Phoebe Skirt – Crochet Tutorial: How to Make a Stunning Boho Skirt from Scratch

There is something undeniably magical about wearing something you made with your own hands. The Phoebe Skirt is one of those projects that feels ambitious at first glance but rewards you generously the moment you slip it on. With its flowing silhouette, open lacework panels, and that unmistakable handmade charm, this crochet skirt has become a favorite among makers at every skill level. Whether you are a confident beginner ready to take on your first garment or an experienced crocheter looking for a wearable project that genuinely excites you, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to create your very own Phoebe Skirt.

Let’s get into it — from yarn selection all the way to the finishing touches.

What Is the Phoebe Skirt?

The Phoebe Skirt is a crocheted midi or maxi skirt designed with a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic. It typically features a stretchy waistband, an A-line or slightly flared body, and a combination of solid stitch sections and lacy open-work that lets the fabric breathe beautifully. The design is meant to be versatile — it works equally well as a beach cover-up, a festival staple, or a casual everyday skirt paired with a simple tank top or tucked-in blouse.

The name “Phoebe” suits it perfectly. It calls to mind free-spirited energy, effortless style, and the kind of garment that looks like it took great skill but was actually an enjoyable process from start to finish. Because it was.

Materials You Will Need

Before you cast on your first stitch, gather everything you need so the process flows without interruption.

Yarn: Choose a lightweight yarn for the best drape. Cotton, bamboo, linen, or a cotton-blend yarn in DK or light worsted weight works wonderfully. You will need approximately 800–1,200 yards depending on your size, desired length, and tension. Cotton is particularly popular because it is breathable, has excellent stitch definition, and washes easily. A solid or semi-solid color showcases the lacework beautifully, though a subtle tonal yarn can add lovely dimension.

Hook: A 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm crochet hook is standard for this project. Check your gauge swatch (more on that below) to determine which size gives you the drape you want. A slightly larger hook than the yarn label recommends often produces a softer, more fluid fabric in garments.

Elastic or Drawstring: You will need either a length of 1-inch wide elastic cut to your waist measurement minus one inch, or a length of ribbon or cord for a drawstring waistband. Both options work well; elastic gives a snug, no-fuss fit while a drawstring allows more adjustability.

Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming if needed.

Stitch Markers: Optional but helpful for marking pattern repeats and round beginnings.

Scissors: The obvious tool you will inevitably forget to mention and then go searching for mid-project.

Measuring Tape: Essential for checking your gauge swatch and taking body measurements before you begin.

Sizing and Measurements

The Phoebe Skirt is worked from the waist down, which means you will begin with the waistband and increase outward as you go to create the flared shape. This construction method is forgiving because you can try the skirt on as you go and stop whenever you reach your desired length.

Take the following measurements before you begin:

Your waist measurement determines the starting chain or stitch count. Your hip measurement helps you understand how much ease the skirt needs to fall comfortably over your hips without pulling. The desired skirt length tells you roughly how many rows or rounds you will work.

For reference, a standard midi length (hitting mid-calf) requires approximately 18–24 inches of body length below the waistband. A maxi length will add another 6–10 inches. Measure yourself and decide what you want before you start, then adjust as you go.

Understanding Gauge

Gauge is everything in garment making. Even a small difference in tension over four inches can translate to several inches of difference in a finished waistband — which is either too tight to get on or so loose it falls down. Neither is a good look.

To make a gauge swatch, chain 20 stitches and work in your chosen stitch pattern for 15–20 rows. Measure the swatch flat without stretching it. Count how many stitches and rows fit into a 4-inch square. Compare this to the pattern gauge.

Target gauge for the Phoebe Skirt: approximately 16 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches in single crochet with a 4.5 mm hook and DK weight cotton.

If your swatch is smaller than 4 inches, go up a hook size. If it is larger, go down a hook size. Adjust until your gauge matches, then begin the skirt.

Stitch Abbreviations and Pattern Notes

This tutorial uses US crochet terminology.

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
sk – skip
sp – space
rep – repeat
pm – place marker
BLO – back loop only

The skirt is worked in the round from the top down. Each round is joined with a slip stitch unless otherwise stated. A beginning chain counts as a stitch where indicated.

Step-by-Step Crochet Tutorial

Part One: The Waistband

The waistband is worked in a ribbed pattern using back loop only single crochet, which creates a stretchy, textured band that holds the skirt in place comfortably.

Foundation: Chain 12 (or adjust based on your desired waistband height — 12 chains creates a waistband approximately 2.5 inches tall).

Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook and in each chain across. (11 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc BLO across. (11 sc)

Repeat Row 2 until your waistband strip measures your waist circumference when slightly stretched. For example, if your waist is 30 inches, work the strip until it measures approximately 28–29 inches lying flat.

Join the short ends of the waistband strip together with a slip stitch seam to form a loop. This is your waistband.

If you are using elastic, fold the waistband in half lengthwise and thread the elastic through the tunnel created by the fold before joining the ends. Secure the elastic and close the seam. If you prefer a drawstring, leave small gaps every few inches along the top edge of the waistband through which to thread your cord.

Part Two: Setting Up the Skirt Body

With the waistband complete, you will now pick up stitches along the bottom edge of the waistband to begin the skirt body.

Join your yarn to the bottom edge of the waistband. Work one round of single crochet evenly around the entire bottom edge, placing one stitch in each row end. The total stitch count of this foundation round will depend on how many rows you worked for the waistband. Aim for a stitch count that is divisible by your lace pattern repeat (typically 6 or 12).

Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Part Three: The Solid Body Sections

Work two to four rounds of half double crochet in the round. These solid rounds add structure near the waist before the lacework begins and help the skirt transition smoothly from waistband to pattern.

Each round: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), hdc in each stitch around, join with sl st.

After your solid rounds, work one increase round to add fullness. Work 2 hdc in every sixth stitch around. This adds approximately 16% more stitches and gives the skirt its gentle flare. For a more dramatic A-line shape, increase every fourth stitch.

Part Four: The Lace Panel

This is where the Phoebe Skirt earns its beautiful, airy character. The lace panel is made up of a simple shell and chain-space repeat that creates an open, fan-like texture.

Lace Round Setup: Ensure your current stitch count is divisible by 6. If not, add or subtract a stitch or two in the previous round to make it work.

Lace Pattern (repeat over 6 stitches):

Round 1 (foundation lace): Ch 3, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, ch 3, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch; repeat from around, join with sl st to first chain.

Round 2 (shell round): Sl st into the first ch-3 space, ch 3, work 2 dc in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, ch 1; repeat from around, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

Round 3 (connecting round): Ch 1, sc in first ch-1 space, ch 3, sc in next ch-1 space; repeat from around, ch 3, join with sl st to first sc.

Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for the lace body of the skirt. Each full repeat of these two rounds adds approximately three-quarters of an inch to an inch of length, depending on your yarn and tension.

Work the lace section for as many repeats as needed to reach your desired skirt length, trying the skirt on periodically to check.

Part Five: Shaping with Increase Rounds

To keep the skirt flaring gently and prevent it from becoming too fitted around the hips and thighs, add increase rounds every 3–4 inches of body length. The simplest way to do this within the lace pattern is to work an additional chain or an extra shell cluster in some of the spaces during a plain round, adding stitches evenly around.

Alternatively, work one plain solid round of hdc between lace sections, placing two stitches in approximately every eighth or tenth stitch. This method also creates a nice visual break between tiers and gives the skirt a slightly layered look.

Part Six: The Hem

The hem is your final flourish and a chance to add a finishing detail that frames the skirt beautifully.

Option One – Shell Hem: Work a final round of shells (5 dc in one stitch, skip 2, sl st in next, skip 2, repeat) for a classic, scalloped hem edge. This is the most popular finish for the Phoebe Skirt.

Option Two – Picot Hem: Work a round of sc with picots (sc, ch 3, sl st back into first chain, sc) evenly spaced around for a delicate, pointed edging.

Option Three – Simple Sc Border: For a cleaner, more modern look, work 2–3 rounds of sc around the hem in a contrasting color.

Whichever hem you choose, finish off with a secure knot and weave in all ends thoroughly using your tapestry needle.

Finishing and Blocking

Blocking transforms a crochet garment from something homemade-looking into something genuinely polished. For the Phoebe Skirt, wet blocking is the recommended method, especially if you used cotton or linen yarn.

Hand wash the finished skirt gently in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or gentle detergent. Squeeze out excess water carefully without wringing. Lay the skirt flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up to absorb more moisture, then unroll and transfer the skirt to a blocking mat or clean dry towel.

Shape the skirt by hand, spreading the lace panels gently outward and smoothing the waistband flat. Pin the hem if needed to open up the shell or picot edging. Allow to dry completely — this typically takes several hours to overnight depending on your climate.

Once dry, the difference is remarkable. The lace opens up, the fabric softens and drapes beautifully, and the skirt looks like something from a boutique window.

Sizing Adjustments

The beauty of top-down construction is how easy it is to customize sizing. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind.

To make the skirt larger overall, increase the waistband length and add more stitches in the foundation round. You may also want to increase more frequently in the body to ensure the skirt has enough ease through the hips.

To make the skirt longer, simply continue working the lace pattern or add additional tiers before finishing the hem.

To make a mini version, work fewer lace rounds and stop the body earlier. The waistband and lace panel construction remain the same regardless of length.

Yarn Substitution Ideas

The Phoebe Skirt is wonderfully flexible when it comes to yarn choices. Here are some options that work especially well:

Paintbox Simply DK Cotton is an affordable, widely available cotton that comes in a huge range of colors and has excellent stitch definition for showing off lacework.

We Are Knitters The Cotton is a slightly chunkier option that creates a more substantial fabric with gorgeous texture.

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is a popular choice among North American crocheters and produces a very smooth, consistent fabric that wears and washes beautifully.

Paintbox Simply Chunky works with a larger hook (6.0–6.5 mm) if you want a slightly more textured, earthy fabric with more weight and body.

Avoid very slippery fibers like pure viscose or certain silks for your first time making this skirt — they can be harder to control and the tension becomes more challenging to maintain.

Styling the Phoebe Skirt

Once your skirt is finished and blocked, the real fun begins. Here are some ways to wear it.

For a beach or summer look, pair it with a simple white crocheted crop top or a tied linen shirt. Flat sandals or bare feet complete the vibe perfectly.

For a slightly more polished everyday outfit, tuck a fitted T-shirt or a silk slip top into the waistband and add block-heeled sandals or loafers.

In cooler months, layer the Phoebe Skirt over fitted leggings and pair with an oversized knit sweater and ankle boots. The lacework adds visual interest without competing with the rest of the outfit.

For festivals or outdoor events, style it with a bralette or bandeau top, a denim jacket tied at the waist, and chunky platforms or wedges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The waistband is too tight: This usually means your ribbing tension is too tight or the waistband strip was not worked long enough. Always try the waistband on before joining and seaming.

The skirt is flaring too much or too little: Adjust the frequency of your increase rounds. More increases, more flare. Fewer increases, a straighter silhouette.

The lace pattern looks uneven: This is almost always a tension issue. Try to maintain consistent tension on your chain stitches, as chains that are too tight will pull the lace closed and chains that are too loose will make it look sloppy. Blocking will help significantly.

The skirt is pulling at the hips: You may need to add an extra increase round right above the hip line to give the skirt enough ease to fall smoothly past your widest point.

A Note on Garment Making

If this is your first wearable crochet project, welcome to one of the most satisfying corners of the fiber arts world. Garment making asks a little more of you in terms of patience, measurement, and attention to detail — but the payoff is extraordinary. Wearing something beautiful that you made yourself is an experience that never gets old. The Phoebe Skirt is an excellent introduction to crochet clothing because the construction is logical, the pattern repeat is easy to memorize, and the forgiving top-down design lets you course-correct at every stage.

Take your time, swatch properly, try it on often, and trust the process. You are going to love the result.

Final Thoughts

The Phoebe Skirt is exactly the kind of crochet project that reminds you why you fell in love with this craft in the first place. It is creative, wearable, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying to make. From the stretchy ribbed waistband to the airy lace panels and the scalloped hem, every element comes together to create something genuinely lovely.

Whether you work it up in a classic white cotton for summer, a deep terracotta for autumn, or a soft sage green for year-round wearability, this skirt will quickly become