Stunning Crochet Zigzag Maxi Skirt Pattern

This crochet pattern guides you through making a beautiful maxi skirt using the classic granny stitch arranged in a captivating zigzag pattern. Designed with versatility in mind, this skirt can be customized by choosing your own yarn colors, allowing you to create anything from bold multi-color styles to subtle monochromes.

Crochet Zigzag Maxi Skirt

The pattern includes detailed instructions on shaping with peaks and valleys, seamless color changes, and creating a comfortable waistband with adjustable string ties. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a dedicated beginner, this maxi skirt offers a stylish and wearable project perfect for all seasons, delivering a flattering fit and airy texture that keeps you comfortable and fashionable.

Materials

Chosen yarn in desired colors (five colors used in the video, but any number works)
Scissors
Stitch markers
Measuring tape
Crochet hook (recommended 3–3.5mm, video uses 4mm for lighter fabric)

Foundation Chain

Measure your hips and subtract 2 inches (or 3–5 cm) for foundation chain length
If no measuring tape, chain length should sit slightly above hips

Chain in multiples of 18

Row 1: Creating Peaks and Valleys

Into the 5th chain from the hook, make a cluster of 3 double crochets
Skip 2 chains, make another cluster in the 3rd chain
Repeat for 3 clusters in a row
To create a peak: chain 3, then make another cluster in the same stitch as last cluster
Make 3 clusters, skipping 2 chains between each
To create a valley: skip 5 chains, make a cluster in the 6th chain
Alternate 3 clusters, peak, 3 clusters, valley until end of foundation chain
Place 1 double crochet in the last stitch of the row

Row 2: Continuing the Pattern

Chain 3 and turn work
Place clusters in spaces between clusters from previous row
At the peak: place two clusters with chain 3 in between
At the valley: skip the space immediately after last cluster before valley, place cluster in next space
Continue clusters, peaks, valleys as Row 1
Finish with 1 double crochet on top of previous row’s chain without finishing last pull-through

Changing Colors (Row 3 and onwards)

To change color, yarn over with new color on last double crochet before finishing last pull-through
Chain 3 with new color and turn work
Repeat Row 2 pattern
Work two rows per color as suggested
Continue until skirt reaches desired length

Joining the Pieces and Reductions (Waistband)

Join ends of work to form circle on second row of same color
Make 3 slip stitches over last cluster
Make single crochet in next space
Chain 3 and 2 double crochets in same space to form first cluster for round
Make clusters around until beginning
Slip stitch into top of initial chain 3
Cut old yarn and attach new color

First Reduction Row:

Start new color between 2nd and 3rd cluster from peak (not edge)
Chain 3, place 2 double crochets in that space
Continue clusters until connection point
At connection point, make decrease with unfinished double crochets and slip stitch into chain 3 top

Second Reduction Row:

Slip stitch to next cluster start (aim for peak)
Single crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochets, chain 3, cluster in same space (peak with decrease)
Continue clusters until next reduction
Make decrease with unfinished double crochets
Slip stitch to chain 3 top
Cut yarn and attach new color

Third Reduction Row:

Attach new color from peak
Chain 3, 2 double crochets in same space
Continue clusters until next reduction
Make decrease with unfinished double crochets (counts as double crochet)
Chain 3, slip stitch to chain 3 top
Fourth Reduction Row:
Work backwards with hook pulling yarn through 2 loops
Chain 3 (counts as double crochet), 3 double crochets in next space
Continue clusters until valley
Skip valley space, cluster in next space
At peak, make 1 cluster, chain 3, 2 double crochets
Slip stitch into 3rd chain of initial chain 3
Cut yarn

Flattening the Top (Waistband Preparation)

Attach new color
Chain 3, 2 double crochets in same space
Continue clusters
Make cluster in every valley (do not skip)
Make only 1 cluster at peaks instead of 2
Continue clusters in every space until end of row
Slip stitch to chain 3 top
Work backwards with hook pulling yarn through 2 loops
Chain 3 and make clusters in each space around
Slip stitch into 3rd chain from hook
Cut yarn
Make additional reductions with 3 unfinished double crochets together if needed
Continue rows without decreases if waist size is good

Waistband

Attach new color
Chain 1
Make half double crochet in every stitch around
Make 3–4 rounds of half double crochet

String

Measure waist width and multiply by 6 for string length
Cut yarn strands for each color used (repeat colors if odd number)
Tie tight knot at one end of strands
Separate strands into groups (e.g., 2 strands per group)
Braid loosely in fishbone style to keep flexibility
Tie knot at braid end

Inserting the String

Lay skirt flat and choose opening location
Find middle row of waistband (second if made 3 rows)
Starting from back, insert string into waistband, skipping 4 stitches between insertion points
Alternate going in and out until front
Tie bow at front