Sea Breeze Striped Skirt Free Pattern – Breezy Knit with Shell Stitch Hem

Imagine a skirt that captures the essence of a coastal summer day—cool ocean hues, a gentle A-line silhouette, and a delicate scalloped hem that dances with every step. That's exactly what you'll create with this Sea Breeze Striped Skirt pattern. Knitted from the waist down in the round, this airy piece is perfect for warm-weather layering, whether you're strolling along the boardwalk or enjoying a seaside brunch. The combination of soft sea foam aqua, deep teal, and warm sand beige creates a modern, coastal gradient effect that's both stylish and timeless. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, with clear instructions and a simple crocheted shell stitch hem that adds a touch of elegance. Let's dive in and create something beautiful!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Sea Foam – light aqua)
  • Color B (Deep Teal)
  • Color C (Sand – soft beige)
  Approx. 600 (700, 800) yards total for sizes S (M, L).
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 24-inch or longer (for working in the round).
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the shell stitch hem.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 2), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Be sure to check your gauge to achieve the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L). Finished hip measurement: 36 (40, 44) inches. Finished length: 24 (25, 26) inches. The skirt is designed to be slightly A-line, so it will flare gently from the waist to the hem.

Important Notes

• The skirt is worked from the waist down in the round, so you'll need a circular needle long enough to accommodate all stitches comfortably.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. You'll also place markers at the side seams for shaping.
• The shell stitch hem is crocheted onto the cast-on edge at the very end, so don't worry about it until the knitting is complete.

Waistband

With Color C (Sand), cast on 180 (200, 220) stitches using your preferred long-tail cast-on method. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.

Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a stretchy, comfortable waistband that will sit nicely at your natural waist.

Body of the Skirt

Switch to stockinette stitch, which means you'll knit every round. Now, begin the stripe sequence:

*2 rounds Color A (Sea Foam), 2 rounds Color B (Deep Teal), 2 rounds Color C (Sand)* – repeat from * to * for the entire body of the skirt. This creates a beautiful, rhythmic stripe pattern that evokes the ebb and flow of ocean waves.

Shaping the A-Line Silhouette

To create the gentle A-line flare, we'll decrease stitches gradually. Here's how:

1. At the beginning of the 10th round after the waistband, place a marker at the side seams. You should have 90 (100, 110) stitches between the beginning-of-round marker and the side seam marker, and the same between the side seam marker and the end of the round.
2. Decrease round: *K1, k2tog (knit two together), knit to 3 stitches before the next marker, ssk (slip, slip, knit), k1*; repeat from * to * around. This decreases 4 stitches per round (2 at each side seam).
3. Repeat this decrease round every 8 rounds, for a total of 8 (9, 10) times. After all decreases, you will have 148 (164, 180) stitches remaining.

Continue working in stockinette stitch and the stripe sequence without further decreases until the piece measures 22 (23, 24) inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length. Remember, the hem will add a bit of length, so keep that in mind.

Bind off loosely. A loose bind-off is essential here so the hem doesn't pull in. You can use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method if needed.

Shell Stitch Hem (Crochet)

Now for the fun part—the delicate shell stitch hem that gives this skirt its signature coastal charm!

1. With the right side facing you and using your US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook, join Color A (Sea Foam) at the cast-on edge. You'll be working into the cast-on stitches.
2. Work in the round as follows: *Skip 2 stitches, work 5 double crochet (dc) into the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, slip stitch (sl st) into the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around the entire edge.
3. When you reach the starting point, fasten off and weave in the end securely.

This creates a beautiful scalloped edge that flutters as you move, adding a touch of whimsy to your skirt.

Finishing Touches

To give your skirt that polished, professional look, follow these final steps:

1. Block the skirt: Soak the skirt in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, then gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring!). Lay it flat on a towel and shape it to the correct measurements. Gently stretch the hem to open up the shell stitches and let them lie flat. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn tails from color changes and the bind-off.

Once blocked and dried, your Sea Breeze Striped Skirt is ready to wear! Pair it with a simple tank top and sandals for a breezy summer look, or layer it over a swimsuit for a chic beach cover-up.

This pattern is a joy to knit—the rhythmic stripe sequence is meditative, and the shell stitch hem is a satisfying finish. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting your journey, this skirt will become a staple in your warm-weather wardrobe. Happy knitting!