Simple Kids Livi Skirt

Simple Kids Livi Skirt by Kris Blincoe

What is Being Made

The Simple Kids Livi Skirt is a top-down flat knitted toddler and children's skirt designed for sizes ranging from 6-9 months through 5-6 years. This garment serves as a versatile layering piece perfect for pairing with tights or leggings during colder months. The skirt is quick to complete, with smaller sizes achievable in a single day, making it an excellent project for knitters seeking immediate gratification and practical results.

Construction Method

The skirt is knitted flat from the top down, meaning the knitter begins at the waistband and works downward toward the hem. Once the flat knitting is complete, the garment requires only one seam to finish. This straightforward construction approach minimizes finishing work and makes the pattern accessible to beginner-level knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main body of the skirt, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Ribbed Edging: Applied at the top of the skirt to create a stretchy, fitted waistband that provides significant give and flexibility in sizing

Yarn and Needle Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for 200-550 yards of worsted weight yarn (weight category 4), with yardage varying by size. Worsted weight yarn provides a medium thickness suitable for creating a durable, structured skirt with good drape for children's garments.

Needles: The pattern uses two needle sizes—US size 6 (4.0 mm) for the ribbed edging at the top and US size 7 (4.5 mm) for the stockinette stitch body. This two-needle approach creates contrast between the elastic ribbed waistband and the more fluid body fabric.

Gauge: 18 stitches equals 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch with the US size 7 needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the skirt fits correctly across the intended size range.

Cast On and Sizing

The pattern begins with a long tail cast on method, with stitch counts varying by size: 72 stitches for 6-9 months, 76 stitches for 12-18 months, 84 stitches for 2T, 88 stitches for 3T, 92 stitches for 4 years, and 96 stitches for 5-6 years. The long tail cast on creates a finished, professional edge suitable for a visible waistband.

Customization and Flexibility

The Simple Kids Livi Skirt offers built-in flexibility for customization. The ribbed top provides substantial stretch and sizing accommodation, allowing the skirt to fit across a range of measurements within each size category. Knitters can also easily adjust the skirt length by simply knitting the body section longer than the pattern specifies, making it simple to create the desired finished length without pattern modifications.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner pattern, the Simple Kids Livi Skirt is ideal for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward top-down construction, basic stitch techniques, and minimal finishing requirements make this an excellent introductory garment project that produces a wearable, practical result.