Zagging Skirt

Zagging Skirt by Sarah Ronchetti

What Is Being Made

The Zagging Skirt is a knitted children's skirt designed by Sarah Ronchetti, available in seven different sizes ranging from 6 months to 12 years old. The skirt is sized by waist measurement, with options from 19 inches (48cm) for the smallest size up to 25 inches (63.5cm) for the largest size, and corresponding length measurements from 9.5 inches (24cm) to 18.5 inches (47cm). This is an advanced-level knitting project suitable for experienced knitters looking to create a fitted, wearable garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Zagging Skirt employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that create visual interest and shaping. The pattern incorporates colorwork, which adds a decorative patterned element to the skirt. Increases and decreases are used strategically throughout the construction to shape the garment to the body. The skirt is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous knitting without requiring seaming at the sides.

The waistband is constructed using a long tail cast on method with a larger needle size, then joined to knit in the round. This technique ensures a secure, elastic edge at the waist that can accommodate the child's body comfortably.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch creating the smooth stockinette stitch base
• Purl (P) – Used in combination with knit stitches, particularly in the colorwork pattern
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Right Leaning Increase (RLI) – Created by lifting the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle, placing it on the left needle, then knitting it for a neat increase
• Yarn Over (YO) – Creates decorative eyelets or lace elements within the pattern
• Stocking Stitch – The primary stitch pattern forming the base fabric of the skirt

Materials and Tools

The Zagging Skirt is designed to be knitted with yarn in either aran or DK (double knitting) weight, offering flexibility depending on desired fabric weight and drape. The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10cm) when working in stocking stitch and colorwork pattern with the larger needle size.

Essential tools include US-size circular needles (larger size specified for the main fabric) and a long tail cast on needle for the waistband. A stitch marker is required to mark the beginning of the round, ensuring accurate stitch counting and pattern placement throughout the construction.

The pattern requires careful attention during the cast-on phase to avoid twisting stitches when joining to knit in the round, a critical step for seamless circular knitting. The downloadable PDF format provides complete sizing information, detailed abbreviations, and step-by-step instructions for all seven size options.