Seashell Knit Skirt FREE Pattern

Seashell Knit Skirt FREE Pattern
by Kristin Omdahl

The drawstring waistband skirt sits just below the natural waist, and is straight to the mid-thigh. The scalloped hem flares to just below the knee. The flare has gorgeous drape that gives your stride a little oomph. The inspiration for this skirt was the concept of manipulating different stitch patterns that have have contrasting gauge properties. The pretty scalloped edge of this skirt is created by combining different, simple stitch patterns that vary greatly in their properties. Garter stitch is naturally wider than stockinette, and slipped stitches are naturally shorter than garter stitch or stockinette stitch. The ratio from waistband to body of the skirt is worked in two drastically different sized needles to create volume without increases.

The skirt is body conscious with a flared, scalloped hem and meant to be worn low, from the natural waist to the top of the hips. The length is conservative enough for the office, but paired with heels and a cute top this skirt could definitely carry over into evening wear, too.

The leather lacing comes in different colors. Choose the color that will match the shoes you intend to wear with the skirt.

Materials:

780 (930, 1120, 1340) yards worsted weight yarn
or
7 (8, 10, 12) skeins Be So Bold Yarn; 100% American Merino Wool; 120 yds (109m) per 2oz (56g);
US5 (3.75 mm) circular knitting needles
US8 (5mm) circular knitting needles
US8 (5mm) double pointed needles for i-cord drawstring (optional)
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle, scissors
Scrap cotton yarn for provisional cast on technique
Safety pin
4 yds Calf Craft Leather Lacing, Color Antique Brown from www.mjtrim.com

Gauge:

Stockinette stitch with US5 needles, 5 sts/1”

Stockinette stitch with US8 needles, 3 sts/1”

Finished sizes:

Circumference of skirt at waist: 30 (33, 36, 39)”

Circumference of skirt at hem:

Length: 26 (27, 28, 29)”

Instructions:

CO 156 (170, 186, 200) sts

With provisional cast on technique, CO 156 (170, 186, 200) sts, place marker, join in a round.

Side bar note: for a firm join, knit the last stitch of cast on together with the first st from the cast on (k2tog), place marker, kfb in the next st to maintain stitch count.

Knit even for 1”

Purl next round (leaves a garter ridge for turning the waistband later). Knit even for 1/2”.

Next round: knit 72 (80, 88, 95) sts, BO 2 sts, k6 sts, BO 2 sts, knit 72 (80, 88, 95)sts, slip marker.

Next round: knit 72 (80, 88, 95) sts, CO 2 sts, k6, CO 2 sts, knit 72 (80, 88, 95)sts, slip marker.

Knit even for 1/2”.

 

To join the waistband, pick up a stitch from the provisional cast on directly below the next st on left hand needle, knit them together. Repeat around. – 156 (170, 186, 200) sts.

Knit 1 round.

Change to larger needles.

Knit every round for 10”.

Increase 12 (12, 10, 10) sts evenly around. — 168 (182, 196, 210) sts

Scalloped Hem section:

Round 1: *p10, (sl1, k1)x2. Rep from * 11 (12, 13, 14) more times. — 168 (182, 196, 210) sts

Round 2: *k10, (k1, sl1)x2. Rep from * 11 (12, 13, 14) more times. — 168 (182, 196, 210) sts

Repeat rows 1 – 2 for 3”.

Next round: maintain established pattern, and evenly increase by 2 sts per 12 (13, 14, 15) garter stitch sections around. (24, 26, 28, 30 increases). — 192 (208, 224, 240) sts

Next round: k12, (k1, sl1)x2. Rep from * 11 (12, 13, 14) more times. — 192 (208, 224, 240) sts

Next round: p12, (sl1, k1)x2, Rep from * 11 (12,

13, 14) more times. — 192 (208, 224, 240) sts

Rep last 2 round for 3”.

Next round: maintain established pattern, and

evenly increase by 2 sts per 12 (13, 14, 15)

garter stitch section around. (24, 26, 28, 30

increases). — 216 (234, 252, 270) sts

Next round: p14, (sl1, k1)x2, Rep from * 11

more times. — 216 (234, 252, 270) sts

Next round: k14, (k1, sl1)x2, rep from * 11 more

times. — 216 (234, 252, 270) sts

Rep last 2 rounds for 6”.

Side bar note: Manipulating the amount of stretch in the bind off of the different sections of this stitch pattern combination will help create the scalloped edge. A tight traditional bind off is used in the 4-stitch sl st pattern. A modified stretching bind off is used in the garter stitch section.

Bind off: k2, pass 2nd st up, over and off RH needle, *yo, k1, pass yo and 2nd st up, over and off RH needle, k1, pass 2nd st up, over and off RH needle. Rep from * for rem of garter stitch section. **K2, pass 2nd st up, over and off RH needle snugly. Rep from ** for rem of sl st section. Continue in established pattern of bind off techniques for remainder of stitches.

Wash, block to finished measurements, and let dry. Weave in loose ends.

Waist tie:

Fold the 4-yard leather lacing in half so you have two 2-yard lengths. Secure a safety pin or paperclip in the folded end. Insert pin into waistband through one hole and inch your way around entire waistband, exiting through the 2nd hole in front. Remove the pin and center the laces in the waistband. Cut the folded end so you have two 2-yard sections. Tie a knot at the ends of each side a couple of inches from the end.

Kristin Omdahl patterns are for your personal use only and not to be used to create items for commercial gain. All Kristin Omdahl patterns are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.

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