Solara Skirt Crochet Pattern

Solara Skirt in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Solara Skirt is a fitted crochet skirt designed by Quail Studio and available in nine sizes to fit hips ranging from 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) through to 157-162 cm (62-64 inches). This garment is engineered with negative ease at the hip, meaning it is intentionally sized smaller than the wearer's actual hip measurement to create a close, body-conscious fit. The skirt is designed to stretch when worn, allowing the fabric to accommodate the wearer comfortably despite the snug sizing. The finished skirt measures between 62 cm and 142 cm at the hip depending on size chosen, and the length extends to approximately 68-82 cm from hem to waistband.

Techniques Used

The Solara Skirt employs a combination of crochet and knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The primary construction method is crochet, worked in the round using a 3.5mm hook. The pattern begins with a flat crocheted back section worked in rows, which is then transitioned into seamless circular construction. The skirt features an i-cord detail at the waistband, which is created using knitting needles rather than a crochet hook. This hybrid approach—combining crochet fabric with knitted finishing—adds textural interest and a refined edge to the garment. The pattern is written using UK crochet terminology, which uses different abbreviations and stitch names than US terminology, making it essential for crocheters to verify their familiarity with UK conventions before beginning.

Stitches Used

The Solara Skirt is constructed primarily using treble crochet (tr) stitches, which create a tall, open fabric ideal for a lightweight skirt. The pattern incorporates a lacy stitch pattern created by alternating treble stitches with chain spaces (ch-sp), producing a decorative openwork effect throughout the garment. The foundational construction uses chains (ch) for the initial cast-on and slip stitches (sl st) to join rounds seamlessly. The pattern alternates between two yarn colors—Honey and Macaroon—to create visual interest, with color changes occurring at specific rows and rounds. The waistband finishing is accomplished using knitted i-cord, a tubular knitted structure created on double-pointed needles that provides a neat, professional edge.

Materials

The Solara Skirt is worked in Cotton DK yarn from the MODE at Rowan collection. Two colorways are used: Honey (shade 022) and Macaroon (shade 011). Yarn quantities vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 5 skeins of Honey and 3 skeins of Macaroon (each skein is 50 grams), scaling up to 12 skeins of Honey and 6 skeins of Macaroon for the largest size. A 3.5mm crochet hook (UK size 9, US size E/4) is used for the main crochet construction, and two 3.5mm double-pointed needles (UK size 9, US size 4) are required for knitting the i-cord waistband. The pattern also calls for stitch markers to denote the beginning of each round during circular construction. Once completed, the finished fabric should be blocked to achieve the specified tension of 20 stitches and 9 rows over 10 centimeters.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the skills required to successfully complete the garment. Crocheters must be comfortable working in the round, managing color changes, reading pattern repeats, and understanding UK crochet terminology. The transition from flat rows to seamless circular construction requires attention to detail, and the incorporation of a knitted i-cord waistband adds an additional skill requirement for those primarily experienced in crochet. The negative ease design also demands careful attention to sizing and tension to ensure the finished garment fits as intended.