Lesene Skirt in Berroco Merino 401  - Downloadable PDF

Lesene Skirt in Berroco Merino 401 – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Lesene Skirt is a beautifully constructed knitted skirt designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a flattering, full-length skirt with a ribbed waistband and a smooth stockinette body. The design is worked in the round from the waist down, making it a satisfying project for knitters who are comfortable with circular knitting and basic shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

The Lesene Skirt is a seamless, circular-knit skirt with a finished length of 23 inches / 58.5 cm across all sizes. It features a fitted waist that transitions into a fuller hip, achieved through strategic increases worked at regular intervals. The waistband is finished in k2, p2 ribbing, which provides a snug, stretchy fit at the top. An optional elastic waistband can be added for additional structure and security. The skirt is shown in waist size 33 inches / 84 cm, and the recommended ease is approximately 2 inches / 5 cm negative ease to 2 inches / 5 cm positive ease, giving knitters flexibility in achieving their preferred silhouette.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is generously sized, offering twelve sizes to accommodate a wide range of bodies. Waist circumferences range from 24½ inches up to 56¾ inches (62–144 cm), while hip circumferences span from 34¾ inches to 64¾ inches (88.5–164.5 cm). This extensive size range makes the Lesene Skirt an inclusive and versatile pattern suitable for many knitters.

Techniques Used

• Circular knitting in the round – the skirt is worked seamlessly from waist to hem using circular needles
• Left-leaning lifted increases (LLI) – used to shape the hip and create the flared silhouette
• Stitch marker placement and management – markers are used to track increase points and the beginning of round
• Blocking – gauge is measured after blocking, and blocking is essential to achieving the correct finished dimensions
• Optional elastic casing – a simple finishing technique using a sewing needle, thread, and a safety pin to thread elastic through the waistband

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – forms the main body of the skirt, worked in the round as all knit stitches
• k2, p2 ribbing – used for the waistband to create a stretchy, form-fitting top edge
• Left lifted increase (LLI) – a nearly invisible increase stitch used to add stitches during hip shaping

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Merino 401, a worsted weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The sample shown uses colorway #11230 Rust. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 7 and 16 balls, making it a moderately yarn-intensive project. Berroco Merino 401 is a premium merino wool yarn known for its softness, stitch definition, and excellent drape — qualities that make it particularly well-suited to a garment like this skirt, where both structure and fluid movement are desirable.

Needles and Notions

• 24-inch / 60 cm circular needles in sizes US 5 / 3.75 mm and US 7 / 4.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• 40-inch / 100 cm circular needle in size US 7 / 4.5 mm for larger sizes (smaller sizes may substitute a 32-inch / 80 cm length)
• Stitch markers, including one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning