Cable Skirt

Cable Skirt by Linda Marveng

Garment Overview

The Cable Skirt is a sophisticated knitted skirt inspired by the aesthetic of Alexander McQueen, featuring an elegant cable-based design that can be worn as a skirt or poncho depending on styling preference. This intermediate to experienced-level knitting project combines intricate stitch work with practical construction details, making it a statement piece suitable for advanced knitters seeking a challenging and rewarding project.

Design and Construction Details

The skirt is constructed from six panels, each showcasing a distinctive cable arrangement. A prominent center braid cable runs down each panel, framed on either side by a tulip cable that adds visual interest and dimension. The sides of each panel feature double seed stitches, which provide textural contrast while allowing the cable patterns to stand out as focal points of the design. Rather than traditional elastic, the skirt incorporates comfortable boot laces inserted at the waistband, allowing the wearer to adjust fit and length by positioning the garment at the hips instead of the waist, or even styling it as a poncho for versatile wear.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Cable Skirt is available in three sizes to accommodate a range of body types:

• Size 1: Fits XS to M, with a finished waist of 126 cm (49.5 inches) and bottom width of 186 cm (73.25 inches)
• Size 2: Fits L to 2XL, with a finished waist of 144 cm (56.75 inches) and bottom width of 204 cm (80.25 inches)
• Size 3: Fits 3XL to 5XL, with a finished waist of 162 cm (63.75 inches) and bottom width of 222 cm (87.5 inches)

All sizes have a finished length of 60 cm (23.5 inches). The design includes substantial positive ease, ranging from 36 to 62 cm (14.25 to 24.5 inches) depending on size, which contributes to the skirt's flowing silhouette and allows for comfortable layering.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This project employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The primary stitch patterns include cable stitches, specifically a center braid cable and tulip cables that form the visual centerpiece of each panel. Double seed stitch is used along the sides of the panels to create texture and allow the cables to appear more dimensional against a contrasting background. The combination of these stitch patterns requires careful attention to stitch counts, cable crossing sequences, and pattern alignment across the six panels to ensure a cohesive finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Cable Skirt is designed to be knitted in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine, a 4-ply weight yarn that combines alpaca fiber with a small percentage of nylon. This fiber blend ensures the finished garment maintains its shape and structure, essential for a skirt with such intricate stitch patterns. The nylon content provides durability and helps prevent stretching over time, particularly important given the garment's generous width and the need for cables to remain crisp and defined. Boot laces are required for the waistband closure, adding both a functional and design element to the finished piece.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Classified as an intermediate to experienced knitting project, the Cable Skirt is best suited for knitters with solid foundational skills and prior experience working with cable stitches. The combination of multiple cable patterns, panel construction, and stitch pattern coordination across six sections requires attention to detail and the ability to read and follow complex stitch charts. The generous finished measurements also mean working with a substantial number of stitches, which demands stamina and consistent tension throughout the project.