Leaves Skirt

Leaves Skirt by Jenise Hope

What is Being Made

The Leaves Skirt is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted high-hip skirt with a flared silhouette. This intermediate-level design features a decorative leaf motif created through strategic yarn overs and knit stitches. The skirt is sized for extra small through 1X, with finished high hip measurements ranging from 28 to 48 inches and a total length of 21 inches. The pattern includes instructions for adding an elastic waistband and fabric lining for comfort and structure.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. Yarn overs are used to create the decorative leaf pattern detail, which adds both visual interest and strategic shaping to the garment. The skirt is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous pattern work. The designer specifies that the gauge should be measured in seed stitch, blocked and ironed, indicating that finishing techniques are essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern also incorporates elastic insertion at the waistband for a secure, comfortable fit, and includes instructions for adding a fabric lining—a hybrid technique combining knitting with basic sewing.

Stitches Used

• Seed stitch: The foundation stitch used for the gauge measurement, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern
• Yarn overs (yo): Used to create the leaf motif and add decorative openwork detail
• Knit and purl stitches: Combined in various sequences to build texture and structure throughout the skirt

Materials

The Leaves Skirt pattern calls for Knit Picks Cotlin yarn in the Linen colorway (color number 23995). This yarn is composed of 70% Tanquis Cotton and 30% Linen, offering breathability and drape ideal for a skirt. The yardage required varies by size: 6 balls for extra small, increasing to 10 balls for size 1X, with each ball containing 123 yards at a DK weight. Knitters will need US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in lengths ranging from 24 to 40 inches depending on the size being worked. Additional notions include a stitch marker, 1.25-inch wide elastic for the waistband, 1 to 2 yards of fabric for the lining, a yarn needle, and matching thread with either a hand sewing needle or sewing machine for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches in seed stitch, blocked and ironed. This gauge measurement is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern provides six size options based on high hip measurement, with instructions to measure at the specific location where the knitter plans to wear the skirt, allowing for customization based on individual fit preferences.