The Pattern

Sage green ribbed crochet pinafore skirt with a full A-line skirt and button-on suspender straps over a white long sleeve top
Free Pattern by TCDDIY

Ribbed Suspender Skirt

T from TCDDIY designed this one to be as fun to make as it is to wear. The vertical ribbing is created with simple back loop stitches, which work up faster than you would expect, and the button on suspenders add that sweet vintage pinafore look. Wear them crossed, straight, or skip them for a plain ribbed skirt.

It is beginner friendly, worked with just a handful of basic stitches in the back loops, and written for a size small with notes on adjusting. A category 4 worsted yarn works up cozy and warm, using a 5 mm hook for the fitted waistband and a 7 mm for the flowy skirt.

Ready to start?

This free tutorial is by TCDDIY. There is a full step by step video, and the written pattern is available through the link on the video page.

Watch the Free Tutorial →

What You'll Need

Any worsted yarn, two hook sizes, and a few buttons.

  • Yarn Any category 4 worsted weight yarn. The designer used about 700 g of Red Heart Super Saver. A smooth worsted shows off the ribbing beautifully.
  • Hooks 5 mm and 7 mm. The smaller hook gives the waistband a firm, stretchy rib, and the larger hook makes the skirt drape and swing.
  • Buttons Buttons for the suspenders. Two are enough for a single row, or add a second layer as the designer did for extra vintage detail.
  • Extras Stitch markers, a tape measure, and a yarn needle. For tracking rows, checking length, and seaming.

Tips Before You Start

A few things worth knowing that the pattern page does not always spell out.

1

Start with a foundation half double crochet

The waistband begins with a foundation row instead of a long starting chain. It gives you a stretchy edge and two neat loops to seam into later, so it is worth learning if you have not tried it.

2

Do not tug after each stitch

The back loop slip stitch rib can get tight fast. Resist the habit of pulling the working yarn snug after every stitch, or the next row will be hard to work into.

3

Measure the waistband against your underbust

The band is meant to sit high, so measure it from your underbust down as you go. Making it tall enough to hold two rows of buttons is what gives that pinafore look.

4

Seam with the outside loops

When you join the waistband and skirt seams, use the outer loops for a clean, nearly invisible finish that keeps the ribbing looking continuous.