Knit spiral skirt

Knit Spiral Skirt by Annastasia Cruz

What is Being Made

This is a knitted skirt designed for children, available in sizes ranging from 12-18 months through 7/8 years. The skirt features a spiral construction that creates visual interest and movement in the finished garment. Designers can choose to knit the skirt in the round for a seamless construction or knit it flat, depending on their preference and available tools. The pattern offers flexibility in yarn selection, allowing crafters to create different effects—lighter yarn produces a lacier appearance, while heavier worsted weight yarn creates a larger, more substantial skirt.

Techniques Used

The primary technique employed in this pattern is circular knitting, which allows the skirt to be constructed seamlessly from the waistband down. The pattern includes a knitted-in waistband, which is a practical construction method that integrates the waistband directly into the garment rather than adding it separately. For those preferring a flat knitting approach, the pattern provides alternative instructions. The spiral construction creates a dynamic stitch pattern that requires intermediate-level knitting skills to execute properly. A crochet waistband option is also provided on the pattern pages, offering an alternative finishing method for the waistband edge.

Stitches Used

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (St st), which is the foundation stitch for this garment. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped stitch pattern on the right side. The gauge for this pattern is established at 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished size. The spiral design is created through the strategic placement and manipulation of stitches as the skirt is constructed.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Sport weight yarn is the recommended yarn weight, though the pattern notes that worsted weight yarn can be substituted with the understanding that it will produce a larger, heavier skirt. Lighter weight yarns will create a lacier effect. Yardage requirements vary by size: 2 to 4 skeins depending on the size being made and yarn weight selected. The pattern provides specific examples of successful yarn choices, including Patons Grace (demonstrated in the Sky colorway with Natural trim), Lion Brand Micro Spun (shown in a multicolor version using 6 different colors), and Lion Brand Cotton Ease (shown in Cherry).
• Needles: Size 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles are required to obtain the specified gauge. The pattern calls for one 16-inch circular needle and one 29-inch circular needle for the in-the-round version. If knitting the flat version, only the 29-inch needles are needed.
• Notions: Two pieces of ¼-inch elastic are required, each cut to a length that fits around the waist minus ½ inch. A stitch marker is necessary for the in-the-round version (though a piece of contrast yarn knotted into a loop can serve as a substitute). A tapestry or yarn needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to tackle more complex construction methods such as circular knitting and spiral stitch patterns.