Sunlit Meadow Tiered Skirt Free Pattern – Knit a Breezy Summer Essential

Sunlit Meadow Tiered Skirt: A Breezy Summer Knit

Embrace the season with this airy, tiered knit skirt that dances with every step. Crafted in soft cotton, it's the perfect blend of comfort and charm for warm-weather days. This free pattern is designed for knitters of all levels, offering a rewarding project that results in a stunning, wearable piece. The combination of smooth stockinette, delicate lace, and textured seed stitch creates a garment that is as beautiful to knit as it is to wear. Let's get started on creating your new summer essential!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (or similar worsted weight cotton blend), approx 600-800 yards. The exact yardage will depend on your chosen size.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, 24-inch or longer. A longer cable is essential for accommodating the increasing number of stitches.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished skirt fits as intended.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and 1-inch wide elastic for the waistband.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the waist down, creating a seamless garment. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful tiered skirt in no time.

Sizes and Measurements

Sizes: S (M, L, XL) – Finished waist: 28 (32, 36, 40) inches; Length: 24 (25, 26, 27) inches.

Abbreviations

CO – cast on, K – knit, P – purl, K2tog – knit two together, Yo – yarn over, St(s) – stitch(es), Rnd(s) – round(s), PM – place marker, SM – slip marker.

Notes

The skirt is worked in the round from the waist down. The waistband is folded over and sewn down to create a casing for elastic. The body is divided into three tiers, each with a different stitch pattern for texture and movement.

Waistband

CO 140 (160, 180, 200) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM at beginning of round.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches.
Next round: *K2tog, yo* repeat to end. (This creates a picot edge for a decorative fold.)
Continue in K1, P1 ribbing for another 2 inches.
Fold the waistband at the picot row and sew the cast-on edge to the inside, leaving a small opening to thread elastic later.

Tier 1 (Hip to Upper Thigh)

Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 4 inches.
Increase round: *K10, M1* repeat to end. (M1 – make one by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting it through the back loop.) – Now 154 (176, 198, 220) sts.
Continue in stockinette for another 4 inches.

Tier 2 (Upper Thigh to Knee)

Switch to a lace pattern:
Rnd 1: *K3, yo, K2tog, K3* repeat to end.
Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
Rnd 3: *K2, yo, K2tog, K1, yo, K2tog, K1* repeat to end.
Rnd 4: Knit all sts.
Rnd 5: *K1, yo, K2tog, K3, yo, K2tog* repeat to end.
Rnd 6: Knit all sts.
Rnd 7: *K2, yo, K2tog, K1, yo, K2tog, K1* repeat to end.
Rnd 8: Knit all sts.
Repeat these 8 rounds until this tier measures 6 inches.

Tier 3 (Knee to Hem)

Switch to a seed stitch pattern:
Rnd 1: *K1, P1* repeat to end.
Rnd 2: *P1, K1* repeat to end.
Repeat these 2 rounds until this tier measures 6 inches.

Hem

Work in garter stitch (knit one round, purl one round) for 1 inch.
Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Thread 1-inch wide elastic through the waistband casing, adjust to waist size, and sew the opening closed. Block gently to shape.

Your Sunlit Meadow Tiered Skirt is now complete! This versatile piece pairs beautifully with sandals for a casual day out or with wedges for a summer evening. The breathable cotton and flowing silhouette make it a joy to wear all season long. Happy knitting!