Michael Skirt: A Free Midi Skirt Knitting Pattern You’ll Really Love
Looking for a wearable midi skirt knitting pattern? This post walks through my Michael Skirt, with the free skirt knitting pattern link at the bottom of the post. Check out even more free skirt patterns here.
A midi skirt knitting pattern is a knit skirt that falls mid-calf, offering comfort, movement, and a polished handmade look you can dress up or down.
Why a midi skirt knitting pattern is such a good wardrobe staple
A midi skirt knitting pattern gives you a handmade piece that feels practical, flattering, and surprisingly versatile.
If you have ever wanted to knit clothing that actually gets worn, this is it. I reach for knit skirts constantly because they move with you, feel comfortable all day, and still look pulled together. The Michael Skirt was designed to be one of those pieces you grab without thinking and then wonder why people keep asking where you bought it.
This particular midi skirt knitting pattern sits right in that sweet spot between casual and dressed up. Sandals, boots, sneakers, or tights all work, and it layers beautifully with sweaters and cardigans.
What is the Michael Skirt and why did I design it this way
The Michael Skirt is a midi skirt knitting pattern designed to perfectly match the Ladies Michael Sweater.
I wanted a skirt that felt intentional, not like an afterthought. The increases at the hips mirror the wide raglan increases on the sweater, which makes the whole outfit feel cohesive and thoughtfully designed. When worn together, it genuinely looks like something you would find in a boutique, not something made on the couch during nap time.
I knit my sample using Berroco Vintage (affiliate link), and it gave the skirt enough structure to hold its shape while still being comfortable enough for everyday wear.
How the fit works and why you get to choose
This midi skirt knitting pattern gives you control over how the skirt fits your body.
You can choose between:
- 1 inch of negative ease for a more body-con style
- 1 inch of positive ease for a relaxed fit with no stretching
I chose the positive ease option for myself, and that is the version you see throughout this post. It skims the body without clinging, which is exactly what I wanted for a skirt I could wear all day.
That flexibility makes this midi skirt knitting pattern work for a wide range of bodies and preferences, which was very important to me while designing it.
Can you adjust the length of this midi skirt knitting pattern
Yes, you can easily customize the length to suit your style.
Although it is written as a midi length, you are not locked into that. You can knit it shorter or longer simply by adjusting the body length before finishing. I kept the construction straightforward so you are not fighting the math while making changes.
This is one of those midi skirt knitting pattern designs that feels forgiving instead of fussy, which makes it enjoyable from cast on to bind off.
What stitch pattern does the Michael Skirt use
The Michael Skirt uses a wide broken rib stitch that is simple, rhythmic, and fun to knit.
This stitch pattern gives just enough texture to keep things interesting without slowing you down. It is easy to memorize, which makes it perfect for knitting while watching a show or chatting with family. The texture also helps the skirt look polished and intentional, especially when paired with the matching sweater.
Every time I wear this midi skirt knitting pattern, someone is shocked when I say I made it myself, and that never gets old.
Why the raglan-style increases matter so much
The wide raglan-style increases are one of my favorite details in this midi skirt knitting pattern.
Instead of hidden shaping, the increases are meant to be seen. They echo the sweater design and create a subtle visual line that looks professional and well planned. That was very much on purpose. I wanted this to feel like a complete outfit, not two separate pieces that happen to match.
If you have knit the Ladies Michael Sweater before, you will immediately recognize the shaping and appreciate how everything ties together.
Yarn choice and how it affects the finished skirt
The yarn you choose can really change how this midi skirt knitting pattern behaves.
I used Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) because it offers:
- Great stitch definition
- Durability for frequent wear
- Easy care for real life
That combination makes it ideal for a skirt that will see a lot of use. If you want to explore other yarn options, my post on best yarns for garment knitting and my free sweater knitting patterns page are great places to start.
Where to find the free pattern
The Michael Skirt pattern is free to download at the bottom of this post.
I always like to give context, tips, and personal insight first so you know exactly what you are getting into before you download. When you are ready, scroll down to grab the pattern and start knitting your own midi skirt knitting pattern project.
You may also want to check out the matching Ladies Michael Sweater and my full free skirt knitting pattern collection to build a complete handmade wardrobe.
FAQ about the Michael Skirt knitting pattern
Is this midi skirt knitting pattern beginner friendly
Yes, if you are comfortable knitting in the round and following simple shaping, you will do just fine.
Can I really wear a knit skirt every day
Absolutely. I do, and this one holds up beautifully with regular wear.
What needles and tools do I need
You will need circular needles suited to your gauge, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle. The pattern walks you through everything clearly.
Is Berroco Vintage a good yarn choice for skirts
Yes. Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) has the structure and durability needed for garments that get worn often.
Final thoughts and what to knit next
In this post, you learned what makes a midi skirt knitting pattern wearable, adjustable, and truly practical. The Michael Skirt was designed to feel intentional, comfortable, and polished, especially when worn with its matching sweater.
If you are ready to cast on, scroll down to grab the free pattern. After that, head over to the Ladies Michael Sweater or browse my free skirt knitting pattern page to plan your next project.
If you knit this skirt or have questions, leave a comment below. I love hearing how these designs come to life in your hands.
Michael Skirt Free Pattern
MATERIALS AND INFO
Sizes: XS, S (M, L) XL, 2X (3X, 4X)
Materials: Approximately 4, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 8) 8, 9, (10, 11) balls of BerrocoVintage (218yds, 100g), needle, stitch markers, 1.5in wide elastic
Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm & 6(US) 4.25mm straight and dpn
Gauge (tension): 22sts & 28 rows to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles
Waist Measurement: 26, 32 (34, 37) 40, 45 (49, 54) ins or 65, 80 (85, 92.5) 100, 112.5 (122.5, 135) cm
METHOD
Michael Skirt is top-down seamless skirt in a warm and soft yarn. Created for myself to wear in our frigid Montana winters along with my Michael Sweater. I love the look of sweater skirt sets so made myself one! You can pick to knit it with 1in/2.5cms negative or positive ease. Negative ease will be tight to skin like a bodycon style while positive will fit over the top of the skin with a little room. The model image is in positive ease.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
Note: choose size based on waist measurement for best fit
MICHAEL RIB
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – (k2, p2, k2) around
1X1 RIB PATTERN
Row 1 (right side row) – (k1, p1) across
Row 2 – knit all the knit stitches, purl all the purl stitches.
WAIST
Cast on using smallest circular needle: 156, 180 (192, 216) 228, 252 (276, 300).
Join in the round. Place bor marker.
Work in stockinette (knit every round) until work measures 3.5ins or 9cms from cast on.
ELASTIC WAISTBAND
Cut elastic 1in or 2.5 cms smaller than actual waist measurement of person the skirt is being made for. Sew the 2 ends together. Make sure it is not twisted, just as you do for a cast on joining in the round. Also make sure it is reinforced well.
WAISTBAND JOIN
With largest needles, knit around, each time combining one st from the cast on and one st from your needles. (For a left-handed tutorial of this click here.)
SKIRT SHAPING
Set-up round – Work in Michael rib 78, 90 (96, 108) 114, 126 (138, 150), pm, work in Michael rib 78, 90 (96, 108) 114, 126 (138, 150)
Increase Round – k1, m1l, work in Michael Rib until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in Michael Rib until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1 [4sts increased]
For negative ease – Work increases as described Every other round 4 times Then every 4th round 2 times.
[180, 204 (216, 240) 252, 276 (300, 324) sts]
For positive ease – Work increases as described Every other round 9 times Then every 4th round 3 times.
[204, 228 (240, 264) 276, 300 (324, 348) sts]
SKIRT BODY
Work until skirt measures 24, 24.5 (25, 25.5) 26, 26.5 (27, 27.5) or 60, 61 (62.5, 64) 65, 66 (67.5, 69) cms from top or approximately 1.5ins or 4cms less than desired length.
Work in 1×1 Rib for 1.5ins or 4cms. Bind off in pattern loosely.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and block.
ABBREVIATIONS
bor – beginning of round
k – knit
m1l – pick up from front to back the strand between the 2sts on your needles, knit through back loop
m1r – pick up from back to front the strand between the 2sts on your needles, knit through the front loop
P – purl
pm – place marker
sm – slip marker
Michael Skirt Free PDF Download
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Have you made a knit skirt before, or is this your first one? Tell me in the comments and let me know which fit option you would choose.
The post Michael Skirt: A Free Midi Skirt Knitting Pattern You’ll Really Love appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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