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Crochet Pattern Review: Shelby Skirt – Lion Brand

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Flirty, comfy, and totally wearable — this is crochet fashion done right.

If you’ve ever wanted to crochet a piece that looks straight out of your favourite slow-fashion boutique, the Shelby Skirt is calling your name. This cute and comfy piece is trending hard right now — and for good reason. It’s giving boho picnic vibes one day, beachy cover-up the next, and Sunday market strolls all year round.

The Shelby Skirt is that rare blend of comfy and flattering. It has a gently flared shape that skims the hips, a sweet drawstring waistband for that perfect fit, and a lovely allover stitch texture that gives it visual interest without being too bulky. I love that it’s flowy without feeling oversized — it hits that sweet spot between playful and practical.

Style-wise, you can dress it up with a tucked-in blouse and sandals or throw it on with a tee and sneakers. I’ve even seen it layered with tights and boots in cooler weather — so yes, it can be a year-round piece.

This pattern is beginner-friendly, especially if you’ve made a few flat projects and are ready to try something wearable. It’s worked top-down in the round, which means no seaming (praise be), and the stitches are simple — mostly half double crochets, with some front and back post work to give it shape and structure.

The waistband is adjustable thanks to the drawstring, and the pattern includes multiple sizes for a flexible, comfortable fit. I also love that it’s easy to lengthen or shorten depending on your style — mini, midi, or maxi, this skirt can do it all.

Lion Brand recommends 24/7 Cotton, which is a brilliant choice here. It’s smooth, crisp, and holds its shape beautifully — no saggy skirt syndrome after a few wears. Plus, it comes in a rainbow of colours, from soft neutrals to sunny brights. I’ve seen Shelby Skirts in terracotta, mustard, dusty blue — they all look stunning.

If you wanted a bit more drape or softness, a cotton-linen or bamboo blend would work nicely too. Just be sure to swatch for gauge!

15 Alpine Stitch Crochet Patterns

Crochet Kit – Marika Swancho

Have you read?

The Pancake Market Bag – Free Crochet Pattern

Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks and sunscreen for a relaxed summer stroll, or dashing out the door for a quick last-minute errand, this bag is ready to tag along.

It’s surprisingly roomy—big enough to carry all your essentials (and then some!)—yet it folds up small enough to tuck into your car or coat closet without fuss. The openwork stitch gives it a breathable, airy texture that’s super satisfying to crochet and even more delightful to carry. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, so you can ditch the plastic and feel great about your handiwork.

I stitched mine up using a warm mustard cotton I had on hand (a little stash buster win!), but honestly, this pattern would look beautiful in just about any color. Try a bold berry for a pop of personality, a classic cream for a minimalist vibe, or even stripes if you’re feeling playful. Once you’ve made one… fair warning: you’ll probably want to make more!

Let’s dive into the pattern!

 What You’ll Need:

 Finished Measurements:

  • Approximately 15” wide x 13” tall (not including handles) 

 Stitch Abbreviations (US terms):

  • ch – chain 
  • sc – single crochet 
  • dc – double crochet 
  • sl st – slip stitch 
  • st(s) – stitch(es) 
  • sk – skip 
  • rep – repeat 

 Special Notes:

  • The base is worked in joined rounds. 
  • The body of the bag is stitched in the round, but you won’t be joining after each round—just keep going in a spiral and use a stitch marker to track the first stitch. 
  • The handles are created by chaining across stitches, then the final edge is reinforced. 

 Let’s Crochet the Base:

Round 1: Begin with a magic circle, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull it tight and join to the first sc with a sl st. (8 sts)
 Round 2: Ch 1, make 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
 Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first, 2 sc in next—repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
 Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next—repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
 Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3, 2 sc in next—repeat. Join. (40 sts)
 Keep increasing in this manner, adding one more sc between increases each round until you reach 80 sts (about Round 9).

 Build the Bag Body:

Now switch to working in continuous rounds.

Rounds 10–13: sc in each st around. (80 sts)
 Round 14: [dc in next, ch 1, sk 1]—repeat around. (approx. 80 sts depending on exact starting point)
 Round 15: dc in ch-space, ch 1—repeat.
 Rounds 16–25: Repeat Round 15.

Alternate a few more rounds of single crochet with rounds of [dc, ch 1] to build height and texture. Keep going until the bag measures about 12–13” tall from the center of the base.

 Add the Handles:

Next Round (handle setup):

  • sc in next 12 sts 
  • ch 30 (for handle), sk 15 sts 
  • sc in next 25 sts 
  • ch 30, sk 15 sts 
  • sc to end of round. 

Final Round: sc around, placing 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch across the handle chains. This gives the straps some strength and a nice finish.

Fasten off and weave in all ends. Give your bag a little stretch or light steam block if needed.

 Tips:

  • Cotton yarn gives the bag structure and durability. 
  • You can easily size up the bag by adding more rounds to the base before beginning the body. 
  • Try using multicolor yarn for a fun summer vibe.