Cotton skirt

Cotton Skirt by Jennie Atkinson

What is Being Made

The Cotton Skirt is a full, knee-length skirt designed to fit hips ranging from 34 to 44 inches (86.5 to 112 cm), with a finished length of approximately 24¾ to 26¾ inches measured from the waist tie. This is a two-piece knitted construction that combines decorative lace detailing with functional comfort.

Construction Method

The skirt is knitted in two distinct sections. The lace and pleat border is knitted first as a single piece, establishing the visual foundation of the garment. Once the border is complete, the main body of the skirt is picked up from the cast-on edge and knitted in the round using circular needles. This construction technique allows the skirt to be shaped smoothly around the body while maintaining consistent stitch definition throughout.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the skirt, creating a smooth, flat fabric with a classic knit appearance on the right side
• Lace Stitch: Featured in the border section, incorporating yarn-overs and decreases to create an open, decorative pattern that adds visual interest and texture
• Pleat Border: A structured border element that provides shaping and definition at the top of the skirt
• Ribbed Waistband: Knitted in rib stitch to create elasticity and ensure a secure, comfortable fit around the waist

Techniques

Key knitting techniques employed in this pattern include picking up stitches from the cast-on edge to transition from the border to the main body, working in the round on circular needles for seamless construction, and managing yarn-overs and decreases to achieve the lace pattern definition. The pattern uses stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Cotton Skirt is designed to be worked in 3-ply weight yarn, specifically using DMC Petra 5, a 100% cotton perle crochet yarn. The yardage requirement is 437 yards (400 meters) per 100-gram ball, with quantities ranging from 4 to 6 balls depending on the finished size selected. The pattern calls for the navy colorway (DMC 5823). Cotton yarn provides breathability and a natural drape ideal for warm-weather skirt wear.

Tools Required

Circular needles are essential for knitting the main body of the skirt in the round. Stitch markers are used throughout the pattern to clearly delineate pattern sections and maintain stitch accuracy.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. Knitters should be comfortable with fundamental techniques including working in the round, reading stitch patterns, executing yarn-overs and decreases for lace work, and managing multiple pattern repeats. The lace border requires attention to pattern detail, while the circular needle work for the main body is straightforward stocking stitch.