Knitting patterns aren’t just for winter. You don’t have to keep working on socks, scarves or sweaters that only leave your wardrobe once a year – there are tons of fun, modern projects out there that you can get stuck into in spring, summer, and fall, too.
If you’re looking for something fun to knit for all seasons, a knitted skirt is the way to go. They’re simple to knit, highly versatile, and super easy to style with almost any outfit.
Finding the right knitting pattern for a skirt can be tricky though. There are so many different styles of skirt that it can be hard to choose, and they’re not as popular with knitwear designers as full dress knitting patterns. Even if you find a skirt you like, it often turns out to be crocheted instead.
To help you solve this problem, we’ve put together this list of the best skirt knitting patterns made by knitwear designers all over the world. You’ll find both contemporary and vintage skirt patterns in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and difficulty levels.
The patterns in this list will teach you how to knit multiple styles of knitted skirt. You’ll find patterns in the classic A-line shape, modern pencil skirts, shorter mini skirts for summer, and even pleated tennis skirts, too.
We’ve also included a diverse selection of lengths, knitting techniques, and yarn types. One thing unifies all of these patterns, though – they all look absolutely fantastic, and you’ll want to start knitting straight away.
To get started knitting any of the skirts in this list, you’ll need to be comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches, some intermediate techniques including working with an i-cord, and some simple increasing and decreasing. In one or two cases, you may need to be familiar with very basic crochet techniques, too.
12 Ladies’ Skirt Knitting Patterns (Modern & Vintage Styles)
In the following list, you’ll find a diverse selection of knitted skirt patterns to choose from. Most of the designs in this list use DK or worsted weight yarn and mid-sized circular needles, along with an elasticated band for the waist.
The elasticated waistband makes all of these patterns size inclusive, but you’ll find instructions for multiple sizes and measurements in the patterns, too. Simply measure your waist and the desired length of the skirt and follow the instructions.
1. “Walk the Line” Pencil Skirt Pattern

Price | $7.35/£6.14 |
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Techniques Required | Long-tail Cast On Whip Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Pima Cotton – We Are Knitters |
Designer’s Website | “Walk the Line” Skirt – KnitwearByJoan on Etsy |
The “Walk the Line Skirt” is a high-waisted pencil skirt knitting pattern that’s best suited to ambitious beginner knitters. It features a classic straight silhouette and some subtle detailing along the hem, producing a gorgeously feminine skirt that’s suitable for any occasion.
You’ll find details for 18 waist sizes in the pattern instructions, along with details for customizing the skirt’s fit and shape to your hips. It’s worked up in DK weight yarn in the example above, but you can use any weight or fiber that meets the pattern’s knitting gauge.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | DK Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 625m-1475m |
2. The “Monarch” Skirt

Price | $8.00/£6.69 |
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Techniques Required | German Short Rows Seed Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | The “Monarch” Skirt – RobinsHandmadeHygge on Etsy |
This pattern is knitted in the round from the top down to create a beautifully modern ruffle skirt that’s highly-customizable.
The pattern includes instructions for 10 waist sizes and measurement options, along with three increasing options to help you knit the body of the skirt in whichever shape you’d like. You can also choose to knit the waistband using an i-cord or an elasticated band, depending on your preference.
You’ll need to be familiar with german short rows for the back of the skirt, and seed stitch for the ruffle along the bottom edge.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | DK Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 400m-1000m |
3. “004” Skirt

Price | $4.79/£4.00 |
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Techniques Required | Rib Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Alpaca Soft DK – Rowan |
Designer’s Website | “004” Skirt – Rowan |
Designed by Quail Studio, this sophisticated knitted skirt pattern uses rib stitch to create soft vertical lines and a delicately stretchy material. Suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters, It’s worked up using a single shade of DK yarn in a blend of merino and alpaca wool.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 50g = 125m |
Yarn Quantity | 11 Balls |
4. “Magda” Summer Skirt Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.87/£4.91 |
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Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | Cuddle Me Cotton – Hip Knit Shop |
Designer’s Website | “Magda” Skirt – HipKnitShop |
Available in both a short and long version, “Magda” from Hip Knit Shop is the perfect skirt knitting pattern for summer. Worked up in a breathable cotton yarn, it’s knitted from the top down with 4mm circular needles and an elasticated waistband.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles (80cm or 100cm Cable) |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 132m |
Yarn Quantity | 7-11 Balls |
5. “Beverly” Knitted Skirt & Top Set

Price | $7.00/£5.85 |
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Techniques Required | Cable Ribbing Stockinette Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Snuggly Soothing DK – Sirdar |
Designer’s Website | “Beverly” Knitted Skirt & Top – GorillaKnits |
This is a fun and flirty set of two coordinated knitting patterns: one for a high-waisted mini skirt, and another for a crop top. In just one pattern, you can get the instructions for an entire handmade outfit that’s perfect for spring and summer.
The skirt pattern is worked in the round from top to bottom using faux cable ribbing and stockinette stitch. As with all of the patterns in this list, you can customize its length to suit your preference, too.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
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Yarn Weight | DK Weight |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
6. “Nordic” Maxi Skirt

Price | $5.87/£4.91 |
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Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | Petunia – Rauma |
Designer’s Website | “Nordic” Maxi Skirt – Witre Design |
Scandinavian knitting patterns aren’t often disappointing, and this one is no exception. The “Nordic” skirt is a long, narrow pencil skirt knitting pattern that reaches down to the middle of the leg, though the length can be easily adjusted.
It’s knitted with two strands of yarn on large needles, which gives it an airy, breathable texture that’ll keep you cool in warmer temperatures. With a high-cut elasticated waist that’s fixed with a drawstring, you’ll be able to knit this skirt to fit you perfectly.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles US Size 10.5/7mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 110m |
Yarn Quantity | 500g-800g |
7. Vintage Mini Skirt Knitting Pattern

Price | $1.68/£1.40 |
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Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Vintage Mini Skirt – GrandmaHadItGoinOn on Etsy |
This is another matching set that will give you two vintage knitting patterns for the price of one: a crop top and a mini skirt. Featuring a beautiful symmetrical diamond design, this skirt is the epitome of 1960s-chic.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 3/3.25mm Circular Needles US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | N/A – See Pattern |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
8. Crew Skirt Knitting Pattern

Price | $7.70/£6.44 |
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Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | KAOS Yarn Soft Merino (Yarn A) KAOS Brushed Alpaca (Yarn B) |
Designer’s Website | Crew Skirt Knitting Pattern – Spektakelstrik |
Another knitting pattern for a pencil skirt, this subtle design by SpektakelStrik is an excellent way to add a pop of color to any outfit. Designed with a slit on the back and an elasticated waist for comfort, it’s a perfect example of practical, fashion-friendly knitwear.
The pattern is knit from the top down, and includes instructions for 6 sizes between 63cm and 93cm around the waist, and 62cm to 68cm in length.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (60cm Cable) US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles (60cm Cable) |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 225m (Yarn A) 25g = 225m (Yarn B) |
Yarn Quantity | 200g-400g (Yarn A) 50g-100g (Yarn B) |
9. Augustins “No. 23” Skirt

Price | $4.89/£4.09 |
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Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Increasing |
Suggested Yarn | New Zealand Lammeuld – G-uld (Yarn A) Silk Mohair – G-uld (Yarn B) |
Designer’s Website | Augustins “No. 23” Skirt – Augustins |
Augustins’ knitting patterns are known for their subtle femininity and timeless simplicity, and this knitted skirt pattern is definitely no exception. The “No. 23” skirt is a classic midi skirt with a simplistic silhouette that drapes perfectly. It’s worked on circular needles in stockinette stitch, starting from the hem around the waist and then moving downwards in a series of increasing rounds.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles (60cm or 80cm Cables) |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 225m (Yarn A) 50g = 420m (Yarn B) |
Yarn Quantity | 300g-550g (Yarn A) 300g-550g (Yarn B) |
10. “Mood Swing” Skirt Pattern

Price | $5.48/£4.58 |
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Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Increasing and Decreasing |
Suggested Yarn | Alpaca Royal – Alize |
Designer’s Website | “Mood Swing” Skirt – TheMagicLooop on Etsy |
This easy knitted skirt pattern is best suited to beginners looking to try something different. Simply measure your waist and follow the pattern’s instructions to create this high-rise skirt with basic decoration around the hem.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles (80cm Cable) |
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Yarn Weight | DK (11wpi) |
Yarn Quantity | 680m |
11. Vintage Top & Tennis Skirt Knitting Pattern

Price | $1.90/£1.59 |
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Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Vintage Top & Tennis Skirt Set – PatternGrove on Etsy |
Another two-piece skirt and top set, this is the final vintage skirt pattern in this list. It contains instructions for a classic knitted tennis skirt with 1970s-style flower cutouts, along with a wide-strapped tank top. Knitted with up to 1000m of fingering weight yarn and two pairs of circular needles, it’s a gorgeous vintage set that’s hard to come by anywhere else.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 3/3.25mm Circular Needles US Size 5/3.75mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 822m-1005m |
12. The “Lime Skirt”

Price | $5.20/£4.35 |
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Techniques Required | Crochet Stockinette Stitch Net Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Esterel Coton 3 – Pinguoin |
Designer’s Website | The “Lime Skirt” – Le Pull on Ravelry |
Finally, the “Lime Skirt” knitting pattern is a unique, modern take on the classic maxi skirt. Created from top to bottom with up to 350g of DK weight yarn, it features an airy, netted style that’s quick to finish and works perfectly over a bikini or swimsuit.
It’s started with a basic provisional cast-on and then worked up in stockinette and net stitch, which you can continue until the skirt reaches your desired length.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 105m |
Yarn Quantity | 200g-350g |
How Do You Knit a Skirt?
The exact techniques you’ll need to create a knitted skirt will depend on the specific pattern you’re following and the style of skirt you’re creating. For example, a classic pencil skirt may only require basic stockinette stitches, while a tennis skirt may involve more complicated pleating or ribbing.
In general, most basic skirt knitting patterns are knitted in the round on circular needles. They tend to be worked from the top down, starting at the hem around the waist and then continuing downwards.
The majority of patterns will use a series of increases to shape the skirt’s body as it progresses from the waist, and a broad hem to finish the bottom. Finally, an elastic band will be inserted or an i-cord used to secure the waistline.
It is also technically possible to knit a skirt using straight needles. To do this, you’ll need to create two separate panels and then seam them together.
Skirt patterns aren’t just more exciting than more traditional alternatives like knitted mitten patterns, they’re easy to knit, too. You’ll need measurements of your waist, hips, and desired length – then simply follow the knitting pattern’s corresponding instructions.
If you don’t feel like taking measurements or you’re knitting the skirt as a gift, you’ll find instructions for standard sizes included in the pattern, too.
What Materials Do You Need?
Along with knowledge of fundamental knitting techniques, you’ll need the same basic materials for most knitted skirts. This usually includes up to 500g (approximately 10 balls) of DK weight yarn, a pair of circular knitting needles, a tapestry needle, and an elastic waistband.
The type of yarn you use will obviously depend on the style of skirt you’re creating. For example: a knitting pattern for a pencil skirt will typically use fine merino wool, while a short summer skirt may use a cooler, more breathable cotton yarn.
Which Types of Skirt Can You Knit?
Knitted skirt patterns can come in dozens of different shapes, sizes, and styles. That said, it can be easier to find crocheted skirt patterns, as crochet creates a sturdier fabric than knitting.
You can knit any kind of skirt, but some types are more common than others. Here’s a list of the most common types of skirt pattern:
- A-line skirt: A-line skirts sit just above your hips and flare out towards the bottom hem, creating a shape similar to the letter ‘A’. This is a common silhouette with a wide variety of subtypes, all of which have a waist-narrowing effect.
- Pencil skirt: Pencil skirts are usually long, narrow skirts with a very tight fit. They typically start on or above the waist and sit at or below the knees. Unlike A-line skirts, pencil skirts fit close to the body and do not flare out from the waist downwards.
- Maxi skirt: Maxi skirts are long skirts that typically end around the ankle. They can fit in a variety of ways, but will almost always use more yarn than other knitted skirt types.
- Mini skirt: As the name suggests, a mini skirt is simply a short skirt that ends above the knee, with a short distance from the waistline to the hemline. In some cases, shorter mini skirts are also called micro skirts.
- Tennis skirt: Tennis skirts are usually shorter skirts with a hemline just above the knee. They are traditionally pleated to allow for a wide range of movement despite the narrow silhouette.

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