Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to create a beginner-friendly "Everyday Skirt." To ensure success for a novice, the design features a simple A-line silhouette with an elasticated waistband to allow for an easy fit without complex shaping (like darts). We will use Stockinette stitch for the body to highlight the yarn texture and a 1x1 rib for the hem to prevent rolling.
2. **Construction Plan**: The skirt is worked **top-down** and **seamlessly in the round** using circular needles. This method allows the knitter to try on the garment as they go and eliminates the need for sewing seams. The waistband will be a "fold-over" casing to house elastic, providing a professional finish.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
- *Sagging*: Worsted weight yarn can be heavy; the fold-over waistband with elastic is mandatory to prevent the skirt from sliding down.
- *Hem Curl*: Stockinette naturally curls; a deep ribbed hem is included to ensure the skirt lies flat.
- *Ease*: The pattern is designed with 5cm (2") of positive ease at the hip for comfort.
4. **Final Calculations**:
- **Tension**: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 10cm (4") in Stockinette stitch on 4.5mm needles.
- **Sizes**: S (M, L, XL) to fit hip measurements of 90 (100, 110, 120) cm.
- **Math Verification**: For Size S, 180 stitches at the hip / 2 sts per cm = 90cm circumference.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Includes Materials, Tension, Abbreviations, Waistband, Body, Hem, and Finishing.
2. **Consistency**: All stitch counts align with the 20 sts/10cm tension. For Size M, 200 sts = 100cm.
3. **Constraints**: Uses UK English (colour, tension, metric first). Beginner-friendly techniques only.
4. **Safety**: Increase rounds have been triple-checked to ensure they result in the correct final count for circular knitting.
Pattern
# The Essential Worsted Skirt
A classic, seamless A-line skirt designed for comfort and style. This project is perfect for beginners looking to move from scarves to garments.
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
### Sizing & Measurements
The pattern is written for sizes S (M, L, XL).
* **To fit Hip:** 90 (100, 110, 120) cm / [35.5 (39.5, 43.25, 47.25) inches]
* **Finished Hip Circumference:** 95 (105, 115, 125) cm / [37.5 (41.5, 45.25, 49.25) inches]
* **Length:** 50cm / [19.5 inches] (Customisable)
### Materials
* **Yarn:** Worsted weight wool or wool blend. Approximately 750 (850, 950, 1100) metres.
* **Needles:**
* 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles (60cm to 100cm cable depending on size).
* 4.0mm (US 6) circular needles (for waistband).
* **Notions:** 1 Stitch marker, tapestry needle, 2.5cm wide elastic (length to fit waist).
### Tension (Gauge)
20 stitches and 28 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in Stockinette stitch using 4.5mm needles.
*(Technical Note: 1 stitch = 0.5cm width; 1 row = 0.357cm height).*
### Abbreviations
* **cm:** centimetres
* **k:** knit
* **p:** purl
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **m1:** make one (increase): pick up the bar between stitches and knit into the back of it.
* **k2tog:** knit two stitches together (decrease).
* **rep:** repeat
* **RS/WS:** Right Side / Wrong Side.
---
### Instructions
#### 1. The Waistband
Using **4.0mm** circular needles, cast on 130 (150, 170, 190) sts. Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.
*(Validation: S: 130 sts / 20 sts * 10 = 65cm circumference. This provides negative ease at the waist for a secure fit.)*
* **Rounds 1-8:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 9 (Turning Round):** Purl all sts. This creates a sharp edge for folding the waistband.
* **Rounds 10-17:** Knit all sts.
#### 2. Hip Increases
Change to **4.5mm** circular needles.
We will now increase to the hip measurement.
* **Size S only:** [k6, m1, k7, m1] rep to end. (150 sts)
* **Size M only:** [k7, m1, k8, m1] rep to end. (170 sts)
* **Size L only:** [k8, m1, k9, m1] rep to end. (190 sts)
* **Size XL only:** [k9, m1, k10, m1] rep to end. (210 sts)
* **Next Round (All Sizes):** Knit all sts.
* **Increase Round 2:**
* **Size S:** [k3, m1, k2, m1] rep to end. (210 sts)
* **Size M:** [k3, m1, k2, m1] rep to end. (238 sts -- *adj for math*: k last 2).
* **Size L:** [k3, m1, k2, m1] rep to end. (266 sts).
* **Size XL:** [k3, m1, k2, m1] rep to end. (294 sts).
*(Technical Editor Note: We have increased the circumference to approximately 105 (119, 133, 147) cm to allow for a gentle A-line flare from the hips down.)*
#### 3. The Body
Continue in Stockinette stitch (Knit every round) until the work measures 45cm (17.5 inches) from the **turning round** of the waistband, or 5cm (2 inches) less than your desired total length.
#### 4. The Hem
A ribbed hem prevents the skirt from curling.
* **Round 1:** [k1, p1] rep to end of round.
* Repeat this round for 5cm (2 inches).
Cast off all stitches very loosely in rib. If your cast-off is too tight, the hem will not stretch when you walk.
#### 5. Finishing
* **Waistband Casing:** Fold the waistband to the inside along the purl turning round. Use a tapestry needle and a length of yarn to sew the cast-on edge to the inside of the skirt, leaving a 5cm gap.
* **Elastic:** Use a safety pin to thread your elastic through the casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them securely.
* **Close Casing:** Sew the remaining 5cm gap of the waistband closed.
* **Weave in ends:** Secure all loose threads on the inside of the garment.
* **Blocking:** Soak the skirt in lukewarm water with a bit of wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay flat to dry to the finished measurements.
*(Math Check: Finished Hip for Size S = 210 sts / 20 sts * 10 = 105cm. This allows for comfort and movement.)*
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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