Knits for GIRLS and YOUNG JUNIORS

Knitted entirely in the round, this plaid skirt gives the knitter who is comfortable with stranding colorwork a fun piece that any girl would love to wear. The beginner knitter could omit all of the color-work and knit the whole piece in a solid or variegated color. The twisted rib band eliminates the need for elastic, but directions are given for a casing if you choose to add it.

chpt_fig_068

SIZES

Girls 6 (7, 8, 10, 12): Young Juniors 5/6 (7/8, 9/10, 11/12)

Instructions are written for size 6; all other sizes follow. Girls’ and young junior sizes are separated with a colon. For ease in knitting, circle your size before beginning.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Waist: 21 (22½, 23½, 24½, 25½): 22½ (24½, 25½, 26½) in. / 53.5 (57, 59.5, 62, 65): 57 (62, 65, 67.5 cm

Skirt length from waist:14 (14½, 15, 15, 15½): 14½ (15, 15½, 15½) in. / 35.5 (37, 38, 38, 39.5) cm: 37 (38, 39.5, 39.5) cm

YARN

Cascade Yarns Heritage 150; 1.3 oz. / 150 g each approx. 492 yd. / 450 m; 75% merino wool, 25% nylon

• 1 skein #5672 Real Black (A)

• 1 skein #5607 Red (B)

Note: You will use nearly the whole skein of black for this pattern as written. If you choose to make a longer skirt or are making one of the larger sizes, you may want to purchase two skeins.

MATERIALS

• Size US 3 / 3.25 mm 24 in. / 61 cm or longer circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)

• Tapestry needle

• Waste yarn

• Elastic for waistband, no more than 1 in. / 2.5 cm wide (optional)

• Ring-type markers, 18 total (17 of one color and 1 for beg of round)

GAUGE

PATTERN NOTE

• The skirt is knitted in the round from the bottom up using Fair Isle method, twisting colors every few sts to avoid long floats.

SKIRT

With A (Black), cast on using the I-cord cast-on to end up with 288 (288, 288, 324, 324): 288 (324, 324, 324) sts. Place a different color marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist sts.

*Work 18 sts of Rnd 1 Chart A, PM (if not already done), 18 sts Rnd 1 Chart B, PM; repeat from * 7 (7, 7, 8, 8): 7 (8, 8, 8) times more.

Continue as established, working decreases on Rnd 13 of Chart B as follows: *Work Chart A, SM, ssk, work to within 2 sts of next marker, k2tog, SM; repeat from * around [16 (16, 16, 18, 18): 16 (18, 18, 18) sts decreased].

Work decrease rnd every 13th rnd until 2 sts rem for Chart B (chart shows only 100 rows; keep going until 2 sts rem on Chart B).

On the next few rnds, decrease stitch count to 140 (146, 154, 160, 168): 146 (160, 168, 174) sts.

Continue with no further decreases until total length of skirt is 12½ (13, 13½, 13½, 14): 13 (13½, 14, 14) in. / 32 (33, 34.5, 34.5, 35.5): 33 (34.5, 35.5, 35.5) cm, or desired length. Note: If longer skirt is desired, the waistband might have to be knitted entirely in red, or you may need to purchase another skein of black, as the one skein of black will run out.

WAISTBAND

Repeat this rnd until waistband casing measures 3 in. / 7.5 cm. Note: If you run out of black, knit one rnd in red (to make a straight line), then resume [k1b, p1b] pattern. This will be on the inside and won’t show.

Turn casing and stitch down to inside, leaving an opening to insert elastic, if desired.

FINISHING

Optional: Cut elastic 1 in. / 2.5 cm shorter than waist measurement and thread through waistband casing. Sew elastic ends together, then stitch down casing opening.

Weave in any ends and steam lightly or block according to directions on ball band.

Plaid Skirt