Hello, crochet friends! 🌟 I’m excited to share — the Whirlwind Skirt! This pattern is a fresh take on the flared and layered look, inspired by the popular Treble Twirl Skirt I released earlier this year. If you loved that design, you’re going to adore this one!

You can check out the Treble Twirl Skirt pattern here: How to Crochet the Treble Twirl Crochet Skirt. While the Treble Twirl was all about bold treble stitches, the Whirlwind Skirt introduces a new texture using the Lemon Peel Stitch for a dynamic, textured finish.

About the Whirlwind Skirt

With its flowing layers and playful twirl, the Whirlwind Skirt is perfect for anyone who loves movement and texture in their crochet projects. The Lemon Peel Stitch creates a subtle, elegant texture that complements the skirt’s shape. This pattern is easy to follow and offers sizing from XS to 2XL, with an option to customize the length to suit your style.

Key Features of the Whirlwind Skirt

Lemon Peel Stitch: The beautifully textured Lemon Peel Stitch gives this skirt its unique, soft feel and lovely drape, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.

Layered Design: This skirt features flowing, tiered layers that enhance its twirling effect, bringing movement and elegance to every step.

Customizable Fit: The waistband is designed to be wider than your waist to allow for shaping. You’ll weave elastic through the waistband for a comfortable, flexible fit.

Pockets: Yes, it has pockets! They’re integrated into the side seams, adding both functionality and style.

Difficulty

Easy.

Materials

yarn

DROPS LOVES YOU 7, 100% cotton, yarn group A, color 48 (cherry)

• Size XS and S: 450 g / 1530 m
• Size M: 500 g / 1700 m
• Size L: 550 g / 1870 m
• Size XL: 600 g / 2040 m
• Size 2XL: 700 g / 2380 m

other

• Hook:  3.5 mm
• Thin elastic for the waistband 
• Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Markers

Gauge

16 sts x 15 rows = 10 x 10 cm

Finished sizes

XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Finished measurements (in cm)

Stitch Key (US terminology)

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet 
• RS = right side
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• slst = slip stitch
• slsts = slip stitches
• WS = wrong side 

Specialty Stitch & Technique Key

Lemon Peel Stitch

Ch 21 (start with an odd number of stitches)

Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from hook, *dc in the next ch, sc in the next ch, repeat from * to the end of the row ending with a dc in last. (20)

Row 2: ch 1, turn, *(sc in dc of the row below, dc in sc of the row below, repeat from * to the end of the row, turn. (20)

Repeat Row 2 until you’ve reached the desired length. 

Notes

• You will begin by creating the waistband using the lemon peel stitch. Then, you will move on to the main body of the skirt, maintaining the same stitch pattern. You will work up two panels—one for the front and one for the back. After completing the panels, you will crochet pockets onto the panels, and finish by sewing the panels together along the sides.
• The waistband will be intentionally wider than your waist measurement to allow for shaping and flexibility. After completing the skirt, you’ll weave in the elastic as the final step to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
• Odd numbered rows are the right side.
• To lengthen the skirt, add the same number of additional rows in three places: before row 23, before row 45, and after row 67. This ensures the length and shape of the skirt remain balanced across all sections.

For a more in-depth walkthrough, be sure to check out my YouTube tutorial. I cover every step in the Whirlwind Skirt pattern to ensure you can crochet along with confidence.

Free Pattern for Size Small

As a thank-you for being part of my crochet community, I’m excited to share the full Whirlwind Skirt pattern in size small, right here on the blog! If you’d like to make it in another size or enjoy the convenience of a printable PDF, check out the full pattern available on Etsy and Ravelry.

Happy crocheting, and I hope the Whirlwind Skirt brings a delightful spin to your wardrobe! 🧶

Instructions (size S)

Waistband

Row 1 (RS): ch 85, working in the back bumps of the chain, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, *dc in the next ch, sc in the next ch* repeat to the end of the row, ending with a dc in last ch.

Row 2 (WS): ch 1, turn, *(sc in dc of the row below, dc in sc of the row below, repeat from * to the end of the row.

Repeat Row 2 until row 9. 

Do not cut off yarn. 

Body 

Row 10: ch 1, turn. *(sc, dc, sc) in next 3 sts, (dc, sc, dc) in next st* repeat to the end of the row, finishing with a dc in the last st.

Row 11: ch 1, turn, *(sc in dc of the row below, dc in sc of the row below, repeat from * to the end of the row.

Repeat Row 11 until row 22.

Row 23: ch 1, turn. Slst flo across.

Row 24: 

Work in the back loops of row 22! So row 23 and 24 are both worked on top of row 22, one in front loops and the other one in back loops.

Ch 1, turn. *(sc, dc) in next 6 sts, (sc, dc, sc) in next st, (dc, sc) in next 6 sts, (dc, sc, dc) in next st* repeat to the end of the row. 

Size S will finish with (dc, sc) in last 5 sts.

Row 25: ch 1, turn, *(sc in dc of the row below, dc in sc of the row below, repeat from * to the end of the row.

Repeat Row 25 until row 44.

Row 45: ch 1, turn. Slst flo across.

Row 46: 

Work in the back loops of row 44! So row 45 and 46 are both worked on top of row 44, one in front loops and the other one in back loops.

Ch 1, turn. *(sc, dc) in next 6 sts, (sc, dc, sc) in next st, (dc, sc) in next 6 sts, (dc, sc, dc) in next st* repeat to the end of the row. 

Size S will finish with (sc, dc) in last 4 sts.

Row 47: ch 1, turn, *(sc in dc of the row below, dc in sc of the row below, repeat from * to the end of the row.

Repeat Row 47 until row 67.

Finish off.

Repeat the instructions for the 2nd panel.

Pockets

To add pockets to your skirt, you’ll work directly on each panel’s left and right sides. 

Row 1: WS facing, attach the yarn in 15th row from the waist and ch 2. Work 2 dc in every dc and 1 dc in every sc until you have a total of 22 dc.

Row 2 – 10: ch 2, turn. Dc across.

Finish off.

Row 1: RS facing, attach the yarn in 15th row from the waist and ch 2. Work 2 dc in every dc and 1 dc in every sc until you have a total of 22 dc.

Row 2 – 10: ch 2, turn. Dc across.

Finish off.

Repeat the instructions on the other panel.

Assembling

RS facing, sew the sides of the panels together with a slst. Start at the waistband, continue down around the pockets, and proceed along the main body of the skirt until the seam is complete.

Cut a piece of elastic about 10 cm longer than the  waistband circumference, giving you enough length to weave and secure it. Weave the elastic into the waistband, starting with the first row, threading it evenly throughout the entire row. Repeat this process for each of the 9 rows in the waistband, ensuring the elastic is evenly distributed and secured for a comfortable, stretchy fit. Adjust and tighten as necessary before finalizing the skirt.