Berroco Crane PDF

Berroco Crane Crochet Skirt Pattern by Alison Green

The Berroco Crane is an intermediate-level crochet skirt pattern designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a beautifully feminine skirt featuring delicate lace crochet detailing, making it a rewarding project for crocheters who are comfortable moving beyond the basics. The design is offered in nine sizes, with finished waist measurements ranging from 22 to 54 inches and hip measurements from 32 to 64 inches, ensuring an inclusive fit for a wide range of body types. The finished length is 25 inches for all sizes. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in size 26 inches. Alison Green recommends negative ease or no ease for the best fit.

Construction and Techniques

The Crane skirt is constructed using a combination of thoughtful techniques that give it both structure and graceful drape. Key construction methods include:

• Top-down construction: The skirt begins at the waistband and is worked downward, allowing for easy length adjustments as you go.
• Worked in the round: The body of the skirt is crocheted in the round, creating a seamless tube that flows naturally around the body.
• Seamed finishing: Despite being worked in the round, the pattern incorporates seamed elements for a polished, structured finish.
• Lace patterning: Decorative lace sections add visual interest and an airy, elegant quality to the fabric, a hallmark of fine crochet garment design.

Stitches Used

The Crane pattern makes use of a combination of standard crochet stitches to create its textured and lace-patterned fabric:

• Half double crochet (hdc): Used primarily for the waistband section, worked to a gauge of 19 hdc = 4 inches wide using the smaller hook.
• Double crochet (dc): Forms the main body of the skirt, worked to a gauge of 18 dc and 10 rows = 4 inches using the larger hook.
• Lace stitch combinations: Open lacework stitches are incorporated to create the decorative patterning throughout the skirt body.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Medina, a DK weight yarn, in colorway #4781 Biskra. Medina is sold in 100-gram balls, and the quantity required ranges from 3 to 6 balls depending on the size being made. Smaller sizes (22–30 inch waist) require 3 balls, mid-range sizes require 4 to 5 balls, and the largest sizes require up to 6 balls.

Two crochet hooks are needed: a 3.50 mm (size E) and a 3.75 mm (size F), or the sizes needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include:

• 4 removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• 1-inch wide elastic, cut to fit the waist measurement plus 2 inches, for a comfortable and secure waistband
• Sewing needle and thread for attaching the elastic
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Pattern Notes

As with all Berroco patterns, checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure accurate finished measurements. Because the skirt uses two different hooks for different sections — the smaller hook for the hdc waistband and the larger hook for the dc body — swatching with both hooks is advisable. The use of Berroco Medina specifically is recommended by the designer to achieve the intended drape and stitch definition characteristic of this lace skirt design.