Foxglove Bell Skirt is a stockinette-based pencil skirt with an eyelet ruffle hem and drawstring waistband. Worked at a loose gauge in lightweight yarn, this skirt knits up quickly with just the right combination of drape and elasticity. This skirt is meant to be worn 1/2 - 1” below the waist, with no ease at the hips, and gentle waist shaping achieved by working with the smaller needles.

Directions are provided for working the skirt flat in two pieces and seaming, or seamlessly in the round. Both directions are provided in two formats. The “Standard” directions provide information for working the skirt at the indicated gauge for the listed sizes. The “Custom” directions lead you through calculations for devising a pattern for any size at any gauge (although a loose gauge is recommended). The skirt length is customizable. Additionally, an option for working short rows to accommodate a derriere is provided (to minimize drooping or sagging at the rear). Finally, instructions for creating an optional fabric lining are given.

Note-- this pattern has been tagged for “machine instructions” because a customer suggested the pattern would work well for a knitting machine. There are no special machine instructions provided, nor has it been tested in that format.

Yarn
Skirt shown in Jamie Baby (discontinued), which worked in my hands at fingering weight. Sample used 785 yards.
Skirt has been tested successfully in Paton’s Lace, Bernat Baby Jacquards, and Stylecraft Life 4 Ply. A lightweight yarn with high wool or acrylic content is recommended.

Gauge (in stockinette)
US5/ 3.75mm: 19 sts x 30 rows = 4x4”
US9/ 5.5mm: 17 sts x 24 rows =4x4”
US10/ 6mm: gauge unimportant

Row gauge is not critical on any needle size.

Any style needles will be suitable for working flat. For working in the round, circular needles slightly shorter than hip circumference are recommended.

Notions
Approx. 2.5 yards knit I-cord or purchased cord for waist.

Yarn needle (if working flat and seaming).

Optional: fabric for lining

Techniques
Stockinette stitch, worked flat or in the round according to preference.
Increasing and decreasing
Optional: short rows for derriere shaping, sewing for fabric lining, arithmetic for Custom directions

Pattern
Pattern is a 4-page PDF with written directions for sizes listed at indicated gauge, as well as a “recipe” for working an alternative size or gauge. Schematic for all sizes is included, as well as directions and schematic for creating an optional fabric lining.