High Waist Aria Skirt Free Pattern – A Knitted Ribbed Midi with Cable Accents

There's something deeply satisfying about knitting a garment that feels both modern and timeless. The High Waist Aria Skirt is exactly that—a flattering, high-waisted midi that combines a smooth stockinette body with delicate cable panels running vertically down the center front and back. The result is a piece that moves beautifully, drapes elegantly, and pairs effortlessly with everything from chunky sweaters to silk blouses.

Whether you're a confident beginner looking to stretch your skills or an experienced knitter seeking a quick, wearable project, this free pattern offers clear instructions, a forgiving fit, and a polished finish. The ribbed waistband folds over for a clean, tailored look, and an optional eyelet row lets you thread a drawstring for extra adjustability. Let's dive into everything you need to create this stunning skirt at home.

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather the following supplies. The beauty of this pattern is that it uses worsted weight yarn, which is widely available and knits up quickly.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Cascade 220 Superwash) in a rich forest green or your preferred color
• Approximately 600 (700, 800) yards for sizes XS (M, XL)

Needles

• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, 24-inch or longer (for working in the round)
• US 7 double-pointed needles for small circumference if needed (optional, for the waistband or hem)

Other Supplies

• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Ribbon or i-cord for drawstring (optional)
• Measuring tape

Gauge

• 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked

Always knit a gauge swatch before starting. Block it the same way you'll block the finished skirt to ensure accurate measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the waist down, which means minimal seaming and a smooth, professional finish. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, custom-fit skirt in no time.

Sizes and Measurements

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• p2tog = purl two together
• sl = slip
• yo = yarn over
• C4F = cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle)
• C4B = cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle)
• M1L = make 1 left (pick up the bar between stitches from front to back, knit through the back loop)
• M1R = make 1 right (pick up the bar between stitches from back to front, knit through the front loop)

Pattern Notes

The skirt is worked in the round from the waist down. The waistband is folded over later. The cable panels are placed at the center front and center back for a flattering vertical line that elongates the silhouette.

Waistband

1. Cast on 130 (140, 150, 165, 180) stitches. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
2. Work in k1, p1 rib for 2 inches.
3. Work an eyelet round for a drawstring (optional): *k2tog, yo* repeat to end of round.
4. Continue in k1, p1 rib for another 2 inches. The waistband will be folded at the eyelet row later.

Body

1. Next round: *Knit 55 (60, 65, 72, 80) stitches, place marker, work cable panel over next 20 stitches (see below), place marker*, repeat from * to * once more. You will now have two cable panels—one at the center front and one at the center back.

Cable Panel (worked over 20 stitches)

Repeat rows 1-8 for the cable pattern.

2. Continue in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches) between the cable panels, and work the cable panels as established, until the piece measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches from the cast-on edge.

Hip Increases

Now we'll shape the skirt to flare gently toward the hips. This is done with increases placed on either side of each cable panel.

1. Increase round: *K1, M1L, knit to 1 stitch before marker, M1R, k1, work cable panel*, repeat from * to * once more. (4 stitches increased)
2. Work increase round every 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) rows a total of 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) times. You will now have 150 (160, 174, 189, 208) stitches.
3. Continue even (without increases) until the piece measures 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length. The skirt should end at mid-calf or just below the knee.

Hem

1. Work in k1, p1 rib for 1.5 inches.
2. Bind off loosely in pattern. A stretchy bind-off (like Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off) works beautifully here to maintain the rib's elasticity.

Finishing

1. Fold the waistband at the eyelet row to the inside of the skirt and sew down loosely with a tapestry needle and matching yarn.
2. Thread a ribbon or i-cord through the eyelet row for a drawstring. This adds adjustability and a charming detail.
3. Weave in all ends carefully.
4. Block gently to measurements. Lay flat to dry, shaping the cables and hem as needed.

Tips for Success

• Mark your place: Use a removable stitch marker or a piece of contrasting yarn to track your cable rows. The 8-row repeat is easy to memorize, but a marker helps you stay on track.
• Blocking matters: This skirt truly shines after blocking. The cables will relax and open up, and the stockinette will smooth out beautifully.
• Customize the length: The pattern gives a midi length, but you can easily knit it shorter for a knee-length skirt or longer for a maxi. Just adjust the "continue even" section accordingly.
• Swatch, swatch, swatch: Your gauge determines the fit. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

The High Waist Aria Skirt is a rewarding project that yields a wardrobe staple you'll reach for again and again. The combination of ribbed waistband, smooth body, and intricate cable panels creates a garment that looks store-bought but feels handmade with love. Whether you're knitting it for yourself or as a gift, this pattern is sure to impress.

Happy knitting! Share your finished Aria Skirt with us—we'd love to see your color choices and how you style it.