Crochet Scallop Skirt Pattern | PDF Crochet Pattern for Women XS–2XL
There is something undeniably romantic about a scallop edge. Those soft, repeating curves carry a vintage elegance that never goes out of style, and when you build an entire skirt around that idea, the result is something truly special. This crochet scallop skirt pattern is designed for real women with real bodies, offered in sizes XS through 2XL so that everyone can make something they are proud to wear. Whether you are an intermediate crocheter looking for your next wearable project or a dedicated maker who wants a pattern that holds up to scrutiny, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — from yarn selection and gauge to finishing tips and styling ideas.
Pull up your favorite chair, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let’s make something beautiful together.
Why You Will Love This Pattern
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why a crochet scallop skirt deserves a spot in your project queue.
First, it is endlessly wearable. A scalloped hem reads as dressy enough for a summer wedding or a garden party, yet casual enough to pair with a simple tank top and sandals on a warm afternoon. The silhouette flatters a wide range of body types because the flowing, slightly A-line shape skims the hips and moves beautifully when you walk.
Second, the stitch pattern itself is forgiving and rhythmic. Once you have worked a few repeats of the scallop motif, your hands will find the rhythm and you will barely need to look at the pattern. That makes this a wonderful project to work on while listening to a podcast or watching your favorite show.
Third, it is genuinely size-inclusive. Too many crochet patterns stop at a large or offer vague “adjustments” without real guidance. This pattern provides full instructions for XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL, with specific stitch counts and measurements for each size written out clearly.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn
The best yarn for this project is a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn. You want something with a nice drape — stiff acrylic will not give you the fluid movement that makes a scallop skirt look so gorgeous. Look for a yarn labeled as DK weight or light worsted, ideally in a fiber blend of cotton and nylon or cotton and linen for a little extra durability and stretch recovery.
Approximate yardage by size:
XS: 750 yards
S: 850 yards
M: 1,000 yards
L: 1,150 yards
XL: 1,300 yards
2XL: 1,450 yards
Good yarn choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, WeCrochet Comfy Cotton Blend, and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK. Any yarn that achieves gauge will work, so do not be afraid to use something from your stash if it matches the weight and fiber content.
Hook
A 4.0 mm (US G/6) crochet hook is the recommended starting point for this pattern. Depending on your personal tension, you may need to go up or down half a size. If your swatch comes out too tight and stiff, try a 4.5 mm hook. If it comes out too loose and floppy, try a 3.5 mm hook.
Notions
You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a measuring tape, stitch markers (at least 4 to 6), and a length of elastic that matches your waist measurement. For the waistband casing, a piece of 1-inch wide soft elastic works best. You may also want blocking mats and pins if you prefer to wet block your finished skirt, which is highly recommended for cotton yarn.
Gauge
Gauge matters in garment making. Please take the time to make a gauge swatch before you begin the body of the skirt. An inch of difference in gauge can translate to several inches of difference in the finished waistband, which will affect fit significantly.
Work a swatch of approximately 20 stitches and 12 rows in single crochet with your chosen yarn and hook. Block the swatch the same way you plan to block the finished skirt, then measure.
Target gauge: 18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet after blocking.
If you are working the scallop stitch pattern specifically, a 4-shell repeat should measure approximately 3 inches across.
Finished Measurements
The skirt is designed with approximately 2 inches of positive ease at the waist and hip. Here are the finished measurements by size:
XS: waist 26 inches, hip 34 inches, length 22 inches
S: waist 28 inches, hip 36 inches, length 22 inches
M: waist 32 inches, hip 40 inches, length 23 inches
L: waist 36 inches, hip 44 inches, length 23 inches
XL: waist 40 inches, hip 48 inches, length 24 inches
2XL: waist 44 inches, hip 52 inches, length 24 inches
The skirt is worked from the waist down, so length adjustments are simple — just add or subtract rows before beginning the scallop section.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
sk — skip
sp — space
st — stitch
rep — repeat
PM — place marker
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
Scallop Shell Stitch: Work 5 dc into the same stitch or space. This creates one shell, which forms the body of each scallop.
Foundation Row for Scallops: Working across the row, (sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc shell in next st) across. This 6-stitch repeat forms the base unit of the scallop pattern.
Pattern Notes
This skirt is worked in joined rounds from the top down. The waistband is worked first as a flat rectangle and then seamed, creating a casing for the elastic. The body of the skirt is then worked in rounds, with increases placed strategically to create the gentle A-line flare. The scallop section begins in the final third of the skirt and builds from a transition row that sets up the shell repeat.
Read through the full pattern before you begin. Understanding how the sections connect will help you see why certain rows are worked the way they are, especially the transition row between the body and the scallop section.
Throughout the pattern, instructions for all sizes are written together, with size-specific numbers in parentheses in the order XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
The Pattern
Section One: Waistband
The waistband is worked flat to create a casing for the elastic. You will seam it later and then pick up stitches along the long edge to begin the skirt body.
Chain 10.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (9 sc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Continue working in sc, turning at the end of each row, until the waistband measures (24, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42) inches long.
Do not fasten off. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise so the short ends meet, right sides together. Sl st through both layers across the short end to seam. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Fold the waistband piece so the seam is at the center back. You now have a loop. Insert your elastic through the casing (you can use a safety pin to thread it through), adjust to fit comfortably, overlap the ends by about an inch, and sew the elastic ends together securely. Sew the open ends of the casing closed by slip stitching through both layers.
Section Two: Skirt Body
With RS facing and the waistband seam at center back, join yarn at the back seam on the lower edge of the waistband.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the lower edge of the waistband, placing (108, 120, 132, 144, 168, 192) sc evenly around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. PM to mark the beginning of round.
Rounds 2–8: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (no increase)
Round 9 (Increase Round): Ch 1, sc in next (5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5) sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from around. Join. [(126, 140, 154, 168, 196, 224) sts]
Rounds 10–16: Work even in sc.
Round 17 (Increase Round): Ch 1, sc in next (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from around. Join. [(144, 160, 176, 192, 224, 256) sts]
Rounds 18–24: Work even in sc.
Round 25 (Increase Round): Ch 1, sc in next (7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7) sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from around. Join. [(162, 180, 198, 216, 252, 288) sts]
Rounds 26–32: Work even in sc. At this point, the skirt body measures approximately 7 inches from the waistband.
At this stage, check your stitch count against the scallop repeat. The scallop pattern uses a 6-stitch repeat (sk 2, sc 1, sk 2, shell in 1). Your stitch count must be divisible by 6 before you begin the scallop section. Adjust by adding or removing 1 to 3 stitches evenly in the next round if needed to reach the nearest number divisible by 6.
Section Three: Transition to Scallop Pattern
This row prepares your stitches for the scallop shell repeats. It creates the spacing the shells need to bloom properly.
Transition Round: Ch 1, sc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts; rep from around, ending with a sl st to first sc. (This creates a series of sc separated by ch-2 spaces around the skirt.)
Section Four: Scallop Section
Row 1 of Scallops: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st (half shell to begin), sc in next sc, 5 dc shell in next sc; rep from to last sc, sc in last sc, 2 dc in first st (completes the half shell at beginning). Join with sl st to top of ch-3. This creates the first tier of scallops.
Row 2 of Scallops: Ch 1, sc in top of joining sl st, 5 dc shell in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell; rep from around. Join.
Row 3 of Scallops: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, sc in center dc of next shell, 5 dc shell in next sc; rep from around, ending with sc in center dc of last shell. Join with sl st to top of ch-3.
Rows 4–9 of Scallops: Continue alternating Row 2 and Row 3. Each pair of rows adds approximately 1.5 inches of scallop depth to the hem.
Work additional scallop rows until the skirt reaches your desired length, keeping in mind that the scallop section adds visual weight and the hem will hang a little lower at the deepest points of each scallop.
Final Row: Ch 1, sc in joining sl st, work across as established, ending with a sl st. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.
Finishing
Weave in all ends thoroughly. Cotton yarn can be slippery, so bury your ends well and consider adding a small dab of fabric glue if you are worried about them working loose over time.
Wet blocking this skirt makes a significant difference. Submerge the finished skirt in cool water, gently squeeze out the excess (do not wring), and roll it in a clean towel to remove more moisture. Lay it flat on your blocking mats, pin the scallop points out to their full depth, and allow to dry completely. Once dry, the scallops will hold their shape beautifully and the drape of the cotton will be perfect.
Sizing Tips and Adjustments
If you fall between sizes, choose the larger size for the hip measurement rather than the smaller, as it is easier to take in a waistband with tighter elastic than to add ease to a skirt that is too snug at the hip.
To lengthen the skirt, simply add more rows to the body section before beginning the scallop transition. Every 6 rounds adds approximately 1.25 inches to the length.
To shorten the skirt, reduce the number of rows in the body section by the same calculation.
If you want a fuller hem, work one additional increase round near the bottom of the body section before transitioning to the scallop portion. This will give the scallops more fabric to work with and create a slightly more dramatic flare.
Yarn Substitution Ideas
If you want to experiment with different yarns, here are a few guidelines. For a light, breezy summer skirt, try a linen-blend yarn — it will be a little more work to crochet because linen has less give, but the finished fabric is stunning and gets softer with every wash. For a slightly dressier version, try a bamboo yarn, which has a beautiful natural sheen and incredible drape. For a cozy transitional season version, a soft merino-cotton blend in a deeper color will give the skirt an autumnal feel that pairs beautifully with ankle boots and a chunky cardigan.
Avoid yarns with a lot of texture or halo for this pattern, as they can obscure the definition of the scallop shells. The stitch pattern is the star of this design, and it deserves a smooth, clean yarn that lets the shells speak for themselves.
Styling Your Crochet Scallop Skirt
One of the most delightful things about a crochet scallop skirt is how many ways it can be worn. For a casual summer look, tuck in a fitted ribbed tank or a simple linen button-down shirt. Add flat sandals or espadrilles and a woven bag, and you have an effortlessly chic warm-weather outfit.
For a more dressed-up version, try a silky camisole tucked in and pair the skirt with heeled mules or strappy sandals. Delicate gold jewelry echoes the rounded shapes of the scallop hem beautifully.
In cooler weather, the skirt layers surprisingly well over opaque tights or slim trousers, with a tucked-in long-sleeve top and a structured blazer. The bohemian texture of the crochet adds visual interest to what might otherwise be a very simple autumn outfit.
If you made the skirt in a neutral color like white, cream, or natural cotton tan, you have an incredibly versatile piece that works with almost any top in your wardrobe. If you chose a bold color or a variegated yarn, let the skirt be the focal point of the outfit and keep the rest of your look simple.
About the PDF Pattern
The PDF version of this crochet scallop skirt pattern includes everything in this post in a clean, printer-friendly format with additional charts and diagrams for the scallop stitch repeat, a visual size guide with schematic drawings, a photo guide for the transition row setup, and a printable stitch count reference card you can keep beside you while working. The PDF is formatted for both US letter and A4 paper sizes.
All six sizes are clearly marked throughout the pattern, and a separate at-a-glance chart at the beginning of the document lets you highlight your size before you begin so you are never hunting through parentheses mid-row.
Final Thoughts
A crochet scallop skirt is one of those projects that feels ambitious when you begin and deeply satisfying when you finish. There is a moment, usually somewhere in the middle of the scallop section, when you hold the skirt up and see those shells forming one after another, and you realize that you are making something genuinely beautiful with your own two hands. That feeling is why so many of us keep coming back to crochet.
Whether you are making this for yourself, as a gift, or as a piece to sell at a craft fair or in your Etsy shop, take your time with
