If you’ve taken a workshop from me in the past couple of years, chances are good that I’ve worn one of my knitted skirts. I can’t exaggerate the comfort and pack-ability of hand-knitted skirts. The knitted fabric grows (and shrinks) with you and it won’t wrinkle in a suitcase. Plus, it’s most satisfying to say “yes, I made it myself” when asked!
I currently have two pleated skirt patterns available on Ravelry–Putting on the Pleats and Take-Two Skirt. Both involve purl “gore” stitches between (mostly, in the case of Take-Two) stockinette-stitch “pleats.”
Last November, I cast on for another version for Quince & Company. I knitted this version out of their fingering-weight Finch (100% North American wool) in a beautiful gray color called Kittywake.
I measured my gauge at 7.5 stitches/inch, multiplied that by my waist circumference, allowing for 2″ of negative ease, then cast on while I was attending Stephanie Pearl-McPhee’s Stung-Along Retreat last November. I knitted in my hotel room, in cars, in airports, and on planes, increasing from my waist circumference to my high-hip circumference (again, allowing for 2″ of negative ease).
It wasn’t long before I got the fun part where the pleats began. For the next couple of months, I knitted while watching TV (yea Broncos and Downton Abbey!). For this skirt, I decided to work garter welts in the “gores” between the stockinette-stitch pleats. Somehow, I made it to the bind-off row before I took another photo.
Ahh, binding off is exceedingly satisfying! Although you might think that a skirt requires endless knitting, it actually only takes as much yarn as three to four pairs of socks. And there are no heels to turn, gusset stitches to pick up, or Kitchener stitch! A pretty good trade off, if you ask me.
After blocking and adding an elastic waistband, I sent the skirt to Quince and Company last week. Depending on how much time it takes them to tech edit, photograph, and lay out the instructions, the pattern will be available in a few weeks or a few months. I’ll let you know when it’s available.
Wouldn’t it be fun to appear at an event wearing the same skirt?
i love your skirts. Knitting one and then wearing it to one of your retreats would be exciting!
But how does a knitted skirt wear in other than cool weather?
I wore mine at a same event! It was a little big, but I enjoyed it until I gave it to a slightly larger friend after a small bit of humiliation.
Hi Ann,
And knit skirts look great on you!
Can you explain more what you mean by- adding 2 ” of negative ease?
Nancy Paris
ps- I met you on the elevator at Strung Along in November. I’m sure you remember, haha
The skirts are fab! Hope to see more of those! And I desperately hope I can knit as good as you!
Hi Nancy!
2″ negative ease means to choose a size that’s 2″ smaller than your actual measurement. You want the top part of the skirt to stretch a bit when you wear it.
Well, Bev, I think you need to knit another one!
It’s a little appreciated fact that wool is comfortable in all seasons. I might not wear a wool skirt when the temps reach 85 degrees, but it’s great the rest of the time!