Crochet Tennis Skirt Free Pattern: Make Your Own Stylish Court-Ready Look

There is something deeply satisfying about wearing something you made yourself, and when that something turns out to be a chic, functional tennis skirt, the satisfaction doubles. Crochet has had a massive resurgence in recent years, moving far beyond granny squares and doilies into the realm of wearable, fashionable pieces that hold their own against anything you would find in a boutique. A crochet tennis skirt sits right at the intersection of sport and style, combining the breezy, open-stitch texture of handmade fabric with the flirty, movement-friendly silhouette that makes tennis skirts so beloved both on and off the court.

This free pattern is designed for beginner to intermediate crocheters. If you know how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and work in the round, you have everything you need to complete this project. The pattern is written in US crochet terms and uses widely available yarn and hook sizes. You will find full instructions, material lists, sizing notes, and plenty of tips to help you customize this skirt to fit your body and your personal style.

Why Crochet a Tennis Skirt?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it is worth pausing to appreciate why a crocheted tennis skirt is such a rewarding project. Tennis skirts are traditionally short, A-line or pleated skirts with a fitted waistband, worn with built-in shorts or paired with biker shorts underneath. They became a streetwear staple thanks to brands like Nike and Lacoste, but the crochet version takes the silhouette into a completely new direction.

When you crochet a tennis skirt, you get to choose the drape, the stitch texture, the color, and the exact measurements. No more settling for a length that does not suit you or a waistband that digs in. The crocheted version is also breathable and lightweight, making it genuinely comfortable to wear on warm days whether you are playing a casual match, heading to brunch, or strolling through a weekend market.

The pattern below creates a skirt with a stretchy ribbed waistband, a flowy lace-inspired body, and a simple scalloped hem. It is designed to hit at mid-thigh, but you will find easy instructions for adjusting the length.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start will make the whole process smoother. Here is what you need for this project.

Yarn: Approximately 300–500 yards of DK weight yarn (the exact yardage depends on your size). A cotton or cotton-blend yarn works beautifully for this project because it is breathable, holds its shape, and has a lovely drape. Some popular choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, or Drops Safran. For a more luxurious feel, a cotton-linen blend adds beautiful weight and structure.

Hook: US size E-4 (3.5mm) for the waistband ribbing, and US size G-6 (4.0mm) for the skirt body. Having two hooks on hand is ideal, though you can also adjust your tension.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, a 1-inch wide elastic band cut to your waist measurement, a stitch marker, scissors, and measuring tape.

Gauge: With the G-6 hook and the main stitch pattern, aim for approximately 16 stitches and 8 rows to equal 4 inches. Always swatch before you begin, especially for a garment, because gauge directly affects how the skirt fits.

Sizing Information

This pattern is written to fit the following hip measurements. Choose your size based on your hip measurement, not your waist, since the waistband is fully adjustable with elastic.

Small fits hips measuring 34 to 36 inches. Medium fits hips measuring 37 to 39 inches. Large fits hips measuring 40 to 42 inches. Extra Large fits hips measuring 43 to 45 inches. 2X fits hips measuring 46 to 48 inches.

If your measurements fall between sizes, size up for a more relaxed fit or size down for a snugger silhouette. The skirt is worked from the waist down, so you can also try it on as you go and adjust the width at any point in the first few rounds.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

Ch means chain. St means stitch. Sl st means slip stitch. Sc means single crochet. Dc means double crochet. Ch-sp means chain space. Rep means repeat. Beg means beginning. Sk means skip. Yo means yarn over. Rnd means round.

Pattern Instructions

Part One: The Waistband

The waistband is worked flat in ribbing, then seamed to form a tube. This creates a neat, stretchy band that sits comfortably at the natural waist.

Using the E-4 hook, chain 12.

Row 1: Sc in the second chain from hook and in each chain across. You will have 11 sc. Chain 1, turn.

Row 2: Working in back loops only, sc in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until your ribbing measures the following length depending on your size. For Small, work until the piece measures 28 inches. For Medium, work until it measures 30 inches. For Large, work until it measures 32 inches. For XL, work until it measures 34 inches. For 2X, work until it measures 36 inches.

Once your ribbing reaches the correct length, do not fasten off yet. Fold the piece so the short ends meet, and slip stitch the two ends together to form a ring. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Set this piece aside for now.

Part Two: The Skirt Body

Switch to your G-6 hook. You will now work the skirt body in the round, attaching directly to the top edge of the waistband.

With your G-6 hook, join yarn to any stitch along the top edge of the waistband with a slip stitch.

Foundation Round: Chain 3, then work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochet into each stitch around the entire top edge of the waistband. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3. You will have a substantial number of stitches here, and the exact count varies by size. For a Small, you should have approximately 80 stitches total. For a Medium, aim for approximately 90 stitches. For a Large, aim for approximately 100 stitches. For XL, aim for approximately 110 stitches. For 2X, aim for approximately 120 stitches.

Do not worry if your count is slightly off by one or two stitches. The lace stitch pattern works in multiples of 5, so adjust your stitch count in the next round to reach the nearest multiple of 5.

Round 1 (Adjustment Round): If needed, work one simple round of dc around, adding or skipping a stitch or two to bring your total to a multiple of 5. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beg ch-3.

Round 2 (Begin Lace Pattern): Chain 4, skip the next 2 stitches, dc in the next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next stitch. Repeat this sequence around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning chain 4. The result is a series of open, airy mesh diamonds that create the lace effect.

Round 3: Slip stitch into the first chain space. Chain 3, work 4 dc into the same chain space. Skip the next chain space, and work 5 dc into the following chain space. Continue repeating this shell-style cluster all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beg ch-3. This round starts adding the flowy volume to the skirt.

Round 4: Chain 5, skip to the gap between the two shell clusters, sc in the gap, chain 5, sc in the center of the next shell cluster, chain 5, sc in the gap between clusters. Continue this pattern around. Join.

Rounds 5 through 12: Continue alternating between shell rounds and chain-arc rounds, increasing the number of chain stitches by 1 in each subsequent set of chain arcs. So in Round 6, your arcs will be chain 6 instead of chain 5. In Round 8, chain 7. This gradual increase in chain arc size creates the natural flare of the A-line skirt, giving it that beautiful movement when you walk or twirl.

For a longer skirt, simply continue repeating the pattern until you reach your desired length. Each additional two rounds will add approximately 1 inch of length.

Part Three: The Hem

The scalloped hem is what gives this skirt its finished, polished look. It is simple to work but makes a big visual impact.

Hem Round 1: Join yarn to any stitch along the bottom edge with a slip stitch. Chain 1, then sc in each stitch and chain space evenly around the entire bottom edge of the skirt. Join with a slip stitch to the beginning sc.

Hem Round 2: Chain 3, work 4 dc in the same stitch as the join. Skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, work 5 dc in the next stitch. Repeat this shell and sc sequence all the way around to create the scallop effect. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing the Skirt

With the skirt body complete, fold the elastic band in half and mark the halfway point, then mark the quarter points as well. Do the same with the top edge of the crocheted waistband. Align the markers and use a yarn needle to whipstitch or backstitch the elastic inside the waistband, distributing the gathers evenly as you sew. This gives the skirt its final fitted shape at the waist while allowing the body to flare out beautifully.

Give the finished skirt a gentle hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, then block it flat or on a mannequin to set the stitches and even out the lace pattern. Once dry, it is ready to wear.

Tips for Customizing Your Crochet Tennis Skirt

One of the greatest things about making your own clothes is the freedom to adjust every detail. Here are some ideas for making this pattern your own.

Change the yarn color for a bold look. A crisp white cotton crocheted skirt looks elegant and classic, especially paired with white sneakers. But this pattern also looks stunning in bold colors like cobalt blue, sage green, terracotta, or even a variegated yarn that transitions between two or three tones.

Add a picot edge instead of scallops. If you prefer a more delicate hem, work a round of single crochet around the bottom, then work a picot row by alternating sc and small 3-chain loops for a dainty, feminine finish.

Lengthen into a midi skirt. Simply keep adding rounds until the skirt reaches just below the knee or even to mid-calf for a more dramatic, bohemian silhouette. A midi-length crochet skirt pairs beautifully with a fitted tank top or tucked-in linen blouse.

Add a contrast color trim. Work the scalloped hem in a contrasting color to make the border pop. You could also stripe the lace body by changing colors every two rounds for a color-blocked effect.

Incorporate a slit. Instead of working continuously in the round for the lower portion of the skirt, work back and forth in rows for a few inches along one side to create a small front or side slit. This adds movement and a slightly edgier look.

Make it crochet-over-shorts. The open lace stitch means this skirt is sheer, which is part of its charm. Most people wear it over biker shorts, seamless leggings, or a simple slip. Choose a base layer in a coordinating or contrasting color to play up the layered look.

Styling Your Crochet Tennis Skirt

The beauty of a crochet tennis skirt is that it lives far outside the tennis court. Here are a few ways to style it depending on the occasion.

For a casual daytime look, pair the skirt with a simple ribbed crop top, white chunky sneakers, and a bucket hat. A crossbody bag in natural straw or wicker ties the handmade aesthetic together beautifully.

For a beach or resort look, wear the skirt over a coordinating bikini top and add flat sandals, a wide brim hat, and oversized sunglasses. The open stitch works like a dream as a cover-up, and the lightweight cotton dries quickly if it gets splashed.

For a slightly dressier occasion, tuck a fitted linen blouse into the waistband and add block-heeled mules or strappy sandals. A pair of simple gold hoops and a structured mini bag complete a look that is polished without being overdone.

For a sporty streetwear aesthetic, pair the skirt with a fitted athletic tank, a zip-up hoodie tied around the waist, and classic court sneakers. This is the look that started the tennis skirt trend in the first place, and it never gets old.

Common Questions About This Pattern

Can a beginner make this skirt? Absolutely. If you are comfortable with double crochet and working in the round, you have the core skills needed. The lace pattern looks complex but is actually a very simple repeat once you get going. Take it one round at a time, and do not hesitate to pull back and redo a section if something looks off.

What if I run out of yarn? Plan ahead by buying one extra skein of your chosen yarn, especially if you are sizing up or planning to make the skirt longer. If you do run out mid-project, check the dye lot number on your yarn label and try to purchase from the same dye lot to ensure consistent color. Slight color variations between lots can be visible once the yarn is worked up.

How do I wash and care for the finished skirt? Always follow the care instructions on your yarn label. Most cotton yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle, but hand washing in cool water will extend the life of your garment and keep the stitches looking crisp. Lay flat to dry rather than putting it in the dryer to prevent shrinkage and distortion.

Can I use a different yarn weight? Yes, though you will need to adjust your hook size and your stitch counts accordingly. A lighter fingering weight yarn will create a more delicate, sheer fabric, while a worsted weight yarn will produce a sturdier, more opaque skirt. Just make sure to check your gauge and adjust the number of stitches in the foundation round to maintain the correct hip circumference.

Final Thoughts

A crochet tennis skirt is one of those projects that earns you genuine compliments the very first time you wear it. People ask where you bought it, and there is no better feeling than saying you made it yourself. The pattern above gives you a solid foundation, but the real magic happens when you start tweaking the colors, the length, the hem details, and the pairing choices to create something that truly reflects your own taste.

Whether you are an experienced crocheter looking for a fun summer wearable or a newer stitcher ready to tackle your first garment, this project is approachable, rewarding, and genuinely useful. Crochet garments are having their moment, and a handmade tennis skirt is one of the most wearable ways to be part of that movement.

Grab your hooks, choose a yarn that makes you happy, and enjoy the process. Your perfect crochet tennis skirt is waiting to be made.