The Design
“In 8 sizes and 2 lengths.”
Knit from side to side in one piece and shaped with short-row ‘darts’ at the hip, this simple skirt will become a wardrobe staple. It’s easy to adjust—all you have to do is shift the buttons! Diagonally placed buttons close the skirt with an asymmetric overlap for a flattering A-line. Or place the top button at the waist for a narrower line. You can knit it to two classic lengths—your skirt can sweetly skim your knees or brush your calves.
We’ve knit this skirt in two heavy worsted-weight yarns—handsomely rugged Tahki Donegal Tweed and smoothly woolly . We recommend choosing a 100% wool or wool blend yarn with good body and memory.
This four page pattern includes:
- Color photography by the talented Jared Flood
- Special Techniques—’Clip and turn’ short-row shaping and creating one-row buttonholes
- A step-by-step guide to finessing the fit of your skirt (with fill-in-the-blank spots to help with the math)
- Instructions for finishing and blocking your skirt
The Details
SIZES
There are several ways to adjust the fit of this skirt, so as a starting point we’ve listed the average of the ‘To fit hips’ range. See the ‘Choosing a Size’ tab for additional tips.
To fit hips: 33 (36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54)" / 84 (91.5, 99, 106.5, 114.5, 122, 129.5, 137)cm.
To fit waist: Approx. 8–10"/20–25cm less than hips, with no ease. Note: Fit at waist can be adjusted significantly with inner button placement and crocheted reinforcing.
LENGTHS
Worn with waistband edge at natural waist; asymmetrical buttoning will drop right front.
Short version: Approx. 19"/48cm. Short version shown in black tweed in second size with approx. 1"/2.5cm ease at hip, approx. 9"/23cm overlap at waist.
Long Version: Approx. 26"/66cm. Long version shown in grey in second size, with no ease at hip, approx 11"/28cm overlap at waist.
YARN
Choose a 100% wool or wool blend yarn with good body and memory. Details given for smallest size; larger sizes in parentheses ( ).
Short version: 515 (570, 625, 680, 740, 795, 850, 905) yds/471 (521, 572, 622, 677, 727, 777, 828)m heavy worsted-weight yarn.
Shown in Tahki Donegal Tweed (183 yds/167m per skein), Color 890.
Long version: 710 (785, 860, 935, 1015, 1090, 1165, 1240) yds/649 (718, 786, 855, 928, 997, 1065, 1134)m heavy worsted-weight yarn.
Shown in (190 yds/174m per skein), Color M04.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 8 (5mm) 24"/60cm or longer circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.
US 7 (4.5mm) 24"/60cm or longer circular needle, or 1 size smaller than gauge needle.
Markers: 2 ring markers; 4 locking markers.
Buttons: 2 1¼–1½"/32–38mm buttons; 3 ¾"/20mm buttons (1 for inner waistband, 2 for backing buttons); needle and thread.
Darning needle to finish. Optional: US G/6 (4mm) crochet hook to reinforce waistband.
GAUGE
16 sts/24 rows = 4"/10cm in St St on gauge needle, after blocking. Note: Skirt is knit from side to side; stitch gauge determines length, row gauge affects the fit.
KNITTER'S NOTES
For this skirt, the hips are the key to choosing a size that’s comfortable and allows ample cross-over coverage without pulling.
As you choose to round up or down, consider whether you prefer more or less ease (asymmetrical buttoning adds a little more A-line ease at the hip) and whether you like to see a little leg when you walk.
