Bell Curve by Kira Dulaney

Bell Curve

Knitting
October 2007
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch with larger needles
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 8 - 5.0 mm
800 - 1400 yards (732 - 1280 m)
S to 4X (34 to 58 inch hips)
English
This pattern is available for $7.00 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

This skirt is both sexy and comfortable to wear. Knit in the round from the waistband down, it is quick to knit with minimal finishing. The decorative star patterns separating the panels are extrapolated from the star stitch border, and sneakily hide the increases for a smooth line. Choose a yarn that has both body and stretch so that it will skim your curves without clinging or sagging. The slight A-line with flared hem will look good on a wide variety of figures. This pattern was originally published in the winter 2007 issue of Knitty.

GAUGE
4” = 20 sts and 30 rounds in Stocking Stitch on larger needles

FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Note: choose a size based on your hip measurement, as waist will be adjusted with elastic.
Waist: 27” (31”, 35”, 39”, 43”, 47”, 51”)
Hips: 33.5”(37.5”, 41.5”, 45.5”, 49.5”, 53.5”, 57.5”)
Hem: 54.5” (58.5”, 62.5”, 68”, 72”, 76”, 81.5”)
Length: 23.5” (23.5”, 23.5”, 24.25”, 24.25”, 24.25”, 25”)

MATERIALS
800(900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) yards worsted weight yarn
size 6/4mm and 8/5mm circular needles 24”-29”or sizes needed to obtain gauge
stitch markers
1 (1, 1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) yards 0.5” wide elastic in a color that is darker than your yarn
large safety pin
sewing needle and thread in a similar color to elastic
yarn needle
cable needle (optional)

NOTE FROM KIRA ON YARN SUBSTITUTION:

There are three main qualities you want in a yarn for this skirt:

  • a good fabric density at the pattern gauge
  • memory or bounce in the strand so that it will keep its shape
  • sturdy texture to withhold the wear and tear on a skirt

The best thing to do is swatch and examine your swatch for this qualities. Some additional yarns that might work well are Berroco Suede, Berroco Love It, Rowan All-Seasons Cotton, or Rowan Cotton Denim.