Berroco Oyambre Skirt Knitting Pattern

Berroco Oyambre Knit Skirt

What is Being Made

The Berroco Oyambre is a knitted skirt designed by Amy Christoffers, suitable for intermediate-level knitters. This garment features a fitted waistband that transitions to a flared lower edge, creating an elegant A-line silhouette. The skirt is available in twelve different sizes, with waist circumferences ranging from 23 inches to 55 inches (58.5 cm to 139.5 cm) and a consistent length of 25 inches (63.5 cm) across all sizes. The lower edge circumference ranges from 51½ inches to 83½ inches (131 cm to 212 cm), providing generous volume at the hem.

Construction and Techniques

The Oyambre skirt is constructed as a single piece worked in the round from the waist downward, eliminating the need for side seams. This top-down approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and a seamless wearing experience. The pattern employs a provisional cast-on technique at the waist, which enables the knitter to pick up stitches later for the waistband ribbing. The skirt uses seaming techniques for finishing details, including the attachment of elastic at the waist for a secure, comfortable fit.

The waistband is worked separately and then seamed to the main body of the skirt. An elastic band measuring 2 inches (5 cm) wide is threaded through the waistband using a safety pin, providing structure and ensuring the skirt stays in place during wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Oyambre is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. This fundamental knitting stitch is worked in the round, creating vertical columns of interlocking loops. The stockinette stitch base is ideal for showcasing the yarn's color and texture while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

The waistband utilizes ribbing, which alternates knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns that stretch and recover, providing elasticity and a neat, finished appearance at the waist opening.

Yarn and Materials

The Oyambre pattern calls for Berroco Splash, a yarn from Berroco's collection, in colorway #2414 Lake Tahoe. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 hanks to 15 hanks, with each hank weighing 50 grams. This yardage calculation ensures adequate material for the entire skirt construction across all size options.

The pattern requires multiple circular needles in different sizes to accommodate the decreasing stitch count as the waistband is worked. Knitters will need a 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4 mm) for the main skirt body, and a 16-inch or 24-inch (40 cm or 60 cm) circular needle in size 4 (3.5 mm) for the waistband ribbing. The gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the middle-size needle, measured after blocking.

Additional notions include waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, four stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of round), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, elastic measuring 2 inches (5 cm) wide, an extra-large safety pin for threading the elastic, and a sewing needle with thread for attaching the elastic securely.

Sizing and Fit

The Oyambre accommodates a wide range of body types with twelve size options organized in four groups. The pattern recommends approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) of positive to negative ease, meaning the finished waist circumference can be 3 inches smaller or larger than the wearer's actual waist measurement, depending on desired fit preference. The garment shown in the pattern is the size 28-inch (71 cm) waist option.