Girls Top Down Skirt

Girls Top Down Skirt by Alma

What is Being Made

The Girls Top Down Skirt by heaventoseven is a children's knitted skirt designed for girls ranging from 18 months to 12 years old. The pattern includes six size options to fit waists measuring 52-53 cm, 53-54 cm, 55-57 cm, 58-60 cm, 61-64 cm, and 65-68 cm (or 20.5-21", 21-21.5", 21.75-22.5", 23-23.75", 24-25", and 25.5-27" respectively). This is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a classic, wearable garment suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

This skirt is worked in the round from the top down, a popular construction technique that allows for seamless garment creation and easy fitting adjustments. The pattern begins with a stretchy cast-on method, specifically recommending an Estonian cast-on, which provides excellent elasticity for the waistband. Knitting in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish throughout the garment. The top-down approach means the skirt is begun at the waist and progresses downward toward the hem, allowing knitters to try on the garment as they work and adjust the length to their preference.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance suitable for children's clothing. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture on the right side of the fabric.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Girls Top Down Skirt is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent drape and comfort for children's garments. The pattern suggests two specific yarn options: James C. Brett Marble (240 meters to 100 grams) or Rico baby so soft DK (250 meters to 100 grams), both of which are soft, child-friendly choices.

Yarn quantities vary by size:

• Sizes 18 months and 3-4 years: 150 grams (2 × 100g balls)
• Sizes 5-6 years: 200 grams (2 × 100g balls)
• Sizes 7-8 years: 250 grams (3 × 100g balls)
• Sizes 9-10 years: 250 grams (3 × 100g balls)
• Size 11-12 years: 300 grams (3 × 100g balls)

Needles and Additional Tools

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to create proper fabric tension and structure. A 4 mm (US 6) circular needle measuring 60 cm or 24 inches is used for the main body of the skirt, worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows to a 10 cm (4 inch) square in stockinette stitch. A smaller 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needle measuring 40 cm or 16 inches is used for the initial cast-on and waistband, creating a snug, elastic edge. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a needle for weaving in ends, and a bodkin or safety pin for securing stitches during construction.

Cast-On and Starting the Project

The pattern begins by casting on between 91 and 161 stitches depending on the chosen size, using the smaller 3.5 mm needles and a stretchy cast-on method such as Estonian. The cast-on stitches are then joined to knit in the round, with careful attention paid to ensuring the stitches are not twisted before beginning the circular knitting process. This foundation is critical to creating an even, professional-looking waistband.