How to Crochet a Skirt Set

Expand your wardrobe with crocheted skirt sets.

Updated crocheted designs reflect current fashion trends. Designers present styles, colors, stitches and textures in fresh ways for home crocheters. Crochet can be used for many applications. Skirt set designs run the gamut from playful lingerie, lacy swimsuit cover-ups, casual outfits or upscale formal wear. Choose a style that suits both your skill level and personal taste. Layer unlined crocheted tops and skirts over other garments for a layered casual look. Add linings to crocheted skirt sets for daytime or evening wear.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Yarn
• Crochet hook(s)
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Steam iron
• Fray check

Instructions

1. Check your pattern size for the required amount and weight of yarn. Do not substitute yarn weights; for example, using a bulky weight yarn when the pattern calls for medium weight. You'll end up with a garment that doesn't fit.

2. Mark the instructions for the correct size pattern with a highlighter. Many patterns contain instructions for several sizes. Accidentally picking up the wrong instruction set in any step can throw off your garment's fit.

3. Make a sample swatch according to the pattern instructions to check the gauge of your stitches. Check that your stitches per row and rows per inch match the pattern requirements. Change hook sizes and yarn tension until you get the right gauge; otherwise, your garment will not fit.

4. Follow the pattern instructions to make the skirt and top. Leave yarn tails at least three to four inches long when changing or fastening off yarns. Use a tapestry needle to weave the thread tails several inches into the crochet stitches so they will not pull out or unravel. Block the garment according to instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a pattern suitable for your skill level.

• Purchase enough yarn of the same dye lot to complete your project. Dye lot colors can vary enough to affect your garment, especially when using a single color. Check your store's policy for returning unused skeins.

• Check if your yarn can be blocked with a steam iron. Some yarns lose their body when ironed or put in a dryer. Try blocking a crocheted sample swatch by holding an iron above it so steam reaches the yarn, but the iron does not touch the piece.

• Measure your garment frequently as you work to be sure you have not inadvertently changed your yarn tension. If you have made a mistake, remove the stitches back to the correct area and proceed from there. Note that some textured yarns can be difficult, if impossible, to unravel.

• Dab a bit of fray check on each final knot to prevent threads from working loose. Test on a sample first.

References

• "Elegant 2-Piece Sets in Thread Crochet"; Kathryn Clark; 2007
• "Crochet That Fits: Shaped Fashions Without Increases or Decreases"; Mary Jane Hall; 2008