Hooked On Handcrafting: The Crochet Skater Skirt Trend

The crochet skater skirt is a fun, free-spirited, and innovative garment. It is a versatile piece that can be made in various colours and styles to suit different occasions, from casual to dressy. The skirt is typically made with a combination of single and double crochet stitches, with increases added to create a flowy, A-line shape. The waistband is often elasticated for comfort and ease of wear. With the right yarn and pattern, a crochet skater skirt can be a unique and eye-catching addition to any wardrobe.

Materials needed for a crochet skater skirt

To make a crochet skater skirt, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn: The type of yarn you choose will depend on your personal preference and budget. You can use any type of yarn, such as wool, acrylic, or superwash merino. Keep in mind that different fibres and thicknesses will affect the gauge and drape of your skirt. For a machine-washable option, you can use a cheap acrylic yarn. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, superwash merino is a great choice.
• Crochet hook: The size of the crochet hook will depend on the yarn you choose. For a sport weight yarn, a 4mm (US G) crochet hook is recommended. However, you may need to adjust the hook size to achieve the desired stitch stretchiness.
• Elastic: The width of the elastic will depend on the size of the skirt. For an adult skirt, 4cm (1.5 inches) wide elastic is recommended. For a toddler or smaller child, you can use a narrower elastic, such as 3cm (1.2 inches) or 2cm (0.8 inches).
• Sewing needle and thread: These will be needed for basic minimum sewing skills to assemble the skirt.
• Tape measure (optional): A tape measure can be helpful for taking measurements and ensuring an accurate fit, but it is not necessary.

In addition to the materials, you will also need to know some basic crochet skills, such as chain stitch, single and double crochet stitches, slip stitch, and basic increases. You should also be able to read a pattern in US terminology.

With these materials and skills, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and unique crochet skater skirt!

Basic sewing skills

To make a crochet skater skirt, you will need some basic sewing skills. The good news is that a skirt is one of the easiest clothing items to make! Here are the steps you can follow:

Measurements

First, you will need to take some measurements. For a simple straight skirt, you will need to measure your waist, hips, the distance between your waist and hips (hip depth), and the overall length of the skirt. You can add or remove a couple of inches for ease of movement, depending on the fabric you are using and the fit you want to achieve.

Cut the Fabric

Next, you will need to cut your fabric. The amount of fabric you need will depend on the size and style of the skirt. For a simple gathered skirt, you will need a rectangular piece of fabric that is about twice the circumference of your waist. If you want a less full skirt, you can multiply your waist measurement by 1.5 instead of 2. For the length, measure from your waist down to where you want the skirt to end and add a couple of inches for the waistband and hem.

Sew the Sides

Once you have your fabric cut to size, you will need to sew the sides together. Place the fabric with right sides together and sew down the side seam using a sewing machine or by hand. If you have a serger, you can serge the seam to finish it off. If not, you can use a zigzag stitch or simply leave the seam edges raw.

Create the Waistband

Now it's time to create the waistband. Fold over the top edge of the skirt by about 1/4 inch and iron it down. Then fold it over again by about 1 inch and iron again. This will create a casing for the elastic waistband. Sew along the bottom edge of the waistband, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic.

Insert the Elastic

Cut a piece of elastic that is about 1 inch shorter than your waist measurement. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to guide the elastic through the waistband casing. Once the elastic is all the way through, overlap the ends by about an inch and sew them together securely. Close the opening in the waistband with a few hand stitches.

Hem the Skirt

Finally, hem the bottom edge of the skirt by folding it under by about 1/4 inch and ironing it in place. Then sew the hem with a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch. And that's it! You have a simple skirt!

Variations

You can also create a double-layered skirt by cutting two layers of fabric, one slightly shorter than the other. Sew the layers together at the top, creating a casing for the elastic waistband. Or, you can create a separate waistband by cutting a rectangular piece of fabric and sewing it to the top of the skirt. For a more polished look, you can add a zipper or buttons to the back or side seam. You can also add pockets, ruffles, or other embellishments to make your skirt unique!

Beginner crochet skills

Making a crochet skater skirt is a fun project for beginners. You can use any yarn you like, but keep in mind how the gauge and drape will change with different fibres and thicknesses. For a cheaper option, you could use acrylic yarn, which also has the added benefit of being machine washable.

To start, you'll need to make a chain that fits around your waist with enough room to stretch over your hips. You can use a 6mm hook to do this, but the yarn gauge calls for a 5.5mm hook. It's helpful to start with a multiple of 10 chains to make your increases easier to keep track of. Slip stitch to the first chain to create a circle, and then work in the round.

For the waistband, you'll need to use single crochet stitches. After 12 rounds, switch to extended single crochets (ESC) to create a thinner, stretchier fabric. The ESC stitch is: insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over (yo) and pull up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop on the hook, yo and draw through the remaining 2 loops on the hook.

Work 3 rows of ESC, and then start your increases. If you started with 90 stitches, add 10 stitches evenly distributed throughout the first increase round, by working 2 ESC into every 9th stitch. This will give you 100 stitches at the end of the round. Work 2 more rounds of 100 stitches to keep the increases gradual.

Repeat this process, adding 10 more stitches to the next increase round, and then work 2 more rows. Keep doing this until you reach your desired length. For a nice A-line shape, adding 10 stitches every 3 rounds works well.

Finally, add a hem detail in your accent colour of choice. You can add any edging you like, or simply add 3-6 rounds with increases for a colour-blocking effect.

How to make a crochet skater skirt for all sizes

Making a crochet skater skirt is a fun and rewarding project for all skill levels. The process is relatively simple and can be easily adapted to create a unique garment that reflects your personal style. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a crochet skater skirt in any size:

Materials and Skills Required:

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials and ensure you have the required skills to complete the project. For this project, you will need:

• A 4mm (US G) crochet hook
• Cotton yarn sport weight (5 ply / 12wpi) – you can use any colour or type of yarn you prefer, keeping in mind how the gauge and drape will change with different fibres and thicknesses.
• Wide elastic – the width of the elastic can vary depending on the size of the skirt. For a toddler or smaller child, use 2-3cm, and for an adult, use 4cm or wider.
• Sewing needle and thread
• Tape measure (optional)

In terms of skills, you should have a basic understanding of sewing and be able to read patterns in US terminology. For crochet, you should know how to do the following stitches: chain stitch, single and double crochet stitches, slip stitch, and basic increases.

Creating the Waistband:

To start your skirt, you will first need to create a chain that is long enough to fit around your waist with some room to stretch over your hips. The number of chains you need will depend on your size. For example, an adult waist may require 90 chains using a 6mm hook. It is recommended to start with a multiple of 10 chains to make your increases easier to manage. Once you have the desired length, slip stitch to the first chain to create a circle, as you will be working in rounds.

For the waistband, work approximately 10-12 rows of single crochet stitches. This will create a sturdy base for your skirt.

Stitching the Skirt:

After completing the waistband, switch to a different stitch to create a thinner, more stretchy fabric for the body of the skirt. One option is to use extended single crochets (ESC). Work 2-3 rows of your chosen stitch.

Increasing Stitches:

To shape the skirt and create a flared effect, you will now begin increasing stitches. The number of stitches you increase and the frequency of your increases will depend on the size and desired shape of your skirt. For a gradual A-line shape, add a certain number of stitches evenly distributed throughout the round, then work a few additional rounds without increases to maintain that width. Repeat this process as needed until you reach your desired length.

For example, if you started with 90 stitches, you might add 10 stitches in your first increase round, working 2 ESC into every 9th stitch. This will give you 100 stitches. Work 2-3 more rounds without increases to create a gradual flare. Repeat this process, adding 10 stitches every 10 rounds, for example, until you reach your desired length.

Adding the Hem:

Once you have reached the desired length, finish off the skirt with a hem detail. You can get creative with the hem and use any edging pattern you like. Consider using an accent colour or adding an extra few rounds with increases for a colour-blocking effect.

And there you have it! A beautiful, handmade crochet skater skirt tailored to your size and style. Feel free to experiment with different yarns, stitches, and techniques to make the project your own.

Free-form crochet

Freeform crochet is a form of self-expression through fibre art, often likened to "painting with yarn". It involves using a crochet hook (or even your fingers) to create images, functional items, wearable items, and art pieces of your own design. There are no rules, and you are free to use any yarn, stitch, or technique that appeals to you and work them in any direction without a pattern or rules.

• Learn the basics: Familiarise yourself with the basic crochet stitches such as slip stitch, single, half double, double, treble, and beyond. Understand how to increase and decrease stitches to manipulate the shape of your piece.
• Find inspiration: Look for freeform crochet inspiration online or on social media platforms such as Instagram. A few sources for inspiration include Freeform Crochet on About.com and Freeform Crochet World on Facebook.
• Take a class: If you feel intimidated by the open-ended nature of freeform crochet, consider taking a class or following a tutorial to guide you through the process.
• Choose your yarn: Select a variety of yarns in different colours, thicknesses, and fibres to create texture and dimension in your freeform crochet piece. You can also incorporate alternative materials such as wire, fabric, plastic, or cord.
• Plan your display: Decide how you want to display your freeform crochet artwork before you start. Options include attaching it to a hoop, framing it, or sewing it onto a tote bag or pillow.
• Let go of expectations: Freeform crochet is more about the process than the final product. Embrace the freedom of expressing yourself and let go of any expectations or rules.

Now, let's apply these principles to creating a freeform crochet skater skirt. Here are some steps to get you started:

• Choose your yarn: As mentioned, select a variety of yarns in different colours and thicknesses to create interest and texture in your skirt. You can also incorporate other materials such as fabric or raffia for a unique touch.
• Start with a chain: Begin by creating a chain that fits around your waist with enough room to stretch over your hips. You can use any yarn and hook size you like, but keep in mind how the gauge and drape will change with different fibres and thicknesses.
• Create the waistband: Work in rounds using single crochet stitches to create a waistband that is stretchy and comfortable. You can decide how many rows you want for the waistband, depending on your desired width.
• Experiment with stitches: Freeform crochet is all about exploring different stitches and techniques. Try extended single crochets (ESC) or other textured stitches like bobbles, popcorns, puffs, or shells to create an interesting fabric.
• Increase stitches: To create the A-line shape of the skater skirt, you will need to increase stitches gradually. Add stitches evenly distributed throughout each round to create a gentle flare. Work a few rows with the same number of stitches to maintain the shape.
• Play with stitch height: Incorporate taller stitches like double crochet or treble to create thicker lines, and shorter stitches for thinner lines. Combine stitch heights to create a wavy effect.
• Add an edge: Finish the skirt with an edge of your choice. You can do a simple scalloped edge or experiment with more complex stitch patterns.
• Join pieces: If you want to create separate motifs or scrumbles (smaller patches of crochet that are joined together), you can join them as you go using a join-as-you-go technique like the PLT Join.
• Display your creation: Decide how you want to display your skirt. You can attach it to a hoop, frame it, or simply wear it and showcase your unique creation!

Remember, freeform crochet is all about creativity and self-expression. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and let your imagination flow. Happy crocheting!

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