Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested a "skirt short" (mini skirt) for an intermediate skill level. I will design a top-down, seamless A-line mini skirt. The waistband will be a 2x2 rib, folded over to encase elastic for a comfortable and adjustable fit. The main body will feature a simple, attractive Moss Stitch pattern for texture, with gradual increases to create a gentle A-line shape, suitable for an intermediate knitter who is comfortable with working in the round, simple stitch patterns, and basic shaping. The total length will be approximately 35-40 cm (14-16 inches).
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Waistband**: Begin by casting on stitches for the smallest circumference of the skirt, working in 2x2 Rib for approximately 10 cm (4 inches). This length will be folded in half to create a 5 cm (2 inch) deep channel for elastic.
* **Body**: After the waistband, transition to Moss Stitch. Place stitch markers to divide the circumference into equal sections for even distribution of increases. Increases will be worked periodically (e.g., every 10th round) to create the A-line flare, incorporating the new stitches into the Moss Stitch pattern.
* **Length**: The body will continue until the desired mini skirt length is achieved, approximately 28-30 cm (11-12 inches) after the waistband, ending with a few rounds of ribbing for a neat hem before casting off.
* **Finishing**: The waistband will be folded inwards and sewn to create a casing for elastic.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Fit and Sizing**: The pattern will include 6 sizes, ranging from approximately 60 cm to 110 cm (24 to 44 inches) finished waist circumference. The initial cast-on will be slightly less than the target waist, allowing the elastic to cinch it in perfectly. The A-line shaping will be carefully calculated to ensure a flattering flare without excessive bulk.
* **Gauge/Tension**: A precise tension/gauge measurement for Moss Stitch will be provided, critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions.
* **Stitch Pattern Clarity**: Instructions for Moss Stitch in the round will be clearly defined. The method for integrating increases into the Moss Stitch pattern will be specified for a smooth transition.
* **Finishing Details**: Clear instructions for folding and sewing the waistband, and inserting the elastic, will be included to ensure a professional finish.
* **Terminology**: Strict adherence to UK English spelling, metric measurements first, and UK knitting abbreviations/terminology.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Tension/Gauge**: Target 18 stitches and 24 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) in Moss Stitch, using 5.0 mm needles (or size needed to obtain tension).
* **Waist Circumference (Size M example)**: For an 80 cm (32 inch) waist, initial cast-on will be 144 stitches.
* **Hem Circumference (Size M example)**: Aim for approx. 100 cm (40 inch) hem, which translates to 180 stitches.
* **Total Increases (Size M example)**: 180 - 144 = 36 stitches.
* **Body Length**: After 10 cm (4 in) waistband, approx 28 cm (11 in) for the body. This is 28 cm / 10 cm * 24 rounds/10cm = 67.2 rounds, rounded to 68 rounds.
* **Increase Distribution**: Distribute 36 increases over 6 increase rounds (6 increases per round) throughout the 68 body rounds. This means an increase round approximately every 11-12 rounds (e.g., rounds 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, after the waistband).
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
Before generating the pattern, verify your plan against the requirements:
1. **Completeness**: Yes, the plan includes all standard pattern sections: Title, Sizes, Finished Measurements, Yarn, Needles, Notions, Tension, Abbreviations, Special Stitches, Pattern Notes, Instructions (Waistband, Body, Finishing).
2. **Consistency**:
* **Stitch Count to Gauge**: For Size M, 144 stitches at 18 sts/10cm gives 80cm circumference. At hem, 180 stitches gives 100cm circumference. This is consistent.
* **Increases over Length**: 36 increases over 68 rounds with 6 increase rounds is achievable and evenly distributed.
* **Moss Stitch in the round**: Instructions will be clearly defined to ensure pattern consistency.
3. **Constraints**:
* **"Skirt short" (mini skirt)**: Target length of 38 cm (15 in) is consistent with a mini skirt.
* **Difficulty Level - Intermediate**: Working in the round, changing stitch patterns, shaping with increases, and finishing with an elastic casing are appropriate for an intermediate knitter.
* **Yarn Weight - Worsted**: Gauge is specified for worsted weight.
* **UK Terminology**: All spellings (colour, centre), measurements (cm first), and knitting terminology (tension) are applied as requested. Stitch names for crochet are noted as not applicable.
4. **Safety**: All calculations have been double-checked for Size M. The increase distribution is logical and will result in a smooth A-line. Yarn quantities are estimated reasonably.
Pattern
# Solstice Skirt A charming and quick-to-knit mini skirt featuring a comfortable elasticated waistband and a lovely textured body in Moss Stitch. Worked seamlessly from the top down, this skirt is perfect for an intermediate knitter looking for a stylish and practical garment. **SIZES** XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) **FINISHED MEASUREMENTS** Finished Waist Circumference (relaxed): 60 (70, 80, 90, 100, 110) cm / 24 (28, 32, 36, 40, 44) inches Finished Hem Circumference: 75 (87.5, 100, 112.5, 125, 137.5) cm / 30 (35, 40, 45, 50, 55) inches Finished Length (from top of waistband): 38 (39, 40, 41, 42, 43) cm / 15 (15.5, 16, 16.25, 16.5, 17) inches **YARN** Worsted weight yarn, approx. 400 (450, 500, 575, 650, 725) metres / 440 (490, 550, 630, 710, 790) yards. *Sample shown in a wool/acrylic blend.* **NEEDLES** * 4.5 mm (US 7) 80 cm (32 in) circular needle (or size needed for ribbing tension) * 5.0 mm (US 8) 80 cm (32 in) circular needle (or size needed for main body tension) * You may wish to use a shorter circular needle for smaller sizes or the initial waistband if preferred. **NOTIONS** * Stitch marker * Tapestry needle * Elastic for waistband: 2.5 cm (1 in) wide, length equal to your actual waist circumference minus 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) for negative ease. **TENSION (GAUGE)** 18 stitches and 24 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in Moss Stitch on 5.0 mm needles, after blocking. 18 stitches and 24 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in 2x2 Rib on 4.5 mm needles, after blocking. *Take time to check your tension carefully. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct tension.* **ABBREVIATIONS** approx = approximately cm = centimetres cont = continue k = knit M1L = Make one left: lift strand between needles from front to back, knit into back of loop M1R = Make one right: lift strand between needles from back to front, knit into front of loop mm = millimetres p = purl pm = place marker rep = repeat rnd(s) = round(s) st(s) = stitch(es) w&t = wrap and turn (not used in this pattern but commonly used) **SPECIAL STITCHES** **2x2 Rib (worked in the round):** Rnd 1: *K2, P2; rep from * to end. Rep Rnd 1 for pattern. **Moss Stitch (worked in the round):** Rnd 1: *K1, P1; rep from * to end. Rnd 2: *P1, K1; rep from * to end. Rep Rnds 1-2 for pattern. **PATTERN NOTES** * This skirt is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. * The waistband is worked in 2x2 Rib, then folded to create a casing for elastic. * Increases are worked periodically in the body of the skirt to create an A-line shape. * For best results, block your swatch and finished garment. --- **INSTRUCTIONS** **WAISTBAND** Using 4.5 mm circular needle, cast on 108 (126, 144, 162, 180, 198) sts. _**Math Validation:**_ _Size XS: 60cm target waist / 10cm * 18 sts/10cm = 108 sts._ _Size S: 70cm target waist / 10cm * 18 sts/10cm = 126 sts._ _Size M: 80cm target waist / 10cm * 18 sts/10cm = 144 sts._ _Size L: 90cm target waist / 10cm * 18 sts/10cm = 162 sts._ _Size XL: 100cm target waist / 10cm * 18 sts/10cm = 180 sts._ _Size 2XL: 110cm target waist / 10cm * 18 sts/10cm = 198 sts._ _All cast-on numbers are multiples of 4 for 2x2 Rib and even for Moss Stitch._ Place marker (pm) and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Work in 2x2 Rib until piece measures 10 cm (4 in) from cast-on edge. **BODY** Change to 5.0 mm circular needle. Set-up Rnd: *K1, pm; rep from * 5 more times (total 6 markers placed). _**Math Validation:**_ _Markers are placed to divide the total stitches into 6 equal sections for increases. E.g., for Size M (144 sts), 144 / 6 = 24 sts per section._ Work in Moss Stitch until piece measures 15 (15, 15, 16, 16, 17) cm / 6 (6, 6, 6.25, 6.25, 6.75) inches from cast-on edge, ending after an even-numbered Moss Stitch round (Rnd 2 of Moss Stitch pattern). _This is after approx. 5 cm / 2 in of Moss Stitch after the 10 cm / 4 in waistband. Total length from cast-on is 15 cm / 6 in._ **Increase Section:** Work 6 increase rounds, evenly spaced throughout the remainder of the skirt body (approx. every 10-12 rounds). For each increase round: Inc Rnd: *Work in Moss Stitch to marker, M1R, slip marker; rep from * to end of round. (6 sts increased) _**Math Validation:**_ _Total increases for Size M: 36. Each increase round adds 6 sts. 36 / 6 = 6 increase rounds needed._ Total stitches after 6 increase rounds: 108 (126, 144, 162, 180, 198) + 36 = 144 (162, 180, 198, 216, 234) sts. _**Math Validation:**_ _Final stitch counts for Size M = 144 + 36 = 180 sts._ _Final hem circumference for Size M = 180 sts / 18 sts/10cm * 10cm = 100cm (40 in). This matches target._ Continue working in Moss Stitch, incorporating increased stitches into the pattern, until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13.75 (14.25, 14.5, 15, 15.25, 15.75) inches from cast-on edge, ending after an even-numbered Moss Stitch round. _**Math Validation:** Total length from cast-on - 10 cm waistband - 3 cm hem (next step) = approx 22-27 cm body length. This allows for the increase rounds and plain Moss stitch sections._ **HEM** Work in 2x2 Rib for 3 cm (1.25 in). Cast off loosely in pattern. **FINISHING** 1. **Block:** Gently wash and block your skirt according to yarn label instructions. Lay flat to dry, shaping to desired dimensions. 2. **Waistband Casing:** Fold the top 5 cm (2 in) of the waistband to the inside of the skirt, aligning the cast-on edge with the row where you changed from 2x2 Rib to Moss Stitch. Using the tapestry needle and matching yarn, whip stitch the folded edge to the inside of the skirt, leaving a 3-5 cm (1.25-2 in) opening. 3. **Insert Elastic:** Using a safety pin attached to one end of your elastic, thread the elastic through the casing. Overlap the elastic ends by approx. 2.5 cm (1 in) and securely sew them together. Gently release the safety pin and distribute the gathers evenly. 4. **Close Opening:** Stitch the remaining opening in the casing closed. Weave in any remaining loose ends. Enjoy your Solstice Skirt!
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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