How to Make a Skirt Pattern

for a Crochet or Knitting Project

Updated 01-28-2021

Do you really have to make a skirt pattern ? Well, not really.

But if you do want to avoid wasting your time, you have to make a small sketch of a pattern, based on your measurements. It will look similar to the one described step by step on this page.

I will show you how to make a pattern for a straight skirt. This  pattern is a basic block which can be used "as is" to crochet or knit a straight skirt.

Besides that, you can easily model it to make a pattern for other skirt styles: A-line, gathered, princess style, 3-tier, 4-6 - gore skirt, and etc.

Once you have your sketch made, you should follow the classic knitting/crocheting steps:

  • Make a gauge swatch for every stitch pattern your are going to use for your project. Check explanation how to do it at the Beginner Crochet page if necessary.

  • Calculate gauge for each of them.

  • Calculate the number of stitches and rows necessary to shape your fabric according to your skirt pattern. Check Crocheting Basics page for detail instructions.

Make a skirt pattern

Important Note:
1.A skirt pattern is designed for crochet or knit projects only. Doesn't work for sewing skirts.

2.It is easier to draw in centimeters than inches during the pattern drafting exercise.

Step 1. Measure yourself.

You will have to take 3 measurements:
(See the picture)

1. Hip circumference (Line "H") - measure around the fullest part of the hips.
2. Waist circumference (Line "A") - measure around the waist.
3. Skirt length (Line "AHL")

We will draw a pattern where 1/2 of the back plus 1/2 of the front skirt pattern is presented.

Hip circumference HC = 102 cm (40 in).
Waist circumference WC = 72 cm ( 28 in).
Skirt length SL = 65 cm (26 in).

Step 2. Draw a base rectangle

Start from point A.
Hem line.
Distance AL = SL = 65 cm (26 in)
Distance AH = HC / 6 = 102 cm / 6 = 17cm (40 in).
AH = HC / 6 = 40 in / 6 = 6.7 in

Position of the back dart.
Distance AA2 = HC / 10 + 0.5 cm = 102 cm / 10 + 0.5 cm = 10.7 cm
AA2 = HC / 10 + 0.2 in = 40 in / 10 + 0.2 in = 4.2 in

Position of the side seam.
Distance AA5= HC / 4 - 1 cm
AA2 = HC / 4 - 1 cm = 102 cm / 4 - 1 cm = 24.5 cm
AA2 = HC / 4 - 0.4 in = 40 in / 4 - 0.4 in = 9.6 in

Position of the center front line
Distance A5A1 = HC / 4 + 1 cm
AA2 = HC / 4 + 1 cm = 102 cm / 4 + 1 cm = 26.5 cm
AA2 = HC / 4 + 0.4 in = 40 in / 4 + 0.4 in = 10.4 in

Position of the front dart.
Distance A1A7 = HC / 10 + 1 cm = 102 cm / 10 + 1 cm = 11.2 cm
AA2 = HC / 10 + 0.4 in = 40 in / 10 + 0.4 in = 4.4 in

Step 3. Draw 1/2 of the back part.

Back Dart.
Distance K2A2 = A2A3 = K2A3 / 2 = 4 cm / 2 = 2 cm (0.8 in)
Distance K1H2 = 3 cm (1.2 in)

The Hip Curve.
Distance AK3 on the waist line.
AK3 = WC/4 + 3 cm = 72 cm / 4 + 3 cm = 21 cm
AK3 = WC / 4 + 1.18 in = 28 in / 4 + 1.12 in = 8.2 in

Distance K3A4 is perpendicular to the waist line.
K3A4 = 1 cm (0.4 in)

To finish 1/2 back of the skirt pattern, connect points:
A - K2 - K1 - A3 - A4 - H6 - L2 -L - H - A.

Step 4. Draw 1/2 of the front part.

Front Dart.
Distance A7K6 = A7K7 = K7A6 / 2 = 3 cm / 2 = 1.5 cm (0.6 in)
Distance K4H5 = 5 cm (2 in)

The Hip Curve.
Distance A1K5 on the waist line.
A1K5 = WC / 4 + 4 cm = 72 cm / 4 + 4 cm = 22 cm
A1K5= WC / 4 + 1.6 in = 28 in / 4 + 1.6 in = 8.6 in

Distance K5A6 is perpendicular to the waist line.
K5A6 = 1 cm (0.4 in)

To finish 1/2 front of the skirt pattern, connect points:
A1 - H1 - L1 - L2 - H6 - A6 - K7 -K4 - K6 - A1.

Related Pages

Gore Skirt Pattern: Easy to do.

Crochet a Skirt of motifs: Easy and fun project.

Gored Skirt: How to knit or crochet it

About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting