Play Time Skirt

Play Time Skirt by Sam Hermes

What Is Being Made

The Play Time Skirt is a beginner-friendly crochet skirt designed for children ages 1 to 6. This downloadable PDF pattern from designer Sam Hermes provides instructions for creating a colorful, playful garment with adjustable sizing across five age categories. The finished skirt features a comfortable waist measurement ranging from 53cm for age 1 to 61cm for age 6, with corresponding length adjustments from 20cm to 32cm to accommodate growing children.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The design incorporates post stitches, specifically front post half trebles (Fbhtr) and back post half trebles (Bphtr), which create textured vertical lines and dimensional effects in the fabric. The pattern also includes a reverse double crochet finish, commonly known as the crab stitch, which is an optional decorative border that adds a polished edge. These techniques build upon basic crochet fundamentals while remaining accessible to newer crafters.

Stitches Included

The Play Time Skirt utilizes a focused selection of crochet stitches:

• Chain (Ch) - the foundational stitch used to create the starting chain and throughout the pattern
• Half treble (htr) - a mid-height stitch that forms the primary fabric structure
• Slip stitch (sl st) - used for joining rounds and securing stitches
• Front post half treble (Fbhtr) - creates texture by working around the post of the previous row's stitches from the front
• Back post half treble (Bphtr) - works around the post from the back to add dimensional detail
• Reverse double crochet (Rev dc) - an optional finishing technique for the final round that produces a decorative braided-like border
• Front loop only (Flo) - a technique that works through only the front loop of a stitch for textural variation

Materials and Yarn Details

The Play Time Skirt pattern calls for Paintbox Simply Aran yarn, which is an aran weight yarn ideal for quick, satisfying crochet projects. The pattern uses three yarn colors: Yarn A in Neon Yellow, Yarn B in Washed Teal, and optionally Yarn C in Paintbox Metallic DK Piña Colada for the reverse double crochet border. The aran weight yarn works up quickly on a 5mm crochet hook (UK size 6, US size H-8), making this project ideal for beginners who want visible progress. Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Pattern Sizing Information

The pattern provides five size options with specific starting chain lengths to accommodate different ages:

• Age 1: 53cm finished waist, 20cm length, 60 starting chain
• Age 2: 55cm finished waist, 22cm length, 63 starting chain
• Age 3: 57cm finished waist, 25cm length, 66 starting chain
• Age 4: 59cm finished waist, 28cm length, 69 starting chain
• Age 6: 61cm finished waist, 32cm length, 72 starting chain

The pattern notes that finished measurements are approximate and may vary depending on whether additional rounds are added or subtracted during construction.

Pattern Notes

This is a free downloadable PDF pattern designed and written by Sam Hermes of Little Bud Creations. The pattern uses UK crochet abbreviations. Finished items made from this pattern may be sold provided the designer Sam Hermes is credited. The pattern is not to be reproduced or resold in its original form.