SUNDANCE Crochet Pattern: Your Complete Guide to the Multi-Way Fringe Skirt
There is something undeniably magical about a skirt that moves. The kind that sways when you walk, catches the light with every step, and makes you feel like you stepped out of a festival dream or a sun-drenched afternoon on the coast. The SUNDANCE Multi-Way Fringe Skirt is exactly that kind of garment — and the best part is that you can crochet it yourself.
This pattern has quickly become one of the most beloved designs in the boho crochet community, and it is easy to understand why. The fringe detailing gives it that free-spirited, earthy aesthetic that never goes out of style, while the multi-way construction means you can wear it as a maxi skirt, a midi, wrapped at the hip, or even styled as a coverup over a swimsuit. It is the kind of piece that earns its place in your wardrobe and your rotation of go-to makes.
Whether you are a confident crocheter looking for a satisfying wardrobe project or an intermediate maker ready to step up from accessories into garments, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — from materials and gauge to construction, fringe technique, and styling tips.
Why You Will Love the SUNDANCE Fringe Skirt
Before we get into the pattern details, let us talk about what makes this design so special.
First, there is the versatility. True multi-way designs in crochet are rarer than you might think. A lot of patterns claim to be wearable multiple ways, but the SUNDANCE skirt is built from the ground up with adaptability in mind. The construction uses a wrap-and-tie method combined with an adjustable waistband, so it genuinely flatters a wide range of body shapes and can be styled high-waisted, low-slung, or anywhere in between.
Second, there is the fringe. The layered fringe in this pattern is not just decorative — it is structural. Each row of fringe is worked into the fabric itself rather than added as an afterthought, which means it drapes more naturally, lasts longer, and moves the way you want it to. There is nothing quite like seeing it in motion.
Third, there is the stitch pattern. The main body of the SUNDANCE skirt uses an open mesh design that creates beautiful negative space without sacrificing the integrity of the fabric. It is breathable, flattering, and just sheer enough to be interesting when layered over a slip or swimsuit.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials sorted before you begin will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Here is what you will need to make the SUNDANCE Multi-Way Fringe Skirt.
Yarn: The best choice for this pattern is a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a DK or light worsted weight. Cotton gives you the drape and breathability that makes a summer skirt actually wearable in warm weather, and it holds fringe beautifully without frizzing or pilling over time. You will need approximately 800–1,200 yards depending on your size and desired skirt length. A natural, undyed yarn gives a gorgeous earthy look, but this pattern also works beautifully in terracotta, sage green, dusty cream, or burnt orange tones.
Hook: A 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook works best for this pattern. The slightly larger hook helps achieve the open, airy quality of the mesh stitch without making the fabric too floppy.
Notions: You will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a measuring tape, and stitch markers. If you are making an adjustable waistband, a length of ribbon, cord, or leather lace approximately 2 meters long is ideal for the tie closure.
Optional: A crochet blocking mat and pins will help you achieve a beautiful finished result, especially if you want crisp, even fringe layers.
Gauge
Getting gauge right in garment making is not optional — it is the difference between a skirt that fits and one that ends up in a drawer. For this pattern, your gauge should be approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in the main mesh stitch pattern using your chosen yarn and hook. Take the time to make a gauge swatch, wash and dry it the way you plan to care for the finished skirt, and measure before you begin.
If your swatch is too tight, go up a hook size. If it is too loose, go down a hook size.
Sizing Guide
The SUNDANCE pattern is designed to fit a range of sizes. The following measurements refer to the hip circumference, which is the key measurement for this skirt since it uses a wrap construction:
- XS: 32–34 inches hip
- S: 35–37 inches hip
- M: 38–40 inches hip
- L: 41–43 inches hip
- XL: 44–46 inches hip
- 2X: 47–50 inches hip
Because the waistband is adjustable and the skirt is worked flat (then seamed or left open for the wrap style), it is also straightforward to customize the length. The standard pattern creates a midi-length skirt of approximately 26 inches from waist to hem, but you can easily add or subtract length by working more or fewer rows before beginning the fringe sections.
Understanding the Construction
One of the things that makes the SUNDANCE pattern so satisfying to work is that the construction is clever without being complicated. Here is how it all comes together.
The skirt is worked flat from the waistband downward. You begin by chaining a foundation row that will become the top edge of the skirt, then work the mesh body in rows, turning at the end of each row. This flat construction is what allows the wrap and multi-way styling — the two front edges of the skirt become the wrap panels that you tie or tuck to create different looks.
The fringe is incorporated at several points throughout the skirt rather than all at once at the hem. This creates the layered fringe effect that defines the SUNDANCE look. Typically, fringe rows appear at roughly one-third, two-thirds, and the full length of the skirt, with each fringe layer being slightly longer than the one above it. This graduated layering is what gives the skirt that distinctive cascading movement.
The waistband is worked last, picking up stitches along the top edge and working several rows of a tighter, more structured stitch — half double crochet works well — to create a waistband that holds its shape. Eyelets are worked into the waistband to thread your tie through.
The Main Mesh Stitch Pattern
The body of the SUNDANCE skirt is worked in a simple but beautiful open mesh. Here is how to work it:
Foundation chain: Chain a multiple of 4, plus 2 for turning.
Row 1: Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook, chain 1, skip 1 chain, double crochet in the next chain; repeat chain 1, skip 1, double crochet to the end of the row. Turn.
Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), double crochet in the first chain-1 space, chain 1; repeat double crochet in next chain-1 space, chain 1 to the end of the row, finish with a double crochet in the top of the turning chain. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 for the body of the skirt. This stitch creates a classic, even mesh that is easy to maintain across many rows and gives you a predictable, even fabric that looks polished and intentional.
Working the Fringe Rows
The fringe rows are what transform this from a simple mesh skirt into the SUNDANCE. Here is how to work a fringe row:
At the designated rows in the pattern, instead of turning and continuing the mesh, you will cut lengths of yarn for the fringe. Each fringe unit consists of 4–6 strands of yarn, each cut to double the desired finished fringe length (so for 4-inch fringe, cut 8-inch lengths). Fold each group in half, insert your hook through the relevant stitch or chain space at the bottom edge of that row, pull the folded loop through, and then pull the loose ends through that loop to create a lark’s head knot. Pull firmly to secure.
Work fringe units into every other stitch or chain space across the row for an even, full fringe. Once the fringe is attached, you can trim the ends to a perfectly even line, leave them with a natural irregular edge, or even cut them at a slight diagonal for a contemporary twist.
For the layered effect, your first fringe row (the highest on the skirt) will have shorter fringe — around 3 to 4 inches finished. The middle fringe row has medium fringe at 5 to 6 inches, and the hem fringe is the longest at 7 to 9 inches. This graduation is key to the movement and visual depth that makes this skirt so distinctive.
Working the Waistband
Once your skirt body and all fringe rows are complete, it is time to work the waistband. Join your yarn to the top edge of the skirt and work along the top, picking up one stitch per chain or stitch across the entire width.
Work 3 to 4 rows of half double crochet for the waistband body. On the second row, work your eyelet row: half double crochet 2, chain 2, skip 2, and repeat this across the row. These eyelets will be evenly spaced and are what you thread your tie through.
Finish with one final row of half double crochet to neaten the top edge, fasten off, and weave in your ends.
Thread your tie — ribbon, cord, or leather lace — through the eyelets, starting and finishing at the center front so that the ties emerge and can be tied into a bow or knot at the front waist. This single construction choice is what makes the multi-way styling possible: by adjusting how you tie the waist and which side you wrap over, you can create a completely different silhouette every time you wear it.
How to Style the SUNDANCE Skirt
This is where the fun really begins. The SUNDANCE Multi-Way Fringe Skirt lives up to its name in ways that genuinely surprise first-time makers. Here are some of the most popular ways to wear it:
Classic Wrap Maxi: Wrap the skirt with both panels overlapping generously at the front, tie at the natural waist, and let the fringe fall to its full length. Pair with a simple fitted tank or a cropped linen top and sandals. This is the easiest and most dramatic look.
Hip-Slung Festival Style: Tie the waistband lower, at or just below the hip bones, with the tie knotted loosely at one side rather than the center front. This creates a more relaxed, bohemian silhouette that looks incredible over high-waisted bikini bottoms or shorts peeking out underneath.
Asymmetric Midi: Gather one panel higher than the other when tying, so one side of the skirt sits at midi length while the other grazes the ankle. The asymmetry works beautifully with the layered fringe and creates an unexpected, fashion-forward look.
Beach Coverup: Worn loosely over a swimsuit with the tie barely knotted or left fully open as a wrap, the mesh fabric and fringe make this a stunning beach coverup that is easy to move in and dries quickly thanks to the open stitch.
Layered Over Trousers: One of the most unexpected but genuinely wearable styling options. A wide-leg trouser in a coordinating earthy tone underneath the open mesh skirt creates a layered, textural look that works beautifully for festivals, markets, and outdoor events.
Tips for a Beautiful Finished Skirt
A few practical notes to help you get the best result from this pattern:
Keep your tension as consistent as possible throughout the body of the skirt. Because the mesh stitch is open, uneven tension is more visible than it would be in a denser fabric. If you find your tension shifting, try working at the same time of day, in the same seated position, and with the same amount of yarn tension on your working yarn.
Block your skirt before attaching the fringe. Wet blocking a cotton skirt makes a significant difference in the drape and evenness of the finished fabric. Soak the skirt in cool water, gently squeeze out excess moisture, and pin it flat to your blocking mat to the correct dimensions. Allow it to dry fully before removing the pins.
When cutting fringe lengths, use a piece of cardboard cut to the exact finished length as a wrapping guide. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard the desired number of times, then cut along one edge. This gives you perfectly uniform lengths quickly and consistently.
If you want the fringe to lie extra flat and smooth after attaching, you can lightly steam it (without pressing down) and then comb through it gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
Caring for Your SUNDANCE Skirt
Cotton crochet garments are wonderfully easy to care for. Hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is always the safest choice, especially for a garment with fringe. Lay it flat to dry rather than hanging it, as the weight of wet cotton can cause the fabric to stretch out of shape. Avoid putting it in a hot dryer, which can cause cotton to shrink and can cause the fringe to tangle or knot.
If you chose a cotton-acrylic blend yarn, your skirt will likely be machine washable on a gentle cycle, which is a real practical bonus for a garment you want to wear often.
Making It Your Own
One of the greatest joys of making your own clothing is the ability to personalize it in ways that no shop-bought piece can ever match. There are so many ways to make the SUNDANCE pattern your own.
Try working the main body in one color and using a contrasting color exclusively for the fringe — a natural undyed cotton body with a deep terracotta fringe, for example, is absolutely stunning. Or use a gradient or ombre yarn for the fringe rows to create a sunset effect cascading down the skirt.
You can also adjust the fringe row placement to create a more dramatic silhouette — moving the fringe rows closer together in the lower half of the skirt creates a denser, more voluminous effect at the hem that is perfect for dancing.
Adding small shell or wooden beads to the ends of the fringe strands is another popular customization. Thread a bead onto each fringe strand before knotting the end, and the weight of the beads adds an extra layer of movement and sound to the skirt that is purely magical.
A Note on Fit and Body Confidence
Garment making is one of the most body-positive corners of the crafting world, and the SUNDANCE skirt is a pattern that embraces this fully. The wrap construction and adjustable waistband mean that this skirt genuinely fits and flatters without requiring you to squeeze into a predetermined size. You are the one who decides how it fits — how high, how loose, how dramatically it falls.
There is something quietly powerful about wearing a piece of clothing that your own hands made, that is sized to your actual body, and that you have styled exactly how you want it. That is the spirit at the heart of the SUNDANCE pattern, and it is what makes finishing this project so satisfying.
The SUNDANCE Multi-Way Fringe Skirt is more than a crochet pattern. It is a wearable piece of craft that you will reach for all summer long, that will photograph beautifully on every adventure, and that will get better with every wash and wear as the cotton softens and the fringe settles into its natural drape. Pick up your hook, choose your colors, and start creating something you will genuinely love wearing.
