Pleated Cheerleader Skirt Free Crochet Pattern with Quick Steps
Try something new with this free crochet pleated cheerleader skirt pattern and enjoy making a cheerful and easy-to-wear skirt for any season.
Crochet projects can bring a special charm to any wardrobe, and one piece that truly stands out is a skirt with neat, sharp pleats. This type of piece combines a classic sporty look with handmade warmth, making it perfect for casual days, fun outings, or even themed events. Its design captures movement beautifully, creating a playful and lively effect as you walk or dance.
Cute Free Crochet Pleated Cheerleader Skirt Pattern with Full Tutorial
The CBH Academy channel offers a clear and friendly approach to making this skirt. Their step-by-step videos guide you through every detail, from forming a comfortable, stretchy waistband to creating crisp pleats using simple double crochet stitches. One unique tip from their tutorial is how to fold and secure the fabric in a way that keeps the pleats sharp without adding bulk, which helps the skirt maintain its shape and bounce.
The skirt is made with rows of double crochet, forming a firm yet flexible fabric. The most striking feature is the pleated design, each pleat is folded carefully to give volume and structure, mimicking the classic cheerleader style. This shape not only looks charming but also adds lightness, allowing easy movement. Soft, stretchy yarn is recommended to keep the skirt comfortable and wearable.
The combination of neat pleats, a snug waistband, and cozy crochet stitches results in a bright, fun skirt that anyone can enjoy making and wearing.
Pleated Crochet Skirt Pattern
Overview
This pattern produces a pleated crochet skirt with a ribbed waistband, dramatic pleats, contrasting edging, an inner drawstring, and decorative bow ties. Construction is seamless and worked in rounds. Fit is highly customizable, and the design features striking texture and finishing options.
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Basic skills in single and double crochet, working in rounds, and counting stitches are required. Pleat construction and surface slip stitch offer additional learning for intermediate crocheters.
Materials
- Regular worsted or DK weight yarn (double stranded); approx. 320 g (8 x 40 g balls)
- Contrast yarn (e.g., red velvet, 1 skein) for edge and surface slip stitch
- Fluffy yarn (white stickle or similar) for bows
- Crochet hooks: 3.0 mm (waistband), 3.5 mm (main body and detailing), 4.0 mm (pleats/edging)
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Measuring tape
- Lighter for finishing (optional, synthetic yarn only)
Special Stitches
- Back Loop Only (BLO): For ribbing and pleats
- Front Loop Only (FLO): For pleat dimension
- Surface Slip Stitch: Decorative corded detailing
- Pleat Construction: Alternating groups of BLO and FLO double crochet for dramatic texture
Stitch Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
Useful Tips
- Always start rounds or rows with a stitch marker in the first stitch.
- Double stranding yarn creates a dense, soft fabric.
- Ensure your foundation and body rounds are multiples of four for perfect pleating.
- Pleats should be formed carefully; check the orientation after each group.
- Try on the skirt to check waistband stretch and hip fit before continuing.
Pattern Instructions
Ribbed Waistband
Waistband Rows
- With 3.0 mm hook and yarn held double:
- Ch 10 for approximately a 2-inch high waistband.
- Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (10 sc).
- Row 2: ch 1, turn. Work sc in BLO across (10 sc).
- Repeat Row 2 until waistband (unstretched) equals your natural waist measurement minus 4 inches (ex: 23″ for 27″ waist).
Periodically stretch to ensure it will comfortably reach your hip measurement.
- Ch 10 for approximately a 2-inch high waistband.
Joining Waistband
- Fold band ends together, right sides facing.
- Ch 1, then sc in each matching stitch across to join.
- Fasten off or continue in pattern.
Body Foundation Round
- Using 3.5 mm hook:
- Rotate waistband so ‘ridges’ are vertical.
Rnd 1: ch 1, work sc evenly around the edge, placing stitches in every ridge/groove.
- Stitch count MUST be a multiple of four (ex: 124).
- Place stitch marker in first sc.
- Work in continuous rounds without turning.
Hip Increase and Lower Body
Round 2 (First DC Round)
- Switch to 3.5 mm hook.
- Sl st to first st.
- Ch 2 (does not count as st).
- dc in same st (mark first dc), then dc in each st around.
- At marked “hip points” (divide band in half), work 2 dc in each for side increases.
- Stitch marker placement is essential.
Round 3 (Second DC Round)
- Sl st to first dc.
- Ch 2 (does not count as st).
- dc in the same st (mark first dc), then dc in each st around.
- At previous increase points, 2 dc in those stitches.
- After increases, confirm stitch count is a multiple of four (ex: 128).
- Repeat increase round if hip measurement hasn’t been achieved.
Pleat Formation
Pleat Round (Round 4)
- Switch to 4.0 mm hook.
- Double-check total stitch count (must be a multiple of four).
- For each group of four stitches:
- 4 dc BLO (right side)
- Turn, 4 dc FLO (wrong side)
- Turn back, 4 dc FLO (right side)
- Repeat sequence around to form deep pleatsExample:
- 4 dc in BLO of next 4 sts
- Turn work, 4 dc in FLO of same 4 sts
- Turn back, 4 dc in FLO of same 4 sts
- Continue sequence all the way around.
- Pleats should be crisp and dimensional; verify alignment before proceeding.
Skirt Body
Post-Pleat Rounds (Round 5 and Up)
- Continue with 4.0 mm hook.
- Sl st to first dc, ch 2, dc in same st (mark first dc).
- dc in every st around, working in continuous spiral, do not increase or decrease.
- Continue for desired skirt length (e.g., 22 rounds for approx. 12” skirt body after pleats).
Edge and Embellishments
Velvet Edging
- Attach contrast velvet yarn.
- Sl st into end of last round, ch 1.
- Work sc in every st around for 1 round.
- Join with sl st, fasten off and weave in all ends.
Surface Slip Stitch (Corded Detail)
- Use 3.5 mm hook and velvet yarn.
- Create a slip knot, insert hook through from inside to outside at the desired round (often the single crochet edge).
- Sl st in each stitch space around, pulling up cord for a textured finish.
- Complete round, fasten off, and weave in ends.
Inner Drawstring
- With velvet yarn and 3.5 mm hook, ch 200–250.
- Thread darning needle with chain.
- Thread drawstring through the inside top of waistband, every 2–3 ridges.
- Tie, knot, or finish ends with a lighter if using synthetic yarn.
Bow Ties
- Use white fluffy yarn (“stickle”) for bows.
- Mark bow position (first dc row recommended).
- Cut two yarn pieces, equal length.
- Insert yarn with hook at chosen positions.
- Tie bows, adjust, and trim tails; seal ends gently with a lighter if necessary.
Assembly and Sizing
- Try on skirt periodically, confirming the waistband stretches comfortably over hips and sits neatly at waist.
- Length and fullness are easily adjusted; add or omit rounds as desired.
- Pleats will bloom after a gentle block or steam finish.
- All ends should be woven in securely for lasting wear.
Conclusion
The pleated crochet skirt combines ribbed stretch, dramatic fullness, and festive details for a truly unique outcome. The waistband construction ensures comfort, while special pleating techniques yield visual movement. With optional velvet edging, corded surface slip stitch, and decorative bows, there are many opportunities for creative expression and personalization. This design will provide confident fit, flare, and joy for holidays or daily wear.
