crotch panel is created separately using flat knitting, and then joined with the legs to be continued as a single tube to the waist.
While this method is most common, it’s also possible to knit the entire garment in flat panels and then seam both sides together.
How Do I Make Sure the Pants Fit?
Knitted pants almost always require customization to ensure a good fit. Pants require this more than most other projects, which makes it significantly harder for knitwear designers to create good patterns.
A well-written pants knitting pattern should provide customization options and standard measurements for hip, thigh, and calf circumference, inseam length, waist size, and crotch depth. You’ll be able to add more space across the back using short rows, or avoid them completely to tighten the fit.
You can also knit your pants as long or short as you’d like, regardless of whether they’re worked flat or in the round. This is important to get the right style – bootcut pants should be slightly longer than you’re used to, and straight leg pants should be a little cropped.
The waist circumference or height of your pants can also be customized in a number of ways. Most of the patterns listed here use rib stitching for the waistband and then thread elastic through, though you can also create a drawstring waistband or simply knit a tie using an i-cord.
What Materials Will I Need?
Knitted pants are usually made out of mid-weight cotton or wool yarn. It’s usually best to follow the yarn recommended by the pattern designer, as it will affect the look and feel of the finished work.
You’ll need one or two pairs of circular needles and some elastic for the waistband, along with around 600g of yarn on average. If you’re concerned about finding the right materials for your project, you can also try out a pre-prepared knitting kit that will contain all of the materials you’ll need.
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