Stitch Your Way to Style: Crochet a Ribbed Skirt for Beginners

This ribbed crochet skirt by AC Crochets is a fitted pencil skirt with a knit-look pleated texture, and it is easier than it looks. It is worked sideways in rows with a one-row repeat of slip stitch and single crochet through the back loop, so after the first few rows you can crochet almost on autopilot. You only need two measurements: your hips and the length you want.

Ribbed Skirt at a Glance

• Designer: AC Crochets
• Skill level: beginner
• Yarn: DK or medium weight; the size XS sample used about 4.5 skeins of 50 g / 133 m
• Hook: 4 mm
• Stitches: slip stitch and single crochet through the back loop only
• Video length: about 20 minutes

How the Skirt Is Made

1. Foundation chain: the chain is as long as the skirt length you want, because the skirt is worked sideways.
2. One-row repeat: rows of slip stitch and single crochet in the back loop build the vertical ribs.
3. Reaching your hips: keep adding rows until the piece wraps around your hips with a little negative ease.
4. Seaming: the two short edges are joined to form a tube.
5. Drawstring: a crocheted cord is threaded through the waist so it stays in place.

Why the Ribs Stretch

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Working in the back loop only makes the rows fold into soft ridges, like knitted ribbing. That texture stretches around your hips and hugs the body, which is what gives the skirt its pencil shape without any shaping.

Images and patterns courtesy of AC Crochets

Enjoy the Video Tutorial

Source: AC Crochets

Tips for a Perfect Skirt

• Measure snugly. The ribs stretch a lot, so make the skirt a little smaller than your hip measurement.
• Keep your slip stitches loose so the rows are easy to work into.
• Count your stitches on the first rows to keep the hem straight.
• Add a lining or wear it over shorts if your yarn is light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it longer?
Yes. Just start with a longer foundation chain for a midi or maxi skirt.

Can I use worsted yarn?
Yes. Use a slightly larger hook and remember to measure as you go.

More from AC Crochets

Try the ribbed shorts in all sizes, the one-row repeat mini skirt or the crochet maxi skirt.