Free Mesh Skirt Pattern

Pattern Description:

This beautiful mesh skirt is constructed with two layers: a mesh front layer and a solid inside layer.

The inside layer is formed using repeating rows of half double crochet. The layers are attached at the waist using single crochet stitches.

The waistband is then shaped by working elastic thread into the second row using slip stitches to create a gathered effect.

Yarn
Crochet hook (specifically a 2.5 mm hook is used for the waistband shaping)
Elastic thread (used for shaping the waistband)
Stitch markers (optional, recommended for aligning layers during joining)
Darning needle (optional, as an alternative for sewing edges or closing sections)

Measurement A: This is the length of the skirt. It is measured from your belly button down to where you want the skirt to end.
Measurement B: This is the circumference of the widest part of your hip.

These measurements are used differently for the two layers:

For the mesh part (front layer), the foundation chain should reach Measurement B when the chain is fully stretched, keeping it “not too tight and not too loose”.
For the inside layer, the foundation chain should reach Measurement B without stretching, ensuring it fits the hips comfortably as it provides full coverage. The inside layer is also usually about 3 inches shorter than Measurement A, but the final length is customizable.

The inside layer is constructed using repeating rows of half double crochet (HDC).

Begin by creating a slip knot.
Make a foundation chain that matches your hip measurement (Measurement B) plus two extra chains for turning.
Yarn over and insert your hook into the back bump of the third chain from the hook.
Make a half double crochet, and continue making HDC along the entire foundation chain.
When you reach the end of the row, chain two and turn your work.
Make an HDC into the first stitch, and continue making HDC all the way to the end of the row.
Repeat these rows of half double crochet until the piece reaches your specified length (Measurement A or your desired lining length).
Once the inside layer is complete, chain one and cut your yarn.

With both layers ready, the next step is to attach them together at the waist.

Lay the two pieces flat, aligning the top edges of the mesh layer and the inside layer.
If preferred, use stitch markers placed at various points along the waistline to hold the layers in place and prevent them from shifting.
Grab your yarn and insert your hook into one corner, passing through the top stitches of both layers.
Pull the yarn through and begin making single crochet (SC) stitches along the entire waistline to join the two layers.
Work across to the other corner, ensuring you maintain a balanced stitch count throughout the joining process. Do not cut the yarn yet.

Once the layers are joined at the waist, the sides must be sewn together to form the skirt.

With the inside layer facing you, hold the piece so that both corners of the attached waistline meet.
Insert your hook into the first SC stitch on the opposite corner and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook to join the corners.
Gently pull the inside layer to the outside.
Sew the two sides together by working single crochet stitches along the exposed edge. You may also use a darning needle instead of the crochet hook if you prefer.
If you use the crochet hook, ensure you keep the stitch count balanced.
After the sides are sewn, gently pull the inside layer back in so that it sits neatly inside the mesh layer.

The waistband is shaped using elastic thread for a gathered effect.

Use a 2.5 mm hook and elastic thread for this step.
The shaping will be worked into the second row from the top, specifically into the half double crochet stitches (not the top single crochet line).
Insert your hook into the back bar of any HDC stitch on the second row. Pull up a loop and yarn over, pulling through a loop on the hook.
Skip the next HDC stitch and make a slip stitch (SL ST) into the following stitch.
Repeat this pattern, skipping one stitch and slip stitching into the next—all the way around the waistband.
Finish by making one more slip stitch into the very first one you created.
Chain one and cut the elastic thread.

The final steps involve closing the open sides of the mesh layer.

Take the mesh part and fold it to the wrong side.
Locate the middle point of the two edges that remain unjoined.
Grab your yarn and make three or four slip stitches to join a small section at this point. (This section can also be sewn with a darning needle).
Chain one and cut the yarn.
Next, find the middle point between the section you just joined and the main waistband of the skirt, and join that point in the same manner (using three or four slip stitches).

Completing these steps results in the finished mesh skirt.