Knitting is playtime for me. I find inspiration in colors and enjoy watching how they interact with each other. Along with color I like to play with shape, form and texture. This idea of secondary ridges of color has been tumbling around in my head for a few months, I’d been trying to make a sweater but it just wasn’t coming out right.

A few months later I found this colorway of Noro and started knitting. Within a few rows I knew exactly what I was making and how it would look when it was done.  The Kureyon yarn is heavy enough to make a solid, comfortable skirt that’s going to retain its shape. Diagonal stripes add interest to the shape and being knit on the bias the skirt won’t curl at the edge. Though this version is unlined, it would be easy enough to add a lining if you so wished.

I like that this skirt could be worn as easily for a walk in the park as it could to a day at the office, but what I like most of all is that it is quick and simple to make!

SIZE
XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X] (shown in size M, with 2 inches negative ease)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 26[28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52] inches
Length: 18[18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 21, 22, 23] inches

Note: Choose size with circumference that is 0-6 inches less than hip measurement of wearer, depending on desired fit. Waistband is sized to fit, using elastic. Size of skirt can easily be adjusted; if you are increasing skirt circumference or length, purchase more yarn.

MATERIALS
Yarn
[MC] (A and B; see Pattern Notes) Noro Kureyon [100% wool; 110yd/101m per 50g ball]; color: #256; approx. 4[4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9] skeins
[CC] Tahki Cotton Classic [100% cotton; 108yd/100m per 50g ball]; color: #3997; 1 skein

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 set US #10/6mm needles
1 24-inch US #8/5mm circular needle; larger sizes may prefer a longer needle

Notions
1 stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle and thread
Large safety pin
Waistband elastic, 2 inches wide, long enough to fit around waist

GAUGE

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

The skirt is worked using two balls of MC at a time; one ball is designated A, and the the other is B. You will be alternating two rows of A with two rows of B throughout. Be sure to start the two balls at different points in the color sequence.
If you end up having only one ball left, work from the inside of the skein for A, and the outside of the skein for B; alternately, the last skein can be wound into two separate balls.

Directions for whip stitch can be found here.

2x2 Rib (Worked in the round over a multiple of 4 sts):
All Rounds: [K2, p2] to end.

DIRECTIONS
Using A, CO 4 sts.
K 1 row.
P 1 row.

Increase Section:
Join B, and proceed as follows:

Row 1 [RS]: Using B, kfb, k to last st, kfb. 2 sts increased.

Row 2 [WS]: Using B, k all sts.

Row 3 [RS]: Using A, kfb, k to last st, kfb. 2 sts increased.

Row 4 [WS]: Using A, p all sts.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until right side edge of work measures 18[18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 21, 22, 22] inches, or desired length of skirt.

Straight Section:
Row 1 [RS]: Using B, ssk, k to last st, kfb.

Row 2 [WS]: Using B, k all sts.

Row 3 [RS]: Using A, ssk, k to last st, kfb.

Row 4 [WS]: Using A, p all sts.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until left side edge of work measures 26[28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52] inches or desired circumference of skirt.

Decrease Section:
Row 1 [RS]: Using B, ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Row 2 [WS]: Using B, k all sts.
Row 3 [RS]: Using A, ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Row 4 [WS]: Using A, p all sts.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until 4 sts remain. BO all sts; break yarn, leaving a tail approx. 1 yd long.

FINISHING
Weave in all ends except long tail from BO; this tail will be used to sew side seam.
The piece you have knit will likely have a slight bias. Wet block piece to straight rectagular shape.
Sew short edges of skirt together to form side seam. If you find that the yarn breaks or does not seem strong enough to sew this seam (as can sometimes happen with this yarn), use a length of another DK or worsted weight wool yarn instead.

Waistband:
Decide which edge of the skirt you’d prefer to have as the waist edge. Using circular needle and CC, with RS facing, pick up and k 104[112, 128, 144, 160, 176, 192, 208] sts (4 sts for every inch) around waist edge of skirt. Place marker and join to work in the round.

Work in 2x2 Rib until waistband measures 2.5 inches. Loosely BO all sts; break yarn, leaving a tail approx. 1.5 yd long for smaller sizes, or 2 yd long for larger sizes.

Turn skirt inside out. Fold waistband to WS of work and sew edge in place using whip stitch; leave approx. 3 inches open for elastic insertion.
Attach safety pin to one end of elastic and insert elastic into casing. Pin ends together and try on; adjust length of elastic as needed. Sew ends together using sewing thread.

Sew waistband opening closed. Weave in remaining ends.

Tina is the owner and lead designer behind Knitwhits, a knitting pattern and kit company. She also recently founded a sister company, Humanity Handspun.com, a fundraising spinner’s collective. When not knitting or spinning you can find her walking her dog or belly dancing, but not likely both at the same time.