Stripes on Parade Crochet Skirt
I don't know exactly when it started, but I've recently been on a mission to use up leftover and scrap yarn on crochet projects. Today, I'm thrilled to share my latest creation: the Stripes on Parade, a colorful scrap yarn crochet skirt!
The idea for this skirt came from a sudden urge to crochet a lightweight skirt that I could wear all year round. But when I realized I didn’t have enough of any one yarn for a full skirt, did I panic and run to the nearest yarn store? Absolutely… not!
Although I didn’t have enough of a single yarn, I had plenty of random leftovers that I could combine into something unique and, let's be honest, pretty awesome.
Choosing Yarn
Because I was using leftover yarns from various past projects, I didn’t have the information for all of them. So, I had to rely on my “yarn memory” (you know what I mean, right?). It's funny how you can recognize a certain brand, yarn line, and color just by looking at it!
Here are the yarns I used—can you spot which ones I had to guess on?
A - Aunt Lydia's #3 - Warm Pink
B - Phone Box Blue
C - Patons Grace - Citadel
D - Scheepjes Stone Washed - Rose Quartz
E - Orange
F - Shiny Green Cotton
G - Scheepjes Catona - Hazelnut
H - Scheepjes Catona - Tan
I - Aunt Lydia's #3 - Bridal White
J - Scheepjes Catona - Pink
K - Scheepjes Catona - Red
The specific brand and color weren’t as important as ensuring consistency in the weight and texture. I went by look and feel rather than relying strictly on the weight category listed on the label (for those that even had labels left!). In the end, I used an eclectic mix of DK, sport, fine, and fingering weights. This skirt has it all—sock yarn, crochet thread, acrylic, cotton, wool—you name it, it’s in there!
Designing the Skirt
Initially, I thought I’d follow a specific color pattern, but after the first three rows, I decided to embrace the randomness—just like life! Randomizing the yarn colors made the skirt even more exciting to crochet, always wondering what color would come next.
To keep things simple, I chose half double crochet rows for the entire skirt, except for the waistline, where I used single crochet stitches to create a snug fit.
How I Made the Skirt
If you've been following me for a while, you know I love easy crochet projects—mindless crochet I can do while listening to an audiobook or binge-watching a series. This skirt fit the bill perfectly!
I worked half double crochet rows throughout, with single crochet stitches for the waistline, and continued in rows until the skirt comfortably wrapped around my body.
To give the skirt a stretchy fabric I worked in the back loops only except for the first and last stitch of each row where I worked into both loops to keep the fabric together.
Here’s the basic rundown:
Starting Chain: 20” chain, beginning from my natural waist to just above my knees.
Finished Size: 44” around, 70 rows total.
Amount of Yarn: My skirt used 510 grams of mixed-weight yarns.
Tools & Notions: 3.00mm crochet hook, needle, thread, 1” elastic for waistband.
Crochet Techniques: Work in the back loops only (BLO) to create the stretchy ribbed effect.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
BLO - back loop only
st(s) - stitch(es)
Stripes on Parade Crochet Skirt Pattern
Ch 115
Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc working in BLO in each ch across to last 10 chs, sc working in BLO in next 9 chs, sc in both loops in last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, sc working in BLO in next 9 sts, hdc working in BLO across to end, turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in first st, hdc working in BLO in each st across to last 10 sts, sc working in BLO in next 9 sts, sc in both loops in last st, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until the skirt fits you just right.
Finishing the Skirt
After finishing the crochet part, it was time to assemble everything!
I used yarn and a needle to sew up the side seam. To make sure the skirt would stay up and in place, I added an elastic waistband. With a sewing needle and thread, I gently stretched the elastic as I sewed it onto the waistband.
When I tried on the finished skirt for the first time, I was over the moon! It felt and fit perfectly—fun, playful, and versatile enough to dress up or down. Plus, I’m thrilled that I managed to clear out so much random leftover yarn.
I hope you give this scrap yarn skirt a try, and if you do, please let me know how it goes—I’d love to see how yours turns out!
If you’re inspired to make the Stripes on Parade scrap yarn crochet skirt I would love to see your creation, just tag me on Instagram @popsdemilk_crochet
Looking for more scrap yarn crochet projects? Check these out:
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This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern and its photos may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared or posted in any way over the internet or offline.
You may sell finished items made from this pattern as long as it is handmade by you, not mass produced, giving the credit to Pops de Milk / Patricia Castillo as the designer. If you have any questions, you can email me at patricia@popsdemilk.com