Paintbox Yarns Sandi Zigzag Skirt Crochet Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Sandi Zigzag Skirt

What is Being Made

The Sandi Zigzag Skirt is a children's crochet skirt available in five sizes to fit ages 2-3 through 10-11 years, with corresponding waist measurements ranging from 54cm to 63cm (21¼ to 24¾ inches) and finished lengths from 26cm to 46cm (10¼ to 18 inches). This is an intermediate-level crochet project that creates a playful, striped garment suitable for young children.

Techniques Used

The skirt is constructed using striped colorwork and worked flat techniques. The striped pattern creates visual interest through alternating color sections, while the flat construction method means the piece is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This approach makes the pattern more accessible for intermediate crocheters and allows for straightforward shaping and finishing.

Stitches Used

The Sandi Zigzag Skirt employs fundamental crochet stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Double crochet (referred to as single crochet in US terminology) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Half treble crochet (half double crochet in US terminology) – used to add texture and variation
• Chain stitches – used for foundation and turning chains
• Slip stitch – used for joining and finishing

The pattern notes that turning chains do not count as stitches, which is important for maintaining accurate stitch counts throughout the project.

Materials and Tools

This project uses Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a double knitting weight yarn. The yarn requirements are based on 100g balls, with quantities varying by size: the smallest sizes (2-3 and 4-5 years) require 1 ball each of two colors, while the larger sizes (6-7, 8-9, and 10-11 years) require 2 balls each of two colors. The recommended colors are Mustard Yellow and Royal Blue, which create the distinctive zigzag striped effect.

A 4mm (UK 8 – US G6) crochet hook is specified for construction. The pattern also notes that a 3.5mm (UK 9 – US E4) hook may be needed to achieve the correct tension (gauge) of 20 stitches and 22 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in double crochet. Additionally, the skirt requires one button measuring 10-15mm for fastening.

Pattern Notes and Considerations

Paintbox Yarns emphasizes that checking tension (gauge) before beginning is vitally important, as incorrect gauge will result in a garment that does not fit properly and may require more or less yarn than anticipated. The pattern uses UK crochet terminology with US equivalents provided in parentheses throughout, making it accessible to crocheters using either convention. Instructions are given for the smallest size with modifications for larger sizes noted in square brackets, and any size that requires zero stitches or rows will show a 0 in place of a number.