Flirt Skirt

Flirt Skirt Knitting Pattern by Claire Jackson

What is Being Made

The Flirt Skirt is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Claire Jackson for creating a fitted, waist-cinched skirt. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a garment suitable for various body sizes, with yardage requirements ranging from 555 to 1410 yards depending on the chosen size. The skirt features an elastic waistband for comfortable wear and is constructed using circular knitting techniques to create a seamless, tubular garment.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Methods

The Flirt Skirt is constructed using circular knitting, which allows for seamless construction in the round. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The pattern begins with a cast-on at the waist and increases are worked into the fabric to create the flared silhouette characteristic of a skirt. The designer recommends steam blocking after completion to achieve proper gauge and finished dimensions. An important technique note for continental knitters: the pattern specifically advises swatching in the round to ensure that your tension remains consistent when knitting the length of the garment, as tension can differ between flat and circular knitting methods.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Flirt Skirt is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. This stitch is worked in the round using circular needles, producing clean vertical columns of knit stitches. The pattern includes strategic increases worked into the stockinette base to shape the skirt and create the desired silhouette. Adjustments to the number of knit rows in the main body section can be made if row gauge differs from the specified measurements, allowing for customization based on individual gauge swatches.

Yarn and Needles

The Flirt Skirt pattern calls for Lion Brand Jeans yarn or any comparable DK weight (weight 3) yarn, provided the substitute yarn allows you to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern notes that a thin worsted weight yarn could also work as an alternative. Circular knitting needles in 5.5mm / US 9 size are required to work this pattern. The needle cord length should be long enough to accommodate your beginning waist measurement comfortably, and the pattern recommends selecting a cord length that is approximately double your waist measurement to allow for adequate fabric manipulation during the knitting process.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for the success of this project. The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 22 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked with steam. The pattern also provides a finer gauge measurement of 4.5 stitches and 5.5 rounds per inch for reference. Swatching is strongly recommended, particularly for those who knit continental style, to ensure consistency between swatch tension and working tension. If your stitch gauge is correct but row gauge is off, the pattern allows for adjustments to the number of knit rows in the main body section to compensate.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Flirt Skirt pattern requires one piece of 1-inch elastic sized to fit your natural waist measurement. This elastic is incorporated into the waistband to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that will not slip during wear.

Skill Level and Project Scope

The Flirt Skirt is rated as a Beginner/Intermediate level knitting project, making it accessible to knitters with some foundational experience. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, allowing for easy reference during knitting. The intermediate difficulty reflects the combination of circular knitting techniques, gauge management, and the ability to work increases and adjustments as needed throughout the garment construction.