Whispering Prairie High Waist Pleated Skirt Free Pattern – Crochet Floral Meadow Maxi

Sway through golden fields in this ethereal crochet skirt, where soft pleats cascade like prairie grass and delicate floral motifs bloom along the hem. A high waistband hugs comfortably while the airy, textured fabric moves with you—perfect for sunset strolls and garden gatherings. This free pattern is designed with beginners in mind, offering clear instructions to create a stunning boho statement piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton blend yarn in sage green, dusty rose, cream, and butter yellow (approx. 1200-1500 yards total)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle
• Gauge: 16 dc x 9 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Size and Abbreviations

Size: S/M (waist 28-30 inches, hip 38-40 inches, length 32 inches). Adjust by adding/subtracting multiples of 4 stitches.

Abbreviations: ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, fpdc = front post double crochet, bpdc = back post double crochet, tr = treble crochet, sk = skip, st(s) = stitch(es), rep = repeat, rnd(s) = round(s).

Waistband (worked in the round, top-down)

1. With sage green, ch 96, join with sl st to form a ring (ensure not twisted).
2. Rnd 1: ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in each ch around, sl st to top of ch-2. (96 dc)
3. Rnd 2: ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (48 fpdc, 48 bpdc)
4. Rep Rnd 2 for 6 more rnds (total 8 rnds of ribbing) for a high waistband (about 3 inches).

Skirt Body (increase rnds)

5. Rnd 9: ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (128 dc)
6. Rnd 10: ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (128 dc)
7. Rnd 11: ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (160 dc)
8. Rnd 12: ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (160 dc)
9. Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc)
10. Rnd 14: ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc)

Pleat Formation (work in rows back and forth)

Now we'll create the beautiful accordion pleats. Work each pleat panel separately:

11. Row 1 (RS): ch 2, dc in next 24 sts, turn. (25 dc)
12. Row 2: ch 2, dc in each st across, turn. (25 dc)
13. Row 3: ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, *sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts; rep from * across, turn. (19 dc – pleat fold created)
14. Row 4: ch 2, dc in each st across, turn. (19 dc)
15. Row 5: ch 2, dc in next 4 sts, *sk 2 sts, dc in next 4 sts; rep from * across, turn. (13 dc)
16. Row 6: ch 2, dc in each st across, turn. (13 dc)
17. Row 7: ch 2, dc in next 2 sts, *sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts; rep from * across, turn. (7 dc)
18. Row 8: ch 2, dc in each st across, turn. (7 dc)
19. Fasten off. This forms one pleat panel. Repeat steps 11-18 for each 25-st section around the skirt (total 8 pleats).

Joining Panels

20. With RS facing, attach cream yarn at the top of the first pleat panel. Ch 2, dc evenly across the top edge of the panel (about 25 dc), then dc across the top of the next panel, continuing around. Join with sl st. (200 dc total)

Lower Skirt (worked in the round)

21. Rnd 1: ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (200 dc)
22. Rnd 2: ch 2, *dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (220 dc)
23. Rnd 3: ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (220 dc)
24. Rnd 4: ch 2, *dc in next 10 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (240 dc)
25. Rnds 5-20: ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (240 dc each rnd) – work even for about 8 inches.

Floral Motif Hem

26. Rnd 21: ch 2, *dc in next 4 sts, ch 1, sk 1 st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc, 48 ch-1 spaces)
27. Rnd 22: ch 2, *dc in next 4 sts, ch 2, sk 1 st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc, 48 ch-2 spaces)
28. Rnd 23: ch 2, *dc in next 4 sts, ch 3, sk 1 st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc, 48 ch-3 spaces)
29. Rnd 24: ch 2, *dc in next 4 sts, ch 4, sk 1 st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc, 48 ch-4 spaces)
30. Rnd 25: ch 2, *dc in next 4 sts, ch 5, sk 1 st; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (192 dc, 48 ch-5 spaces)
31. Fasten off.

Attach Floral Motifs

32. Make 12 small flowers (using dusty rose and butter yellow):
    • Magic ring, ch 2, 10 dc in ring, sl st to top of ch-2. (10 dc)
    • *Ch 3, sk 1 st, sl st in next st; rep from * around (5 petals). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
33. Sew flowers evenly along the ch-5 spaces of the hem, alternating colors.

Finishing

34. Weave in all ends. Block the skirt to shape, gently stretching the pleats. Add a drawstring or elastic through the waistband if desired for a secure fit.

Your Whispering Prairie skirt is now complete! The combination of structured pleats, soft A-line flare, and delicate floral accents creates a truly unique piece that captures the essence of a wildflower meadow. Enjoy wearing your handmade creation on warm summer days, at garden parties, or wherever your prairie dreams take you.