Two in the Afternoon Skirt

This pattern has been test knitted and tech edited.

This is a pattern for the skirt only. The matching top, Two in the Afternoon Tank / Dress is not included in this pattern.

NOTES AND TECHNIQUES

Two in the Afternoon Skirt offers two options: a longer version with a back slit or a shorter version without the slit. Both versions are knitted top down, starting at the waistband. A special cast-on technique creates a neat fold for the double-layered waistband, and also eliminates any need for sewing down the folded waistband. An elastic band can be inserted through the gap on the inner part of the waistband to adjust the fit around the waist.

The skirt is worked using two colours in a tweed stitch pattern. Each round is worked with a single strand of yarn, making the pattern a beginner-friendly colourwork design. Hip shaping ensures a good fit around the waist and hips. The hem is finished in 1x1 ribbing, with a ribbed sewn bind-off to complete the look.

FINISHED WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE

Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) 6 (7, 8, 9, 10)
68 (73, 78.5, 83.5, 88.5) 94 (99, 104.5, 109.5, 115) cm /
26¾ (28¾, 30¾, 32¾, 35) 37 (39, 41, 43¼, 45¼) inches

FINISHED HIP CIRCUMFERENCE
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) 6 (7, 8, 9, 10)
89 (94.5, 100, 105.5, 111) 116.5 (122, 128, 133.5, 139) cm /
35 (37¼, 39¼, 41½, 43¾) 46 (48, 50¼, 52½, 54¾) inches

The samples are knit in Size 2 and worn with zero ease at full hip. Suggested ease at full hip: -5 to 0 cm / -2 to 0”.

YARN

DK weight
Woolfolk Strå (50% Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino®, 50% Linen; 164 yds per 50 g skein)

Sample colours:
C1: S2 (pink beige)
C2: S10 (purple grey)

Shorter Version

C1
280 (300, 315, 335, 350) 365 (385, 400, 420, 435) m /
305 (325, 345, 365, 480) 400 (420, 440, 460, 475) yards
2 (2, 2, 3, 3) 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) skeins

C2
365 (385, 410, 430, 455) 475 (500, 520, 545, 565) m /
395 (420, 445, 470, 495) 520 (545, 570, 595, 620) yards
3 (3, 3, 3, 3) 4 (4, 4, 4, 4) skeins

Longer Version

C1
385 (410, 435, 460, 480) 505 (530, 555, 580, 600) m /
420 (450, 475, 500, 525) 555 (580, 605, 630, 660) yards
3 (3, 3, 3, 4) 4 (4, 4, 4, 4) skeins

C2
500 (535, 565, 595, 625) 655 (690, 720, 750, 780) m /
550 (580, 615, 650, 685) 720 (755, 785, 820, 855) yards
4 (4, 4, 4, 5) 5 (5, 5, 5, 6) skeins

NEEDLES

Two 3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles, 60 cm / 24” or longer for Modified Judy’s Magic Cast On
One 4 mm / US 6 circular needle, 60 cm / 24” or longer

Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

GAUGE (after blocking)

23 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm / 4” in St st with 3.5 mm / US 4 needle for waistband.
27 sts (9 patt rep) and 36 rows (9 patt rep) = 12.5 cm / 5” width and 11.5 cm / 4½” height in Tweed Stitch with 4 mm / US 6 needle.

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, an elastic band to be inserted in the waistband, an elastic threader or a safety pin, sewing needle and thread for sewing the elastic band in a loop.

The length of the elastic band should be approximately 5 cm/ 2” longer than your desired waist circumference in order to allow adjustment and to stitch the elastic band securely with an overlap. The width of the elastic band should be approximately the height of your waistband. The sample uses a 3.8 cm / 1½” width elastic band.

SPECIAL THANKS

Deep gratitude to a team of kind and committed test knitters who offered their time and resources to work through the pattern to make sure that it is as clear and error-free as possible: Yuki, Lota, Elaine, Tomomi, Tea, Tash, Laura, Wan Cheng, Carol, Pauline, Ivy, Silke and Venty.

Special thanks to Naoko Ogawa (Strands of Life) for tech editing.

PHOTO CREDIT

The last 2 pictures are by @vanessayapeinbund, kindly provided by Woolfolk.