Solar Flares — Crochet Pattern for Retro Bellbottom Pants
Hi friends!
This post is all about the Solar Flares! It includes everything you need to know about the design — this one is my second-ever pattern, and I love the vintage style it embodies!
This pattern is made-to-measure, so it’s size-inclusive! It is also beginner-friendly with step-by-step photos. A graded/standard size version (where the math is already worked out for you; it includes sizes XS-5XL) is also included in my first pattern book, Retro Crochet Style, which you can learn more about here!
Before we start, here are a few links for you:
The PDF version is available on:
For any questions about this pattern, please email me at sspstitches@gmail.com — I usually respond within 24 hours!
Get my new book, Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet, here!
If you want to be notified when I release a new pattern (with a discount code for all new paid ones), sign up here!
All of this info is in the PDF of the pattern, but for those of you who look for more info on a pattern before you buy it, this is for you! You can look at the yardage, unique stitches/crochet methods, etc. so you can make a more informed decision on whether or not to crochet this design. As always, if you have any questions, please email me at sspstitches@gmail.com — I’m more than happy to answer!
Happy crocheting <3
About
The Solar Flares are a pair of flare/bellbottom pants made of patchwork floral granny squares. The design is heavily inspired by vintage & retro styles from the 60s and 70s. The made-to-measure nature of the pattern (or XS-5XL size grading in the book) combined with flattering elements like the tie waist ensure that this pattern will be perfectly fit to every body.
This pattern is also beginner-friendly, with step-by-step photos for every single part of the pattern and links for more advanced techniques, like whipstitch.
The Solar Flares pattern is also included in my first book, Retro Crochet Style! It is my second-most popular design, only behind the Floweralls. Similar to the Floweralls, I’ve loved seeing iterations of this garment out and about at festivals — the color combos crocheters can come up with are just amazing!
Sizing
This pattern is made-to-measure, which means you take your own measurements and then input them into some (pretty easy) calculations to figure out how to make the Solar Flares to fit perfectly to your size. These calculations ensure that the Solar Flares are fitted to your waist, hips, thigh, and knee so that the flare (which begins at the knee) can stand out! If you’re concerned about doing math, not to worry; you can email me at sspstitches@gmail.com with your measurements, and I’m happy to do the work for you!
Materials
Hook: 5mm or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions:
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Yarn: Worsted/aran/size 4; for amount needed for each size, see sizing chart above
Be aware that these pants can become very heavy because of the sheer amount of yarn used; don't use cotton (a heavy fiber) to make these! I’ve used acrylics like Red Heart Super Saver and Big Twist Value to make mine. I recommend using a similar acrylic (or wool) for your own project; you can find good substitutes on yarnsub.com.
Always make a swatch before beginning to make sure you meet gauge (also important so your garment isn’t too big or too small) and are happy with the fabric created!
Gauge
Note: For a patchwork pattern like this, the size of the squares is the most important part of meeting gauge. I'd recommend making a square first before a swatch; instructions for the square and for the gauge below are included in the pattern.
4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) = 15 sts and 7.5 rows in double crochet
If your swatch is too small, try using a bigger hook. If it's too big, try using a smaller hook.
Pattern Notes
Skill Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Sizing: This design is written to be made-to-measure. If you have any issues with the calculations, email me at sspstitches@gmail.com and I’ll look over them ASAP (or I can do them for you!).
Construction: This design is worked first in individual squares, then the squares are sewn together into rows. Then, rows are sewn together to make the legs which are then attached to the body, then finishing details are completed.
Abbreviations
ch: chain
ch1sp: chain 1 space
ch2sp: chain 2 space
dc: double crochet
dc4tog: double crochet 4 together
hdc: half-double crochet
ps: puff stitch
sc: single crochet
sc3tog: single crochet 3 together
slst: slip stitch
st/sts: stitch/stitches
tc: triple crochet
yo: yarn over
The pattern includes step-by-step photos for every part along the way to ensure you’re on the right track! Here are a few of them:
This pattern has been tested in a range of sizes to ensure everybody is satisfied with how it fits. Here are some photos from the lovely testers who provided wonderful feedback and helped perfect the pattern for you; please check out their Instagrams, linked in this post! They put a lot of time and effort into their samples, and deserve a lot of appreciation — especially because each iteration is just so gorgeous!
If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading all this! I hope it’s given you all the info you need on the Solar Flares pattern. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me at sspstitches@gmail.com!
Find the pattern in these places:
You can find my pattern book, Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet, on the shelves of all major retailers — or see your purchasing options (US + international) here!
