Aoibhin - Block Party

Aoibhin – Block Party Crochet Skirt

What Is Being Made

The Aoibhin – Block Party is a downloadable crochet skirt pattern designed by Caroline Murphy. This intermediate-level project creates a finished skirt with an actual hip measurement of 99cm (35 inches) and a length of 43cm (17 inches). The skirt is constructed using a modular block approach, with each square joined as you go to build the complete garment.

Construction Technique

This pattern employs a joined-as-you-go technique, a popular method in modular crochet design. Rather than crocheting individual squares separately and seaming them together afterward, each new square is joined to previously completed squares during the final rounds of construction. This approach reduces finishing work and creates a more cohesive fabric structure. The pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.

The skirt is built from individual squares, each measuring 9cm (3.5 inches). The modular construction method allows crafters to visualize the garment's progress as blocks accumulate and connect, making it easier to track pattern repeats and ensure proper fit.

Crochet Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates fundamental crochet stitches suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Chain (ch) – Used to create foundation loops and decorative chain spaces
• Double crochet (dc) – The primary stitch forming the body of each square
• Single crochet (sc) – Listed in abbreviations for potential joining or edging applications
• Slip stitch (ss) – Used to join rounds and connect squares together
• Chain spaces (ch-sp) – Decorative openings created by chains that form corner details and structural elements

The first square construction demonstrates the stitch pattern: beginning with a chain-4 foundation joined into a circle, then working double crochet groups separated by chain-2 spaces to create four corner openings. Subsequent rounds expand the square using the same stitch combinations, with chain-1 spaces between the corner sections.

Materials and Tools

This project requires approximately 580 metres (635 yards) of 4-ply or fingering weight yarn in total. The lightweight yarn weight creates a delicate, drape-friendly fabric ideal for a skirt garment.

Two crochet hooks are needed:

• 4mm crochet hook – The primary hook used for constructing the squares. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 9 rows over 10cm (4 inches) when using this hook size, ensuring each square measures 9cm (3.5 inches) as designed.
• 3mm crochet hook – Listed in materials, likely used for finishing details, edging, or seaming

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project to ensure the finished skirt meets the specified measurements and drapes properly. Crafters should swatch before beginning to verify their hook size produces the required stitch and row gauge.

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes crafters have solid foundational crochet knowledge including comfort with chain, double crochet, and slip stitch techniques. The joined-as-you-go construction method requires attention to detail when connecting squares but offers the advantage of building the garment progressively. Intermediate crafters will appreciate the modular structure, which breaks the project into manageable square units rather than requiring sustained focus on a large piece.