Tropical Twisted Cable Mini: Free Knit Skirt Pattern
Introduction
The Tropical Twisted Cable Mini is a short, straight-tube skirt that's perfect for newer knitters who want to try cables without a big commitment. Worked in the round from waist to hem, it's knit in soft recycled cotton in a warm peach shade, with a narrow apricot band at the hem for a sunny, tropical touch. Two simple 3-over-3 twisted cable panels run up the sides, framed by purl stitches so they really stand out. It's light, breathable, and quick to knit — a fun little skirt you'll actually want to wear all summer.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight recycled cotton, approx. 400 yds total — 300 yds peach (MC), 100 yds apricot (CC).
- Needle: 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle, 24" length.
- Notions: Cable needle, stitch marker, tapestry needle, tape measure.
- Finished size: Waist 28" (unstretched), hip 36", length 16".
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on — make the starting loops on your needle.
- K: knit stitch.
- P: purl stitch.
- St(s): stitch(es).
- Rnd(s): round(s) — one full pass around the circular needle.
- Sl: slip — move a stitch from one needle to the other without working it.
- MC: main color (peach).
- CC: contrast color (apricot).
Gauge
18 sts and 24 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch. Knit a small swatch in the round (or flat and measure the knit side) and check that 18 stitches measure 4" across before you begin.
Tips Before You Start
- When you join to work in the round, double-check that the cast-on edge isn't twisted — it's hard to fix later.
- Cotton has little stretch, so keep your cast-on and bind-off loose. A stretchy cast-on helps the waist pull on easily.
- Count your cable rounds! The cable crosses every 6th round, so keep track with a row counter or a slip of paper.
- Use a cable needle that's the same size or slightly smaller than your working needle so the stitches don't slip off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Skirt (worked in the round, waist to hem)
With MC, CO 126 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
Waistband: Knit 6 rounds (stockinette).
Set-up round: K1, (p2, k6, p2, k53) twice, ending with k1 (126 sts).
The two 6-stitch cable panels sit at each side, each bordered by 2 purl stitches, with stockinette between them.
Rnds 2-5: Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts as they appear (126 sts).
Rnd 6 (cable round): For each panel, sl 3 sts to cable needle and hold to front, k3, then k3 from cable needle. Work the rest of the round as established (126 sts).
Repeat Rnds 2-6 for the cable pattern, working a cable round every 6th round, until the piece measures 14" from the cast-on edge, ending after a cable round.
Hem: Change to CC. Knit 2 rounds (126 sts). Bind off loosely.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends on the wrong side, using the purl bumps to hide them. Block lightly to measurements — a gentle spritz of water and a light press with your hands is enough; avoid heavy stretching so the cables stay crisp. Let dry flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make it longer: Add extra repeats of Rnds 2-6 before the hem for a midi length — just buy extra yarn.
- Change the cable: Hold the cable needle to the back instead of the front for a reverse twist, or cross every 8th round for a looser look.
- Play with color: Try a striped hem or a contrasting waistband for a bolder tropical feel.
