Free Knitting Pattern for the “City Strut” Skirt, a stylish and flattering A-line skirt with short-row shaping
This chic skirt is perfect for showcasing your legs and adding a touch of sophisticated style to your wardrobe. It’s inspired by the fashionable looks seen on style icons and is surprisingly straightforward to knit. The skirt is worked in one piece lengthwise, incorporating simple two-row stripes and clever short-row sections that create a flattering A-line silhouette and gentle fullness without the need for traditional increases or decreases. The lower border is worked in a textured moss stitch, adding a refined detail.
This pattern is rated as intermediate in skill level. While the basic stitch is stockinette, the short-row shaping requires careful attention to the chart and the wrap-and-turn technique. Some experience with reading charts and basic garment construction is recommended. You’ll need Rowan Cotton Glace (or a similar 100% cotton yarn with a comparable gauge) in three colors: a main color for the moss stitch border, and two contrasting colors for the striped body. You will use 3.5mm knitting needles. This creates a skirt that is designed for size 8-10.
Skill Level: Intermediate. (Short-row shaping, reading charts, basic garment construction.)
Finished Measurements:
- Waist Measurement: 75cm (29.5in)
- Length: 52 cm (20.5)
Materials Used:
- Rowan Cotton Glace (100% cotton, 115m per 50g ball)
- 3 x 50g balls in 818 Hot Lips (A)
- 5 x 50g balls in 815 Excite (B)
- Jaeger Sienna 4 ply Cotton (100% cotton, 140m per 50g ball)
- 3 x balls in 418 Black (C)
- One pair of 3.5mm knitting needles
Notions
Elastic for Waistband.
Pattern Considerations:
- Gauge: Achieving the correct gauge (23 sts and 32 rows to 10 cm in stockinette stitch) is crucial for ensuring the finished skirt fits as intended. Always knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project and adjust your needle size if necessary.
- Short Rows: The short-row shaping is the key to this skirt’s design. Pay close attention to the chart and instructions, and make sure you understand the wrap-and-turn technique before you begin. Practice on a small swatch if you’re unfamiliar with short rows.
- Yarn Substitution: While Rowan Cotton Glace is recommended, you can substitute with any similar 4ply cotton yarn that achieves the correct gauge. Be sure to check the yardage of your chosen yarn and adjust the number of balls accordingly.
- Size Adjustments: The pattern is written for a size 8-10. It’s will need adjusted by the number of short row and color changes, to adjust.
- Seaming: The skirt is seamed lengthwise. Use a neat and invisible seaming method, such as mattress stitch, for a professional finish.
- Elastic: Choose the elasic based on the wearers prefernce.
