One Minute

If you were knitting a skirt (and I know some of you have) and lets say, it was this skirt, (scroll to the end of the entry) how long would you make it for a modest 40 year old woman? (That would be me.) Knee? Lower? How much lower? Would you expect it to stretch? A lot? Would you make it shorter to allow for that? How much shorter? Would you be surprised to discover that you were bucking a sudden urge to wear a woolen mini just to make the end come sooner? Would you make it longer to accommodate the stretching it might have to do around your arse? How much longer?

(I have a feeling to the answers to these questions might mean more knitting than I’m hoping. Don’t you hate it when you’re finished with a project before it’s actually finished?)

364 thoughts on “One Minute

  1. Knee length is always a safe length. Tim Gunn says skirts should hit just above, at, or below the knee (and I trust him ultimately).
    Woohoo! This is my first post, and I’m the first! 😀

  2. I would probably make it just below the knee or knee length. Calf length would be fine too but it sounds like you’re ready to abandon ship before you get there.

  3. A skirt?! You’re knitting a skirt? What happened to wanting woolen tights? Do you know how cold it is outside? If you want my answer, it’s longer. You need to knit that skirt longer, till you run out of yarn or reach the ground. Then start working on those tights – I’d say size OO needles.

  4. Warning: I have not knit a skirt. But I have an opinion anyway.
    I would make it knee length. Longer than that might feel more modest, but I don’t think it would flatter you as much. And honestly, you’re too cute to have a long skirt. I think if you measure the drape at the longest possible place (ahem) it would, um, cover whatever you wanted covered.
    It might stretch a bit, but I can’t imagine it would be much. If you don’t make it too long to start with, the stretch won’t bother you.
    Have fun, can’t wait to see!

  5. When in doubt I say just below the knee. I think that as long s it covers your kneecaps you can avoid that ‘too old to look like an inappropriate schoolgirl’ length, and you can also still get away with wearing it with some bitchin’ knee-high boots and/or socks. You know, if that were something you’d be into doing.

  6. Knee length. If you’re *ahem* on the short side, long skirts can look too big even if they’re properly fitted (or knit).
    Try as I do to wear capris and calf-length skirts, they cut me, and my 5’3″ right in half, making me look shorter.
    Besides, knee length skirts are just so pretty (she says like some sort of authority).

  7. I haven’t knitted a skirt, but since you are petite I would make it so that if it stretches (based on other’s experience) it ends up at the middle of the knee. Anything longer will make you look shorter and anything past the knee will be very unflattering. JMO

  8. I’d say knee length or just below, then if it stretches it would still be a cute length. Love love love it, by the way. What yarn?

  9. Knee length. With your highth, longer would make you look shorter and something knitted could definitely stretch. Account for this or you may be ripping out later. Hope you are feeling better….

  10. No opinion on length, but…knowing how you feel about bras, I’m concerned about what you plan to wear underneath.

  11. Knit to the knee. You can never go wrong with the knee. If it lengthens, that’s okay. It will never reach the floor. It will only go a few inches at most. That’s still tasteful. About the arse, try it on, stand sideways in the mirror. Even at mini length you will be able to tell if the back hem is much higher than the front. If it is, then short rows are your friend. If they’re the same length, then Huzzah for wool!

  12. Knee length, definately. Top o’the knee, actually. Sorta kissing your kneecaps. A flattering length and if it stretches it will still be a nice length. It’ll stretch just fine over any body parts it needs to. Love the pattern!

  13. I wouldn’t knit it any longer than knee length or it will crop your legs off. You can’t go wrong with knitting it to about the knee and trying it on to see whether in fact it does shrink up at all. Then model it around the house, if the cat calls anyone you should be fine. 🙂

  14. how long would you make it for a modest 40 year old woman?
    I really like just below the knee.
    Would you expect it to stretch? I would not expect a lot of stretch. No more than I would expect for a sweater.
    Would you be surprised to discover that you were bucking a sudden urge to wear a woolen mini just to make the end come sooner?
    Not at all.
    Would you make it longer to accommodate the stretching it might have to do around your arse?
    Yes
    How much longer?
    About 4 to 6 inches.
    Don’t let the planning get you down. This could be a really amazing skirt. You have almost inspired me to make one. I have had a couple designs in mind for a few years.

  15. it’s your age that decides how long a skirt should be, but how tall you are. HINT: short skirts on short people make your legs look stuppy, long skirts on short people elongate the body and make you look slim and tall. As a 5foot 2inch person I have learned this from bitter, bitter experience.

  16. I would go at or slightly below the knee -depending on how you feel about your knees, of course! It is the most flattering length for all heights and shapes 🙂
    Calf length skirts emphasize the widest part of your leg; if you’re in any way self-conscious about your legs this is NOT the way to go.
    Also, if you’re short, longer-than-knee-length skirts make you look shorter.

  17. You have great legs – so make it an inch or so above the knee – that way if it stretches it will still be a good lenght . . . it will call out for boots and tights (and won’t get caught up in the cane). I can’t wait to see this when you’re finished.

  18. The stretch issue is not so much in length, but width, from being “sat out” or even “worn out from sitting.” For both length and width kinds of stretch, a lining is the solution – something firm and slippery that can be what gets stressed in the wearing without stretching itself and protective of the knit fabric. The lining need not necessarily be as long as the skirt, but should cover the sitting area. As I recall from high school(back in the day), a certain girl who sat across from me always put her hands on her hips and very slightly hiked up her skirt so her sitting would not stretch the exact hips too much (similar to men hitching their pants so the knees will not pooch out right at the knee area).

  19. Aren’t you knitting it in the round from the top down? Then you can try it on as you go to decide whether it’s long enough and whether it fits your backside properly.

  20. Knee length. I’m short and long skirts make me look shorter. Mini skirts are too trendy. You wouldn’t want to invest all that time knitting something that will go in and out of style. Knee length is always in.

  21. Check out the length of Joe Biden’s wife’s skirt at the Inauguration. She wore some “kick ass” boots with it and she looked pretty hot. I think it was a little above the knee

  22. I agree with the just past knee length comments. I think it is the most flattering for most people unless you want to go floor length (which I assume you don’t).
    Dare I suggest you ask your daughters? I’m sure they’ll have an opinion.

  23. Ok.. first, some facts:
    1) You claim that you have no such arse to speak of and that pants you buy always have more arse room than you need.
    2) I’ve met you.. we’re the same height.
    3) You do yoga and run. I bet you have sexy legs.
    My conclusion? You don’t need to make it any longer to accommodate any stretching around any arse. For women of our stature, skirts with some flare (slightly A-line) are at their most flattering length around either mid-knee or slightly above the knee. You definitely don’t want to venture into the land of mid-calf or ankle length (not that you would seriously consider knitting that much). Show off those gams!
    I was reading Amy’s “No Sheep” book. She recommends hanging a gauge swatch to see how much stretching will happen under the weight of the fabric. Could you take the skirt as it is now and pin it to a bulletin board or hang it or something? Give yourself a break from knitting it just to see if it stretches much under its own weight?

  24. Very nearly all of my favorite skirts (I have quite a few, actually) are just on the long side of knee length. I find that shorter skirts expose too much of my leg for me to feel comfortable in polite, business type company. Ballgames and picnics are a completely different matter.
    As for getting around one’s arse, I’d totally go with short rows to make the back longer. When I sew skirts, I hem them so the hem is even when I’m wearing it, which means when I’m not, the hem is almost two inches longer in the back than in the front.

  25. Hey–it’s a skirt. You can keep trying it on as you go. When you like it–stop knitting. And I think the Mrs. Biden boot idea with it sounds fabulous!

  26. I agree with just below the knee for length. I’d let a special blouse distract from any stretching in any of the spots we women love to hate.

  27. I have to say just above the knee is way more flattering, especially if you have anything but waif legs. The amount of walking and biking you do says you have legs, not sticks… stopping just above the knee will keep your legs in proportion. Take it from another just over 40 woman with some muscle tone!
    PS I just spent my birthday weekend in Toronto, cold yes, but also a really beautiful city! We had a great time.

  28. I think it should hit right in the middle of the knee, and if you line it, it won’t stretch. Look at the way Joe Biden’s wife looked – her skirt was perfect.

  29. For you? Definitely above the knee – regardless of your age, you’re very petite, and a below-the-knee knitted skirt would dwarf you. Now, I’m not talking thigh-level (unless you want to try it – go for it! you could pull it off!), but maybe 1-2″ above the knee. Definitely.

  30. Concur with knee length suggestions, especially as the pattern is A-line (from the look of Ms. Sorenson’s gorgeous finished versions). I expect it will stretch a bit lengthwise, but I would expect the stretch widthwise (from the ribbed nature of the pattern) will also “shorten” the length on from the length blocked, a bit. I would try it on here and there, as others have suggested. The only way I know of avoiding lengthwise stretch is to knit on the bias, which this pattern would not seem to allow. I have a black wool handknit skirt knit on the bias in seed (moss) stitch (and very long, almost to the floor on me and I’m 5’9″!) and it doesn’t stretch at all in any direction – a beautiful thing (wish I had made it, but kudos go to Ralph Lauren and his handknitters, wherever they may be).
    PS: Love, love, love your blog and books!

  31. Bucking the crowd, I think you would look marvelous in a mini-ish(2 or 3 inches above the knee) skirt with tights and boots.

  32. I would probably stick with knee length. At most 1-2 inches longer than that based on the style the skirt is going for and a fairly petite stature.

  33. Hello
    It is a A-Line skirt? I like this shape because whatever the lenght, the skirt looks great and it’s not too small on your butt.
    I suggest the knee lenght : it’s classic and chic.

  34. Oh! I love that skirt! I remember when I saw it the first time I thought about making it for the sheer joy of the design and Oh! the choice of wool. Okay this isn’t about me.
    You should make it just below your knee because that is the most flattering (that is not the voice of my mother, or yours either). You will love making it. Don’t worry about stretching, you will have the prefect wool. See above paragraph: More knitting, more joy.
    You are using your recovery time wisely.

  35. knee or just above the knee, and if you’re not too far along to make this change, add short rows for your arse. It works for soakers and cloth diapered baby bums, it’ll work for you!

  36. Just below knee length, for my preference. This not coincidentally happens to be my preferred length for skirts, unless they’re floor length in which case carry on. I also wear most of my skirts with knee-high boots, which may change things a bit.
    I just think knees are … inelegant, at best, and above-knee skirts are too apt to show accidental cellulose. Not that I have any. Of course. *ahem*

  37. To be more specific – 3 inches or so below the bottom of the knee, assuming that my middle finger is in fact 3 inches long.

  38. I’m 50 and would make it just 2 inches below your knees. Haven’t heard the “rules”? Yes, they still apply.

  39. The knee, or very slightly above. Yes, it will stretch just a bit, however the longer you make it, the heavier it will get and then it will stretch more. You don’t have a big booty, so no need to worry about stretching out the arse.

  40. I really love reading the comments to your posts — such helpful information. Piggy’s got a rather substantial arse; I’ve never considered a knitted skirt. I’m liking Meredith’s idea of short rows and having the back hem lower than the front one.
    But the Harlot isn’t a Piggy…and judging from all your pictures, and the comments of those who’ve met you, I don’t think you need to make any special considerations for your arse.
    And I’d say at the knee, plus or minus an inch.

  41. At or slightly above the knee. With that design, anything longer might end up looking too earthy crunchy or frumpy. It will be very cute knee length!
    Will you be knitting woolen tights to wear with it? Or did you already finish the tights?

  42. As a fellow short person, I suggest right below the kneecap, bringing the eye to the thinnest part of your calves. Best not to show the knees, even the finest of short legs tend to be a bit…peasant-like in the knee area. No real experience in the other areas. I’m so excited, I friggin’ love this skirt and have been waiting for you to knit it since I first saw it on the blog.

  43. My gut says “Just long enough to completely cover your kneecaps, then try it on and see if you want it a little longer.” If you’re genuinely worried about the skirt accomodating your rear (which I don’t think you need to be, but I’m not the one wearing your body), you probably don’t want to go any shorter.

  44. Knee length or just below. That’s your safest bet. As for stretch, lengthwise is not what I’d be worried about.
    Trade you the skirt knitting for the world’s most boring scarf knit lengthwise.

  45. 2.5cm above or below the knee.
    You need to show where the calf comes in to the knee or else it makes the derriere seem “frumpy”
    I figure, use any slim you can to your advantage.
    If overly slim, use any curve.
    that being said, I would use a study knit for the backside, I dont need any help with the sag, let alone have the fabric do that for me!

  46. Yeah, yeah all the tall people/short people talk … what really matters is: do you have great knees? If so, show them off! I vote for just above the knee. Still looks professional, but with a nice balance between your assets and your handknits.

  47. Just below the knees. And don’t complain about how much knitting this is. This should be one time you celebrate being short!

  48. There was something on this on the Today show yesterday. For shorties like us (I’m 5’2″), they suggested just before the knee for skirt length.

  49. No suggestions on the appropriate length, but if you want to get out of having to knit quite so much skirt, knit it until it’s a fair bit shorter than you want, then hang it on a hanger for a week or so. It will magically get longer and you won’t have to knit so much.

  50. I would make it knee length or just slightly over. My one knitted skirt doesn’t really stretch (I made it a bit too big, so it doesn’t have as much wear time as I would like), so I wouldn’t worry about that.

  51. Just below the knee. It’s cold in Canada, so I’ve heard 😉 You could also entertain the idea of picking up stitches and adding on if it does not end up working out to your Harlotty liking. And as they say on “Are You Being Served?” it will ride up with wear 😉

  52. I just finished knitting and blocking a hemp skirt – I added an entire skein to the pattern because no one needs to be seeing my scarred up knees – I knit it to about 2 inches from where I wanted it to fall and then blocked the bedickens out ot it. I find at the knee tends to chop a body up and isnt as flattering as the pencil like skirt of Audrey Hepburn classic-look that never goes out of style..NEVAH!

  53. It should hit *just* below the knee–right where the calf narrows. It’s the most flattering (and appropriate) length.

  54. My experience with knit wool skirts, is that if they stretch, it is width-wise from sitting and they shorten up a bit. That skirt style might flair enough that it doesn’t stretch at all. The Kauni is such a light springy yarn, I wouldn’t expect it to be stretch lengthwise.

  55. I would also go for kneelength. Shorter than that might be too short (especially for a wool skirt, the intent of which I would expect to be keeping your bum warm). I wouldn’t go too much longer, it can make legs look shorter than they actually are. (Stumpy is the word I hear used)

  56. just above the knee – that way if it does stretch a bit longer, it will still be no longer than knee length. short people cannot wear long skirts without look frumpy or like they’re dressing up in Mom’s clothes.

  57. Just under the knee. Not many people have really pretty knees. And those that do are under 40 (sorry).

  58. I’d make it midcalf length because despite the extra work you’s actually wear it. I doubt you’d give it much use if it was short, or if worn you’d be pulling it down every minute or so.

  59. I’ve not knit a skirt, but being the same age as you I like my skirts to hit about 1″ above my knees or 2″ below.

  60. I have a friend who has made several skirts. She says they go faster than a sweater because… No sleeves! minimal finishing! Go for it. Choose the favorite skirt out of your (or your daughter’s) closet, and make it that length.
    Lily Chin says that she “kills) the fabric with steaming, so it won’t stretch further. Then it won’t. Haven’t tried it myself.

  61. Totally gonna stretch.
    Stop right above the knee. You’re an active, athletic, cute 40 year old, not a grandma. And your workplace does not have a dress code, expect perhaps to encourage knitwear, and I bet the guy who works down the hall wouldn’t mind seeing some leg… (that’s referring to Joe, btw) so top of the knee. Seriously, that’s a totally appropriate length even for business suits.
    (Those pics of the in-progress skirt are beautiful, btw. I may have to look into knitting one…)

  62. I’m with the above the knee crowd although I think you’ll need to take into account balancing the lacy bottom section with the ribbed hip/arse section.
    Can’t wait to see it finished and modeled.

  63. If I may….Tim Gunn’s advise at just above the knee. With your height, I’m not sure mid calf or longer would flatter you.
    I was wondering about that skirt…..

  64. Make it slightly above the knee — that way if it stretches you’re all set — plus you can stop knitting sooner. And doesn’t it have a kind of draw string waist? That will give you an inch or so of wiggle room between at the waist, slightly below the waist, etc. It’s a lace pattern and the holes will spread to cover your arse. Also throw in a couple of short rows to accommodate, although my recollection from your pictures and commentary is that your arse problems are “modest” so to speak. I don’t know about lining it….that sounds aggravating … but if you do use a slippery taffeta kind of fabric and attach it at the waist only. I would wear it with black tights and shoes and/or boots.

  65. Speaking of old lonely forgotten UFO’s did that gansey ever get finished? I’ve heard it’s cold up in Canada.

  66. just above the knee + gravity = good length for a 40 year old vegetarian in sensible shoes.

  67. If you are comfortable with your calves, I’d make it just shy of knee length and then expect it to stretch enough to both cover your bum and to grow to a bit longer then knee length.
    If you don’t like your calves, knit to about 5 inches above your ankles and stop. You don’t want the stretching to hit the floor.

  68. The answer is always knee length. Wool mini skirts are the height of impractical at any time, and tea length is just a fancy way of making your legs look like stumps.

  69. Nobody seems to be addressing the YARN you’re knitting this with. If it starts at black and slowly lightens, you don’t want to continue with it getting darker again — that would make the middle part way too prominent. Stop just before it starts getting darker, whatever length that is.

  70. My suggestion is that you make it either right above the knee or full length. I am a seamstress and that is the problem I run into with my petite clients. They always complain that calf length or slightly below knee length makes them look shorter and their legs bigger. Longer skirts have a tendency to make you look taller and above the knee has about the same effect with an added bonus; it makes your legs look thinner. I hope this has helped.

  71. I’m sure that I’m being terribly repetitive, but I think in the end you will be happiest if you make the skirt hit just below the knee while wearing it. Due to stretch, I believe that you can stop knitting just above the knee. (I do mean just above the knee-not inches above the knee). Good luck with your skirt and with the hobbling. It does make everything ten times slower. Not to mention just sucking. Just think though, now you are a tiny bit better able to sympathize with what Lene deals with every day. I know this doesn’t really help, but it might be worth a wry smile. Hang in. You will get through this–skirt and foot.
    Melissa

  72. For a modest 40 year old, I would say at least mid-knee, and probably just below the knee. However, you are a trim and attractive woman, and could easily carry off a shorter skirt. If you were planning on accommodating the stretch around your arse, I would think it would be better to put in some short rows in that area rather than trying to use length to even things out – it would seem to me that the front of the skirt would end up being longer than the back. Not attractive, and emphasizes the arse, IMO.

  73. My favorite rule for skirts is this:
    A good skirt should be long enough to cover the subject, and short enough to make it interesting.
    That said, the most flattering skirts I’ve seen are either just above, right in the middle of, or just barely below, the knee. Mid-calf skirts make the wearer look chubby, and mini-skirts need a REALLY good pair of legs (and in Toronto, a really good pair of nylons, to cut down on the need for sunglasses for everyone else).
    Can’t wait to see how it turns out . . . and quit whining. :o) You’ve knit sweaters with FAR more stitches than this thing. Matter of fact, compared with a couple of pair of socks, this should be a piece of cake. Buck up! ;o)

  74. In my sewing days, I use to let knit skirts hang up for while before hemming because sometimes the weight of the fabric was enough to make them a bit longer. Before you cast off, you might want to measure, hang and measure again until you have confidence the length is stable.

  75. Just below the knee. I doubt Kauni will stretch much. It seems to be a very grippy yarn.
    You are stuck with knitting until the length is sufficient. A wool skirt will only be worn during cold weather, right? Even w/ long boots, you want to cover the knees.
    There are no short cuts. Cute, skirt, though.

  76. Look to your favorite skirt for your answer. What length made you the most comfortable? My dear Mother would tell you to make it the length that makes you the most comfortable, then you will wear it over and over again.

  77. I’m 22 but I wear two lengths of skirt: knee and ankle. Oh wait, I do have that one (old, thrift-bought) skirt that’s mid calf. I love that one, but it’s special and pencil shaped.
    I’m still working out accommodations for butt stretching (which, lemme tell ya, is plenty to accommodate): didn’t do such a good job the first time and a knit-butt-stretch is pretty unflattering.
    By the by, I’m doing wool tights really soon… I think you should do it!

  78. Personally I would find a skirt you love to wear and make it that length. If you are shorter I would go above the knee cap, unless you have ugly knee caps and then I would aim below, but not at such a place that it looks looks awkward with the calf. So that’s my answer.

  79. You have to line this item. Otherwise you’ll end up with what we call “nappy arse” here. (Translation….you’ll look like you’re wearing a diaper after this skirt has stretched round the butt area within two wearings.) Either that or choose a yarn with some lycra or spandex in it.

  80. For women under 5’4″ skirts should be at or above the the knee or hit somewhere in the vicinity of the ankle. A mid-calf skirt will make you look shorter. So I vote for just at the knee. 🙂

  81. Being the same, er, height variety as you, I’d suggest knee length. Now, I am no where close to hold any degree of truth to this as I don’t know much about fashion, but I have watched a great deal of “What Not To Wear” and have learned a few basics.
    Skirts should fall to the knee or just pass the knee. Anything longer and you will look like a stump. The skirt will cut you off at the legs and make you (and me) look like a hobbit. Nothing shorter either, cuz well, we’re not in our teens.
    As for the stretching. I have no idea. I guess you could knit just past the knee and if it starts to stetch out, you could always rip back and bind off again.

  82. You seem happier today than yesterday. I’m pleased to hear it. I’m also pleased you enjoyed our inaugural festivities. It’s the first time in my political life that I was able to vote for someone because I wanted to and not because he wasn’t as bad as the other one.
    I’d say the skirt should come to the top of the boots you would wear with it. Or below.

  83. I think that whether it is slightly above or slightly below the knee has to be determined by the actual knee itself. My 50-something knees are not what they once were. Or, on second thought, damn the knees, put on some tights and go for it.

  84. Can you put sleeves on it and make it into a sweater? Maybe add a circular yoke and go from there? That is, depending on the amount of time and energy you’ve invested in it already.

  85. I loved that skirt when you showed it the first time! I am excited to see it knit up and how the process goes. Wool skirts are great in the winter- especially if you have good legwarmers! I would stop a little above the knee. Happy knitting!

  86. I used to have a knit skirt that, unfortunately, made my butt look lumpy.
    (At least I think it was the skirt. I hope it was the skirt. It’s hard to get a good look at your own butt, but I guess that’s a problem for another day.)
    I would knit to the knee, and wear it with a slip.

  87. I’d go with just below the knee. I’d agree with Laura H. that knees are inelegant. Above the knee means that you need to pay more attention to how you sit and where your legs are–below the knee gives a little more freedom. It’s going to be gorgeous, whatever length you make it!

  88. According to Tim Gunn, the expert in all things apparel, a skirt should be no longer than the bottom of the knee, and no shorter than the top of the knee.

  89. Hi Stefanie–make it the same length as your favorite skirt–I don’t think you need to worry about it growing longer–worry more about it stretching around your arse (lining?) Can’t wait to see the finished result!

  90. Knee-length or slightly above to allow for stretching;if you wear it with tights you won’t have to worry about the state of your knees although I have a feeling they’re probably just fine. Forty is not that old. Start worrying at 45 or so. Lining sounds like a good idea. After all that work you want to preserve it. Of course I sew, so it doesn’t sound terrible to me, and finally if you knit another one consider either a trumpet skirt or slight flare at the hem. Sometimes that looks nice. And I’m short, too, and fit is EVERYTHING.

  91. I am 5′. If I were making that skirt, I’d make it ‘top of the boot’ length.
    If I were sick of the skirt, the pattern and the yarn it rode in on, I’d go mid-knee length.
    Either way, I’d be sure (I got someone else) to line it so that my skirt wouldn’t still be sitting down after I stood up.

  92. Since I have seen you in real life, I feel like I have a good grasp of how tall and how petite you are. You are a bit taller than me (5 cm I would guess) but as a general rule I think shorter women should avoid long skirts. I would say aim for knee length. I would make the skirt a hands width above your knee, put on a stitch holder and let it hang up for a day or two to see how far it stretches in length. I have never knit a skirt before, but if it were me, I would line the top half with a non-stretchy fabric. I would hate to come to work in a sassy skirt only to leave with it around my ankles 🙂 I think it will look smart on you.

  93. Also, not to sound impudent, but perhaps a swatch, washed, dried and left hanging vertically would let you know about the length-stretch-factor.
    You do have a swatch, don’t you? Or perhaps I should say sw*tch, since it is such a bad word…

  94. Knee length. I don’t think its going to stretch much. I’m also short and I prefer knee length skirts. Any longer and I get dwarfed by the skirt.

  95. Just below at or below the knee. My leaning would be below, so you don’t have to plan much for butt stretch (not that yours is especially prodigious anyway). Also, I tend to think that yarn/pattern looks more like a below knee skirt.

  96. I’d make it to come just about an inch above the knew and only a little stretch. Having said that, you should know… I’ve never knit a skirt :). Good luck & happy knitting.

  97. Just above the knee, with a matching pair of tights and some great boots. You want to look like you can have a good time. Forty is the new thirty, you know.

  98. Well, I’d go just below the knee. The real question might be how tall you are, as well. How long have your favorite skirts been? The recent Threads magazine has an interesting article on proportion and clothing – and – the use of Fibonacci. Honestly, if you err on the side of knitting too much isn’t it easier to take some out than to face adding some on?
    The other question I would bring up is regarding the dreaded bucket bottom.

  99. I wouldn’t make it any longer than just ever-so-slightly past the knee. Too-long skirts make petite (read: short) women (or men, too, I suppose) look shorter. More leg is better.
    I’d forgotten all about this skirt project, but I’m excited to see the outcome!

  100. I think you should do it below the knee. Long enough so it goes past the top of your boots.
    Are you knitting something like the wedding skirt?

  101. I vote for slightly above the knee if no skin shows (like with tights), and just at or slightly below if knee skin might be exposed. Those of us who are small in stature should never, ever wear mid-calf skirts. They make our legs look stumpy and who needs that?

  102. I remember being enchanted by that skirt in the original post…and I would make it to just-above-knee-length before blocking, trusting that blocking and stretchiness will take it to just-below-knee, which is where I, as a modest 30-something year old, would want it to fall.

  103. Just to the top of your knee cap. Because:
    1. We’ve seen your legs. They’re pretty.
    2. Any shorter — which you could totally pull off although we could debate forever the whole age-appropriateness issue — would make it not fun to wear when you sit down. And who stands up all the time?
    3. It’s knit and I fear it could cross into frumpy if not kept a “stylish” length.
    4. You’re also petite and should not wear any skirt too long, in my humble opinion.
    5. You can always pair it with pretty tights and boots if you fear the Canadian cold air or whatever it is you poor people face up there.

  104. I’d knit it to an inch or two below the knee, so it will just about meet up with a pair of tall boots.

  105. I’d say no longer than the bottom of your knees, given that you are of the short persuasion. I’m a little bit taller than you are, and my personal rule is no more than two inches below my knees, and it’s better if it’s knee length.

  106. In the winter, I think there’s nothing more comfy than a woolen skirt and tights. And big boots. You’ll need some sort of liner or slip so the skirt won’t constantly want to grip the tights every time you try to move your legs, but small price to pay for being able to get away with a SHORTER SKIRT. Which is what tights let you do.

  107. It depends on your knees. You’re in fine shape, so if you like your knees, end it just above. That is absolutely within the realm of modest. If you don’t like your knees (and I have friends who have entire issues with how much they dislike their knees), then end it just below. Ask yourself what kind of shoes/legwear you will wear it with. I vote for above knee, with black tights and boots… but that’s my style, who you have your own.

  108. Show those beautiful legs!!! Make it no longer than knee length. When you get older, you’ll have legs by Rand McNally like me…enjoy it now!

  109. If you knit it to knee length, and hang it up for a week and then have a try on you will get a fairly good idea of what it does. From experience a cotton a-line slip under a knitted skirt helps to avoid the bucket bum issue and if you wear longies under that, the slip makes sure that the skirt doesn’t climb the longies in back and perch fetchingly on top of your glutes while you walk. I used to live somewhere with an average daytime temp of -40f plus an average wind speed of 30mph and wear skirts. Full skirts longer than the tops of high boots means that long unders are undetectable. It depends on your idea of how fetching spandex pants under skirts is. I think it looks bad but that’s me. My personal skirt length is somewhere between the top of the calf and the bottom of the knee.

  110. How will you ever decide? The replies are all over the map.
    Personally, I think you can easily pull off the just-above-the-knee look. Any longer, and you may run the risk of looking frumpy.

  111. You’re “vertically challenged”, so I agree with those who say avoid long (unless you like the “Little House in the Big Woods” look) and midi length.
    I’d say no longer than knee length – but since you’re fit, I bet that just above the knees would be perfect.

  112. Just above the knee, so that the kneecap is just showing. That’s what I find most flattering on most women (and on my 45 y.o. self!).

  113. No longer than knee length or it will swallow your small frame like a woolly pillow case. When you finish it, can we see it on you? I’m interested to see how it looks.

  114. I was just in Paris. All the chic women were wearing knee=length or slightly shorter skirts with tights and KICK-ASS BOOTS! Like, the most awesome ever. So I’m on the side of knee-length or just a smidge above. If you’re wearing (opaque, please) tights with it, you won’t need to worry about kneecaps. It’s a beautiful skirt. Can’t wait to see it when it’s done.

  115. Based on all the pictures I’ve seen of you and the style of the skirt in the links, it should be just above your knees. Can’t wait to see the modeled FO.

  116. Definitely just below the knee – it’s very classy. And I think just-above is a bit dangerous for someone like me with (erm) prominent thighs. And I always think it looks like the person outgrew the skirt and kept wearing it anyway. Although this particular skirt will probably look fabulous and classy no matter what. Sigh….I want one.

  117. I vote for just above the knee. I think it would be most flattering for your build. If I where knitting one for me, I would go to- or just past my knee. But I am quite tall and have ugly knees. :oP

  118. You’ve already had many more suggestions than you ever really wanted, but I’d say the skirt needs to be about 2″ above the knee. You’re too young not to be hip!

  119. I have no experience with how skirts stretch, so I can’t help there. But I have read that skirts look best if they are either 3/8 or 5/8 of your height.

  120. I like my skirts mid-calf or longer so that when I bend over to pick up the thing that I just dropped, I don’t show the world my skivvies. I knitted a skirt in 100% mercerized cotton that is about halfway between mid-calf and ankles and it does stretch some as I wear it. Width-wise but not length-wise. It has a drawstring in the waste so this does not pose a problem. I wouldn’t expect as much stretch from wool because it is not as heavy and more elastic than cotton.

  121. According to the What Not to Wear people, it’s just below the knee for sexy women who are middle of age. Any longer and it makes your legs look too short, shorter isn’t particularly appropriate, and a mini just isn’t “done.”
    In your case, literally.

  122. You won’t like my suggestion. Go shopping, try on as many skirts, in as many lengths as you can stand
    and see how they hit you. Sit, bend, do a little dancing about (let ’em stare all they want). Take a friend who is honest but kind, to help with the critique. Think about where you will wear this and what you will be doing in it, then do that in the test skirts and see what you think.
    Then knit to your heart’s content. Take snaps and share.

  123. Make it knee length, and be happy with whatever length it winds up being.
    Or a few inches longer. Don’t try for mid-calf or longer– it would make you look too small. Knee length, or just below.

  124. probably not the advice you want to hear, but you asked 🙂
    Go to your closet, take out your favourite skirt, try it on. Check that length. Or go to your favourite store, try on a variety of lengths of skirts and go with whatever length you like best.
    I would make it shorter, cause it’s gonna stretch.
    I know this would be easier to do it you weren’t on crutches, but this is my best advice.
    get better soon

  125. 140+ comments, I am too lazy to read all of them. 🙂
    MHO: If you’re wearing it out somewhere, if you have a plan of any sort for where you’d wear this, or when, make it long enough that you are warm 😉

  126. Hi Steph – I haven’t knit a skirt before, but I will chime in on the length issue – I like them long. I think they look very elegant and classy if they are heading towards the ankle. I also wonder about the possibility of stretching – I am going to go read all of the responses to this entry to see what the consensus is! I would suggest that if you are worried about it stretching, maybe a light lining would help it stay in shape? But I have no experience in this, so don’t listen to me! PS hope you are comfortable and healing well.

  127. I’m much taller than you, I’d knit it to below the knee. But I agree with most people, knee length or a little below is good for a modest 40 year old. If you really want to knit it shorter, give it to Megan or Sam.

  128. I’d go about mid-calf so that boots could be worn and nylons eschewed. If it stretches over time then the waist band can always be shortened.

  129. I agree with Arlene’s comments about length. As for stretchiness—it will stretch. Some. Pray for not too much. I would do a short row or two for the butt–assuming your but curves out more than the front you at the same latitude. Remember that row of chain crochet that you put in a sweater to stabilize the neck? I’d do the same on the reverse side of the skirt in where it wouldn’t be noticeable from the front. Just a few columns of it for stabilization. And, I wouldn’t hang the skirt on a skirt hanger when I’m not wearing it.–then again, I’ve never made a skirt. I wore a knitted little tight skirt when I was 16 and about 112 pounds. The thing never stretched–but then I didn’t have the butt or stomach to stretch it!!

  130. Simple answer: Erring on the side of too short is better. Especially since you can block it bigger, but never smaller. As a short person (5’3″ in sneakers), a too long skirt makes me look short legged.
    More brain power answer: Knit it until it’s a two/ two and a half inches above the knee. If it doesn’t stretch, it’s an acceptable length. If it does, any where to two inches below will be acceptable.
    Involving math answer: It has been mentioned before, but maybe pre-block it. Wash (or wet) what you have now, towel dry until DAMP, let it dry, then compare the length before washing and after. I would recommend hanging it up to dry, as that will maximize stretch. As you wear it, you’ll sweat a bit and it might stretch under it’s own weight.

  131. I can’t believe anyone actually knew the term “rumpsprung”! And that’s why you line it, to minimize the tendency towards rumpspr…ing? ung? whatever.
    I vote for at the knee, especially if you block it at all.
    It’s going to be awesome (I followed every blessed link to the original… it really is going to be terrific!)

  132. I knit that skirt, and made it just below the knee – I can’t remember how many repeats that is, but I’m short like you and tried it on as I went. It looks great with a pair of boots – of course, you may have to wait until you get your brace off!

  133. Right below the knee where the doctor hits it to check your reflexes. This will accomodate for some stretching, but doesn’t make it too long and you look grandma-ish. Just be sure not to wear hiking sandles with it, especially if you choose to wear sandles with socks…I’m from Seattle. It’s a really bad look.

  134. First: Today’s post…I vote for the lower part of the knee; ie. covering the knee (however cute it may be)
    Second: Yesterday’s post…not that it matters what I think about your parenting, but I think that we all need to hear these words WAY more than we do…
    You’re a good mom.
    Happy knitting.

  135. knee length-ish. Maybe a bit shorter, depending on how you feel about airing your knees. You’ll look completely elegant. Lovely skirt!

  136. I would take a good honest look in the mirror. I have large thighs and fat calves, I need an A-line skirt that goes to my ankles. If your skirt ends at the knee, it will accent large calves. just-above-the-knee is a professional look, mid-thigh a weekend look.
    hope this helps,
    m in Oregon

  137. 40 is the new 30! I’d keep it fairly short, guessing the lace will stretch a bit anyhow, and you’ll be wearing tights under it. Say 3-4″ above the knee. I knit a really cute skirt for a friend (that is about your height) at about that length, and it hangs so nicely. I bet Joe will like it that length too.

  138. Just below the knee if you want to look chic, just above if you want to look cute – to accommodate stretch, maybe 1/2 inch short of that. Unless you wear the skirt (gorgeous) everyday, it will recover between wearings. Me? I’d go for chic, but then I have long legs, and am 62. Cut never did it for me though. So you decide.
    If it’s cold, wear tights. And don’t worry about your arse – you’re a runner/walker, it couldn’t possibly be that bad.

  139. I sew as well as knit (as I know you do too). I learned to sew from my mother who learned to sew from her mother and she always sews a lining in any skirt or dress (or slacks) that could bag in the bum. Unless you are planning on always walking, standing or kneeling instead of sitting you might want to line it. Even a cotton lining would be nice and would help keep the skirt from developing an elephant hiney.

  140. As a nearly 5′ 3″ woman myself, here is my informed opinion:
    1. skirts look better 1″ above the knee. If you hit mid-knee or below the knee, it doesn’t show the shape of your leg as much. If the skirt was much shorter I’m not sure the line of the skirt would be quite what you would want.
    2. Jill Biden looked great and has nice athletic legs, but her skirt was too short once she lifted her arm to wave at the crowds. As you never know when you will need to wave at your knitting fans, you don’t want to have the same fate befall you.
    3. This is going to be an exciting project for the rest of us to see – its hard to picture a real body in a knitted skirt!

  141. Expect it to stretch. My aunt and my mum knit a wedding dress (skirt and top) and hung it for two months before they made the slip to go underneath it. And by the end of the wedding day, the skirt was a full two inches longer than it should have been. So – expect stretching.

  142. Well if you’re kinda short, I’d go with above the knees. I’m short (5’1″) so I go for skirts that are about mid thigh (I have long thighs and the skirt is longer than you think, or so I tell my mother), and that’s a good length. But if I’m knitting a woolen skirt, I’d go for above the knees and it’ll be classier that way and you can go for stockings or tights under it.
    OR you can knit a short, mid thigh skirt and wear leggings under it. =D

  143. I used to sew for a lot of people, make it the length that looks good on your legs. Not what is in style. Your children should be honest with you, get the daughter that cares about the matching hat and mittens. The skirt could possibly be around for a long time.

  144. I have no opinion about the length, but if you line it with a half slip (sewn in at the waist) it will hang beautifully and will not develop any unsightly sags.

  145. I love that skirt. I think that just below the knee, show your legs but not be too short when you sit in it. Have not seen your knees so if they are beautiful then show them LOL.
    I enjoy your blog so much, thank you for your time in your busy schedule for keeping us entertained with your antics and wonderful sense of humor. Hope your leg is feeling better. Those types of injuries are so annoying.

  146. Just above the knee, unless you really want to spend another couple of months knitting it, in which case I would go with lower calf (I’m currently making one of those myself–if by “currently” you understand that I mean “haven’t touched it in two months because there is only so much plain stockinette in the round I can possibly take without chemical intervention”). And I would say the stretching depends on the yarn. Springy wool? No stretch (it’s a lacy pattern anyway, not too heavy). Alpaca? Three inches stretch, minimum.

  147. Just a hair below the knee. That way, it’ll be long enough for you to feel okay when you’re sitting down and short enough to show off, what I’m sure of, are a nice pair of legs.

  148. As a short woman, I think just above or at the knee is best. Any lower, and it will make your legs look stumpy, which is no good.

  149. you say your short, so it should reach passed your knees but at the top of your calves, for stretching reasons, i would leave it just passed your knees, so that when you sit down it will reach the very edge of your knees, i guess after wear it will lengthen?

  150. I understand that if you make a skirt, and it fits well, and you don’t want it to stretch unpleasantly, LINE IT! With a woven fabric.

  151. i’m a HUGE fan of right-at-knee length – i think it’s smart. the other question is a bit trickier. a woman’s hips and behind have an amazing ability to take up, umm…yardage – even mine, and i’m a whopping size 4. i knit a skirt, which i love, love, love, but have to admit that i didn’t really respect the booty and what it really needs, and it’s a touch short. i compensate by wearing it low, but i toy with the idea of taking out the hem and making it longer. i think much of this will also depend on how wide the skirt is right now and how much it will need to stretch…

  152. I’d go shorter. I’m a short person. Anything much below the knee just drags you down and makes you look dumpy. I’m not recommending a mini, but just above the knee. That’s not immodest. It’s fashion forward. With a good pair of tights it’s not immodest or trashy one bit. Best of luck.

  153. I’m thinking it depends on your height and what kind of shoes you plan to wear with it.
    You’ve mentioned being petite and I’m guessing you wear flats more than anything with a heel. Wouldn’t that suggest a knee or just above length? I’m sort of guessing but feel like I’ve read something to this effect somewhere.

  154. For me–a not quite 40, not quite modest woman–above the knee. For more modest right at the knee.
    As for growing–what yarn are you using? Alpaca–put it down choose something else. Cotton–probably gonna be way heavy. Wool–it denpends. I always thought part of the charm of knit skirts was that the weight and drape of the knitted fabric made it cling and skim over the nice girly parts without showing off the bad stuff.

  155. You are a petite lady, so you need a shorter length skirt, I would say just at the top of the kneecap or just at the bottom of the kneecap. More length than that would overwhelm you.

  156. You’re very petite, so no longer than the bottom edge of the kneecap. As far as stretching, I’d take a good-sized swatch and block it strenuously, to see just how much it will actually stretch. As far as the tuchus, don’t worry about it. It’s knitting, it stretches. (And you’re plenty skinny, anyhow. You have nothing to worry about.) You’re gonna have a whole wardrobe of beautiful professional things when you’re done with this.

  157. I agree with everyone on the knee length, but I think a nice long train on it would be a special touch, snicker, snicker.

  158. I’m agreeing with all the ‘knee’ votes. It will probably flair. If it is long and flaired, you will look like you are wearing your mothers skirt. If shoot for just above the knee cap and it sags to mid knee, you’ll still look great.
    Francis

  159. If I were short (which I am not, but my youngest sister is), I would have the skirt be over the knees, because it would make me look taller and make my legs look longer than they might actually be. I also have 3 girls who are far from short, but one has shorter legs and she looks awesome in short above the knee skirts and dumpy in long below the knee skirts.

  160. Another vote for “just to the knee”… a vote for A-line too.
    Why the sudden urge to knit a skirt? Is it brace related?

  161. I haven’t read all the comments, but I would hang it overnight; pin it to a hanger and see about the stretch. Depends on yarn and how tight you knit it; I’d do this before I finished it so that I wouldn’t have any surprises. Hanging the swatch could help, but there’s not as much weight in the swatch, so hanging the skirt is better. Don’t know if you’re working from the bottom up or top down; if you’re working top down, take off on a lifeline so the weight of the needle doesn’t influence things. No advice about the length you want; figure you know what looks best on you and how well you like your knees!

  162. I have made a woolen mini – just because it seemed like it was long enough (not).
    Anyway, I think knee length is correct for almost everybody. I didn’t think Jill Biden looked hot, just trying too hard – my DH asked what she was trying to prove.
    When you’re knitting it, don’t assume sag (stretch), but do assume that some length will be taken up by stretching over your butt. Not that there’s anything wrong with a butt, it just requires a little extra fabric.

  163. At knee length, and then it will stretch to be about an inch or 2 below the knee would be my guess.

  164. I understand the urge! But I would make it long enough to hit just above the calf, definitely below the knee or the modest 40-yr old woman (or even the modest 28 yo who is speaking from personal experience) will never wear it.
    You could look for a nice lace pattern to make things interesting for the final stretch of the sweater. Good luck with getting through the final bit.

  165. Lady, it’s wintah! I don’t want to wear a skirt, never mind knit one! Put the jeans under it if you must wear it.

  166. I vote for just below the knee, as a women who is pushing 40 herself, I think just below the knee is classic and timeless. You will be able to wear your skirt for a long time. As for the potential for stretching and growing. I will leave that to others to answer, I’ve never been that good at anticipating that in my own knitting. I haven’t read the comments yet, but I will be interested in what people have to say about how to accomadate stetching with wear etc.

  167. I’ve knit 2 skirts (not that pattern, though) so far, and I would aim for knee length, because it will grow downward a bit, as others have already said. And with some tall boots, that skirt will look great. You’ll want no or just a wee little bit of negative ease at the hips, because I’ve seen a knit skirt that had some positive ease, and while I respected the work that went into its creation, it unfortunately did not flatter the knitter who made it.

  168. it looks to be an a-line so I too would do knee length. If your 40 yr old arse is anything like my 41 yr old one, it has taken on a mind of its own so I would try it on a couple of times. I think that it well stretch too. My bias is that a knit fabric is too heavy to be too long and still drape well. At knee length, this will have a nice swing to it.

  169. I’ve knitted a number of skirts. Yes, they do stretch in length. Back in the day when knitted skirt patterns were plentiful, the advice was to knit them two inches shorter than you wanted the finished length to be and then block it to the length you wanted. In a straight skirt, some of the length would be taken up by going over the hips. In an A-line, as this skirt is, that shouldn’t be an issue. I would veto the short row idea unless you plan to line the skirt. If you don’t line it, you want to be able to rotate it around a bit each time you wear it so it doesn’t get “butt sprung.”

  170. OMG! Don’t go any lower that the knee ~ as a matter of fact go slightly above like an inch above. You are FAR TOO YOUNG and have a nice figure. Mini would be inappropriate but a bit above the knee would be a fashion plus! Anything lower runs the risk of frumpy/matronly. Aren’t you glad you asked?! 🙂

  171. I have only been a knitter for six years…many people say that this amount of time knitting doesn”t put me in the authority category, but I have never seen a knit skirt that has been attractive on anyone who wasn’t a size 2. I would think you wouldn’t want anything stretching across your arse. I know I wouldn’t.

  172. I’m no knitter, but I’m betting it’ll stretch. Especially downward…loosen up,love, MY favorite skirts are an inch or two above the knee! You wear your skirts too long for your height. And you’re 40, not 400.
    Love Mum

  173. Dude- listen to your Mum…if that REALLY WAS YOUR MUM… and not Joe in disguise going for a shorter skirt look…
    not much more to say except: rock the skirt.

  174. As someone short, I totally agree with the knee-length comments. I would make it so it’s right above the knee and hope a little bit of stretching makes it just below the knee — but I think it depends on the yarn and how tightly it’s being knit.

  175. Just covering your kneecaps. Kneecaps aren’t a feature most women list as their fav but calves are usually so shapely as to need to be shown off a bit. Plus that length is very becoming for those of us who might wish to be a tad bit taller.Speaking from experince of course! As to the stretch- sounds like Charlotte who posted at 8:59 knows what she’s talking about. If it was me knitting, I’d go with her opinion.

  176. In the last Threads magazine, they talked about keeping skirt length in proportion with your total height. Imagine your total height as 5 parts, the best skirt length is about 3 parts (from top of your head). So if you are 5’2 then your skirt length should be about 25 inches from the floor. Not sure where it would lands on the leg, it would be interesting to find out.
    It is NOT too cold for skirts. I used to wear skirts all the time when I was living in Canada.

  177. Well, I’ve never knit a skirt but I’d say, if it were mine, that I would prefer to cover my knee caps. They’re not my best feature. But I wouldn’t make it any longer than that. I’m 5’5″ and that’s the length of most of my skirts, not that I wear such garments very often. I don’t have anything against skirts, it’s the tights or pantyhose underneath that I despise. I don’t have any suggestions about accomodating the rumpus, but I do think that maybe knitting it a tad tight might be a good idea, and might prevent unwanted stretching.

  178. I was wondering about this skirt. This nearly 50 yr old would wear that skirt above the knee about an inch or two. Given the stitch pattern and the color grading, (plus the fiber type) it is a must to keep it above the knee to keep it from looking “knitterly”. It needs the shorter length to look fashionable and not just something knitted cuz you could. A knitted skirt wearer needs an attitude to pull it off and nothing knee length or below is going to say that.
    I’ve never knitted a skirt but have crocheted (and worn) quiet a few. I think most people concern themselves about the butt stretch a LOT more than they should. The A-line shaping is not going to cup in at the butt unless the knit fabric is literally screaming at the hips which I’m sure it is not.
    Wear it short-ish and wear it proud, cuz you DO have the bod for it.

  179. I figured I’d Google skirt images and find something that looked good. Result? There are some scary skirts out there. Some don’t start anywhere near the waist. Some end…well, I saw one that wasn’t as long as a 4″ swatch would be. (And underwear with that skirt would have been a good idea.) My vote: top of the knee (or just above that) and wait for the stretching. I don’t think you want butt-shaping, but I’d be worried about stretching in that area, especially if you’re going to have to be seated for very long. (I.e., don’t wear it on an airplane unless you can hike the skirt’s butt up higher than your own butt while you’re seated.) It’ll be lovely for stand-up events–cocktail parties and the like.

  180. Knee + about 4 fingers … but that’s because i have (semi) muscular legs (and thunder thighs) and walk and run and sorta bike and if i wear a skirt shorter than that I look heavier than I am. but by lengthening it, my legs don’t look as er.. stocky? as they are.
    plus the norm for me is that all skirts are at least knee length and no slits.
    (i’m still not yet 40 but I’ve been trying to dress as if i were since i was at least 11)

  181. Just to your knee. That should work really well for me when I ask to try it on with my big girl boots.

  182. How long? I can’t answer this. If I were making this for myself, I wouldn’t be able to get beyond ‘How wide?’ Ahh, but to be 20 again when things like knitted skirts were still actually a possibility…. How wonderful it must be to be 40 and still able to wear knitted skirts.

  183. Stand up in front of a mirror with whatever shoes you wear with a skirt. Hold a large piece of cardboard in front of you. Move it up/down over your leg to see where the most flattering length is for you. For most modest women past that ‘certain age’ it is often just below the knee. Try said skirt on as you work on it to see how it stretches over your body. You may want to consider lining the skirt for extra stability.

  184. Science Experiment: Skirt gonna stretch if the weight of the wool below a point is greater than the weight needed to stretch it at that point. Figure out how much weight is needed to stretch it by tying items of known weight to the knitting needles at a certain point. Increase the weight to the point at which the wool starts to stretch. If that weight is greater than the remaining wool (assuming you’re knitting top down) then the skirt isn’t going to stretch.
    Non-scientific observation #1: The top of the skirt is a way heavier stitch than the lacy stitch at the bottom. So the bottom will be a lighter fabric than the top and the chances of stretching being an issue are much less.
    Non-scientific observation #2: You’re short and slim. How much can this skirt weigh?
    Fashionista Observation: The skirt pattern looks like a skirt that says “Fun! Kicky! Casual but Chic!” so you should back that up by making it just skim the top of the knee. Too long and it will look like something my Mennonite grandmother would have thought dowdy. Just sayin’

  185. According to some book on “fashion for every body shape” that I perused while cat-sitting last fall, the best skirt-length is just below the knee for tall people, just above the knee for medium or short people.

  186. I am short and short skirts just look great on short people. So, I say above the knee…just above the knee. Boy, that gives me the chills just saying that – I can feel winter winds swooshing up and under. However, that would be where your matching tights come in 🙂 or…under.

  187. I think I’d make it around the middle of the shin. or even lower. one doesn’t want to look like one thinks herself to be 15, but not old fashioned and 80 either. 🙂 good luck!

  188. My book on skirts suggests sewing in a half-slip as a permanent lining – tack it to the inside waistband. This will prevent most of the bagging and sagging! I wear pants all the time, so I say just below knee length or longer, so you can sit without worrying about unintended crotch shots! It is too easy to forget that keeping your knees together at all times thing when you are used to wearing pants!!! LOL!

  189. Just below the knee. No longer (will make you look short), no shorter (will make you look silly). I have no idea about the rest, just vague opinions of little value.
    I didn’t comment yesterday because the power was flickering, but how cool is it that we have such a fabulous president!? I actually got weepy when he started issuing directives about being ethical and maintaining transparency in government and taking responsibility.

  190. If you hem your skirt to hit you anywhere between your knees and your ankles, it will stumpify you, and you do not need that. I think it should hit you right above the knee.
    Also, every time I leave you a comment and I hit “tab” to take me to the “Post” button, I get sent to the top of the page instead. Tell Ken your tab stops are weird.

  191. I’d go for top of the boot length. I have three knit skirts that I love and that is the length that I chose for them. I don’t care for the look of a knee length skirt with mid-calf boots. It may be fashionable but I don’t think it is flattering to most women. When a skirt meets the boots it makes a nice, unbroken line. It also means you can wear nice, wooly socks inside the boots instead of bothering with pany hose or tights.

  192. Most of the comments say a particular length, but this is really an issue of proportion. Below the knee may be just a tad too long. Shoe choice, of course, will impact proportion too. You are taking excellent care of yourself, so your legs are naturally beautiful.

  193. I would say that skirt would look best at just below knee level. I’ve knit lots and lots of skirts. Summer ones and winter ones. I LOVE them. Don’t worry about the weather being cold; go to Sears buy their fabulous stretchy wool tights. You will not even be able to wear the skirt unless it is -10 outside because you will be too hot.
    Don’t worry about the skirt stretching in the posterior. When you go to sit down lift the skirt ever so slightly in the back so it isn’t stretching out of shape.
    Enjoy your knitted skirt, I’ve sure it will be lovely.

  194. I would say that skirt would look best at just below knee level. I’ve knit lots and lots of skirts. Summer ones and winter ones. I LOVE them. Don’t worry about the weather being cold. Go to Sears, buy their fabulous stretchy wool tights. You will not even be able to wear the skirt unless it is -10 outside because you will be too hot.
    Don’t worry about the skirt stretching in the posterior. When you go to sit down lift the skirt ever so slightly in the back so it isn’t stretching out of shape.
    Enjoy your knitted skirt, I’m sure it will be lovely.

  195. Just above or just below the knee. Right at the knee is…frumpy…and knitterly need not be frumpy!

  196. I’d say at the knee. That way, if your fabric stretched, it wouldn’t go so far up above your knee. Nothing worse than wearing a skirt and then tugging it down all the time.

  197. 1) Block existing skirt to see how it responds. 2) Choose a top and footwear you might wear with said skirt. 3) Assemble appreciative yet honest audience and dangle skirt at different leg heights for them to assess and photograph for you. 4) Ignore their advice and go for the look you like.
    I agree with other comments that shorter athletic legs might look best with a skirt that is a bit above the knee. Worn shorter with boots would be cute and not overwhelmingly wooly, plus you could wear tights and still be able to bicycle. Who knows, you might end up ripping back.

  198. Knee length, but i’d make it an inch or so shorter to acomodate for it stretching, that or full length. In either case, i’d whip out a sewing machine and put in some non knit reinforcement down the sides to try and prevent the stretching.
    But yeah, knee or full length….never in the middle…there is something about calve length skirts than can sometimes come across around as fantastically frumptacular, and that would be a total waste now wouldn’t it?
    (please note that i say sometimes, not always! ;p no offense meant to anyone)

  199. A little above the knee but not much. You are young enough to pull it off. Too short and the internet will be dissing you like they did demi moore!

  200. I think you could pull off any length skirt, but for that particular pattern with the lace like design, I think the bottom of the knee cap would be best. Can’t wait to see it finished, looks like it’ll be beautiful.

  201. I don’t care how long it takes make it come to just above or way below the knee. I had a wool skirt once that hit right at the knee and every time I wore it in made the backs of my knees itch. It was a really nice skirt and I always hated it for itching

  202. Below the knee. All knit skirts should be lined to prevent bagging and stretching. Best wishes!

  203. Depends what you are going to wear the skirt with. Boots?- to at least meet the boot top (assuming they are boots that come to below the knee).
    Otherwise what Sigrid said above.
    You are the Yarn Harlot – you do not have to be faithful to any knitting project, if you have had enough of it, let it go back to the WIP pile. Otherwise just hunker down and knit away.

  204. Although knee length is standard (that’s mid-knee),
    I say decide where you like your skirts to hit and
    use that length. However, before you do the last
    four inches, hang the skirt up and let it hang for
    at least two days, to see what simple gravity will
    do to it.
    You will be wearing a slip underneath it, too.
    Don’t worry about the shaping it will do – yes,
    it will hug every curve and show everything –
    women who wear knitted skirts have no secrets.

  205. All thoughts of fashion, stretching, and rumpsprung-ation aside, someone has to bring up the fact that Kauni is ITCHY! It sounds like a lining would be a good idea for structure’s sake, but it will probably prove essential if you ever want to wear this gorgeous skirt in an even mildly warm room.
    I have a nifty fine-gauge knit skirt from a major US chain which is pattern-wise quite like the one you are knitting. It has a very simple satin a-line lining, attached at just one point on each side with a button tab. It helps the skirt keep its shape, be warmer, and not stick to my kicky black tights. Oh, and saves me rummaging for my looking-its-age half-slip. Four very good attributes!

  206. When has anyone here ever seen your legs, Stephanie? Assuming the yarn/stitch pattern is not inclined to stretch or sag, somewhere around the knee might be good. Above, at, or below the knee all depends on what you think your knees look like and how you sit or move. You can always try on some a-line skirts at the mall before you get too far with the knit. Or you could just ask Joe what he thinks of your legs.

  207. I see this skirt with tights and Danskos so I think a little above the knee would be very young and cute. If with boots, a tad longer but no more than mid knee.
    Predicting stretch is always a mystery to me.

  208. You are thin enough for a knitted skirt. I am not. No helpful comments.
    PS I always admire them in knitting magazines until I come to my senses, so good luck!

  209. Wow, have you read this far? If so, a word from someone who knits lots of skirts.
    1. Don’t bother lining it, but wear a half-slip underneath. Lining a knitted skirt is a b…h.
    2. Knee length for a 40 plus is always good.
    3. Swatch! Dampen and hang with a weight until dry. I said ‘damp’, I don’t mean ‘wet’. Squirt it with a spray bottle whilst hanging.
    Hope this helps.
    Regards, B

  210. Try on some skirtlengths in a shop, you will know if you are a skirtsperson and which length is best for you or know to frog or not. Eh.. not the length Americas second lady was wearing at the inauguration, that length suits no lady, whichever size she is.

  211. Length, depends on your shoes, AND your height! Flats, *skimming* the knee. Boots, I personally like the skirt to cover the top of the boot when standing. But if you are 5″4″ or under, not tooo long or you look like you are walking on your ankles. As to stretch and all, I am not that accomplished a knitter. Good luck it looks lovely!

  212. I was reading your book, Things I Learned From Knitting. I think chapter 3 has come back to haunt you–Be Careful What You Wish For. I’m sorry to read you are off your feet but maybe you will find time to write another book?

  213. Just cover your knees, no need for extra “bum”idge , I wear the front to cover my belly a little and it falls slightly at the back. Goodluck xx

  214. PLEASE READ I think it would be best to have it hit just (and I mean just) below the knee or AT mid knee. If you want it higher have it hit your finger tips and I don’t think you would want it any longer because I find that longer skirts make people look shorter. Also, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to go to a store and try on a couple differnt skirt lenghts, find one you like and use that lenght.

  215. Try asking other people (or the designer?) who’ve made this skirt if it stretches or not. Me? I wouldn’t be caught dead in any skirt. Ever. Seriously, I want to be cremated in my blue jeans.

  216. Ok. The question at hand is how are your knees? Were you a tomboy, with all the scratches and scrapes to show for it? Or were you a princess, with all the gingerly sitting and pampering? If you, were the first then below the knee is the only choice, but if you were the second it is time to live a little and go all the way thigh high.

  217. If you wanted to get really Type A about it I think the issue of threads magazine that’s on the newstand right now has an article on proportion and how to figure out what works for you (just went and looked and yes it does, Feb/March issue).
    The stretch issue-the longer it gets, the more weight it has, the more it will probably stretch (that’s my theory)
    Could look quite fab with leggings (warmer than tights), opens up interesting/matching(yesterdays thoughts)sock options whilst maintaining modesty and looking stylish.
    Good luck sometimes too many answers open up to many options but then again you’re in park so why not mull it over.

  218. knit it to shorter than what you think you want and then hang it on one of those clipping skirt hangers for a while and give it a break. leave it someplace where it’s not squished by clothes so it can grow because it probably will. Then try it on and see if you have to keep going. And of course, at that point, you can try to look at your gravity-adjusted gauge. I think you can go above the knee if you want. or around the knee. I guess it depends what looks good on you. I don’t think i would go too far below the knee. Being petite, it could just make you look stumpy. Yes. Above the knee for sure.

  219. I would say knee or just above, to compensate for any stretch – I take it with all the walking and yoga’ing you do, you’re in good shape, and seeing as you’re, um, petite, you can handle a short skirt better than a long skirt. Can’t wait to see it!

  220. The middle of the knee, any shorter and you look like “mutton dressed as lamb”, any longer and you risk looking frumpy. We may be forty but we’re fabulous!

  221. LIke so many before me have said, just hitting the knee.
    Wait a sec. You’ve chosen to knit a grey skirt? In January? No wonder you’re over it.

  222. I love knitted skirts and have made one, which I wear regularly. It’s knee length, in stocking stitch with a garter stitch edging, and slightly A-line and looks particularly good with boots ( I am in my thirties for your information). It would look cute too in a shorter length but I would beware going below the knee as – on me at least – it would be in danger of looking frumpy.
    I haven’t had any problems with stretching although I did take the precaution of lining it.

  223. If I were you, knit until your skirt reaches your ankles at the very least. And be sure to include a crotch. In other words, your skirt should be leggings or pants. It’s winter, and I just returned from Ontario, and it’s freaking cold, woman!
    Ok, I’m done yelling (I wasn’t really yelling, just emphasizing) and scolding and advising you on the length of your knitted skirt. I feel better now. Please let me know what you decide at your earliest convenience. Thanks for asking.

  224. Slightly above the knee. Show off those legs! Plus, knee length or longer could be perceived as “frumpy” by your daughters. 😛
    I like the lining suggestions to prevent stretching.

  225. I vote for knee lenght, you don’t want it too long and I would make it just above the knee. Can’t wait to see work in progress.

  226. I would prefer knee length.
    But don’t forget never to sit down in a knitted skirt unless you have a pair of jeans to change.
    It will stretch over your butt while sitting an won’t go back when you stand up 🙁 which will give you kind of a strange look from backwards

  227. Wow, what a beautiful skirt. I don’t know about the length…how tall are you??? What is the “rule” about “nothing above the knee after age 40”?
    What kind of footwear will you wear with this?? That might be a big factor on length decisions.
    I think the thinner the better for the wearer of this beauty! Have fun and show us the final results of course.
    glad to see you are back….

  228. knee length and no longerer, especially for those of us who are vertically challenged. With tights and nice boots or even Uggs, tres chic and comfortable.

  229. I’d try this on and get someone else to look at the length of front vs. back- if it’s short in the back, you may want to try the short-row suggestion. But you’ve said before that you don’t have much arse (I am really envious of this!), so you may well be fine.
    And then think about whether you are more likely to wear this skirt sitting or standing. A skirt that I think looks perfectly fine when I’m standing up can be uncomfortably short when I’m sitting. (Which is why I’d go with the below-the-knee suggestion for myself.) The suggestion of making it the same length as another skirt you like and feel is flattering is a good one.
    And I’d wear the half slip instead of lining, because the last time I lined something, it slithered away, my hand went after it, I ran the sewing machine over my hand and had to find somewhere to get a tetanus shot at 8 in the evening. (I was leaving on vacation to Montreal the following day.) And then I came out in hives from the vaccination and itched for the whole trip. But that’s just me- if you’re the kind of maniac who loves fiddling with insanely annoying slippery fabric, go for it. (Not that I’m opinionated or anything!)

  230. I knitted the skirt for me. For the style, knee length or just below. It’s knit top down and you can try it on before you decide the length. It’s see through. To be worn with leggins or you need a lining. Mine never stretched.

  231. Hey–you’re thin and hot, shorten that thing up! You’ll probably wear it with tights anyway, right? I’d definetely go with a few inches above the knee. I’m a few years older than you, and I feel like we should just keep flaunting it while we still got it.

  232. Just above knee length, as that’s the most attractive point for a longer skirt to hit. Any longer, and it will look either too big or make you look even older! Besides, you can pull it off 🙂

  233. 200+ comments already. . .hmm. . .will you read this? As a fellow petite person I say just hitting the tops of the knee caps is the max length. Otherwise you make your already short legs look even shorter. Plus the longer you make it, the heavier it will be and the more it will pull on itself and stretch. Besides, you want to still like the thing when you’re done with it, right?

  234. I think many people have said this before, but swingy skirt just grazing the top of the knee, and a pair of boots.

  235. just above the knee is best, especially with tights, i have always felt. and then, if it stretches, it’s still knee length.
    meredith

  236. well hey, I’m a somewhat modest woman of 45 and somewhat not at all tall AND in the process of knitting my third skirt, this one wool. I am finding that for the thicker wools just below the knees is working out. I usually do the boots and tights thing, and if the tights are cute, you want them to show, no? plus I think that at my 5’2″ a long wool skirt would look like a sleeping bag. A short short wool skirt is only warm on the butt, where I’ve never gotten cold. my plan is to knit to the middle of the kneecap, figuring it will grow maybe an inch or two. It’s top down, so no problem. Plus, by the knees, I’m usually over the whole thing. I have already told my friends that they are to compliment me, regardless of the effect of the horizontal stripes.

  237. Occasionally, I watch shows like ‘What Not to Wear’. I disagree with the fact that they end putting almost everyone in heels (evil!), but they have great advice on stuff like skirt lengths. The most flattering tends to be just above, at, or just below the knee. I would make your skirt length just above the knee. Then if it stretches, it will still be in what is considered that flattering range. I can’t wait to see it when it’s done.

  238. I would make it at or just above the knee or down to your ankles. Anywhere in between is Stumpy Land. Also, when I made a skirt, it didn’t stretch down, it just got stretched out at the butt and knees. I have heard lining it will stop that from happening. I gave up, unravelled it and made a pullover.

  239. Definitely not too low – it can make us petite ladies (fine, short, there I said it) look very stumpy. I’d go for just a touch below the knee – and probably knit it to just above the knee to allow for stretching.

  240. Being of a similar age, I would also advise below the knee. This is for a couple of reasons other than age and decorum 😉 Firstly, I can’t see myself wearing a knitted skirt in any other weather than late fall to early spring. A mini in that light (or anything above the knee) strikes me as totally foolhardy unless you never ever freeze in -20. Wearing woolen tights to make the shorter skirt warmer, will just create bunching and unsightly gathering issues, so the longer skirt, with tall boots, will likely look and feel smashing.

  241. We are short people. We need knee- or slightly above knee-length. Depending on your knees, this could be a difference of several inches. I have to say, I never get anything to stretch longer but I do get wider, so I would knit to exactly where I wanted it, and make sure the waist tie is totally adjustable.

  242. Oh, and good idea (posted above) to hang it for a few days when one suspects there are a few inches left. I am going to go do that right now……

  243. I knit a skirt once, out of Koigu. Many people told me it was the definition of insanity, but it is my very favorite skirt, and I wear it every summer. I do not, as a habit, like to show my legs or excessive amounts of skin so I feel I am qualified to chime in that at/just below the knee is a very good length, but I highly recommend getting a slip to wear under it as any knitting is far too hole-y in the arse area for my liking. (There are some pictures on my Rav projects page if you need visual support – my username is knittermonkey!)
    As far as stretching around that area – mine is fairly ample compared to the rest of me and I haven’t had any significant issues with length or sagging in the knitting as a result, so as long as you are using a nice wool (as opposed to something like cotton – bad news there) you should be good to go there.

  244. Well, I saw you in Portland and don’t recall an arse with its own gravitational pull. However, having not owned the arse in question myself, I’ll defer to your opinion about its generous size. If the arse in question might cause an uneven skirt then short rows would be remedy that situation. Unless you are too far in for short rows (of course you could always put a small one in like an after thought heel).
    As far as how long it should be, well what length looks best on you? I think I’ve heard that just above the knee looks good as does ending at the thickest part of your calf as it creates the illusion of your legs being thinner than they are in actuality.

  245. My friend was on Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, and her transformation was SO amazing, I go with Tim on everything.
    Just above the knee….you are not tall, anything longer will make you look frumpy. Please, no frump.

  246. Just below the knee. But, I’m glad that you are working on this skirt again, I was just wondering about it the other day, seriously. I want to see it finished.

  247. LOVE the skirt!
    I am about your height/weight, I would plan for it to just hit the top of your kneecap, then if it stretches just a little it would hit mid-kneecap or just below the kneecap. Any longer than just below the knee and you’ll look stumpy. Also, don’t wear a top with it that goes below the top of your hip.
    There is a really good article in the recent Threads magazine about proportions and garment lengths.
    What colour range are you using?
    Good luck,
    Beth

  248. Make it short, above the knee. Why would you want to look like a modest 40 year old woman?
    (It’s ok to be a modest 40 year old woman, but there’s no reason to look like one)

  249. Ok Modesty is one thing you have to figure out for yourself and what feels comfortable. I can not help you with stretching, because I have not knit long enough to know.
    I don’t know about you, but when I wear a skirt I feel more girly (even at 46) You need to make it to a lenght that not only you are comfortable with, but is flattering to your figure and legs. Never right at the knee, it should be just above the knee or below the knee. Have some girlfriends help(not kids & hubby) take a skirt you have and while wearing it raise and lower the hemline until they say yes! that’s it. This will insure you feel pretty while wearing it and will wear it, instead of leaving it in the closet.

  250. Man – what a bunch of whimpolas…is that a word -well it is now. Short – and it has nothing – nada to do with your age or your height. It has everything to do with your attitude. And your attitude is daring. As to warmth – who are you kidding? Wear sweats then. NO! Make a woolen mini – buy some nice woolen tights or make them if you’re that inclined ( I wouldn’t but then I don’t know how to make socks so there)Throw some boots on and vavavaboom! TRUST your instinct which if I read you correctly is telling you – I’m done already with this skirt.
    Short – above the knee.

  251. Hmm, I’d vote for right around the knee, either just above, or just below.
    Of course, the easy answer would be — whenever you get the correct proportion of dark, medium and light greys. If it turns out short, so be it. It’s the cuteness of the skirt that counts!

  252. I remember that skirt, and wishing I had the arse, thighs and tum to get away with it.
    Make it long enough to come right to the bottom of your knees, so if it stretches it will still be short enough to be cute yet modest. I’d wear boots with it, too, but you may have better ideas. I think that the lace will keep the knitting from stretching, myself.
    You’re making a cropped jacket to go with, right?

  253. I second the hanging it up for several days to a week. An older women told me to do this with the one skirt I made. She’d done several of the knit suits back in the day. The skirt grew by several inches. Mine was knit in linen but the pro said to do it with wool too – and put a tiny bit of weight on the ends. I used lots of clothes pins (the kind you use to attach damp clothes to a drying line).
    I vote for mid-knee or ankle. I love ankle length, but I know I’m in the minority.

  254. On women who are not tall, too long a skirt can make you look odd. I’d say try it on and see how it looks. Depending on your height, the shorter you are, the shorter the skirt should be (within reason). I’m guessing just above the knees will work for you.

  255. Given your height (which is approximately the same as my height, though you may have an inch or so on me), I would go until it was skimming the top of your knee. It would look great with opaque tights and some knee-high boots.

  256. Since you’re petite, I’d say a skirt for you would be more elegant if it’s ABOVE your knee about a good three to four inches.
    Add short rows to accommodate your curves without stretching the piece.

  257. I think it should hit just below the knee, at the precise place when the shin turns into the hint of a knee. Good luck and don’t lose heart. It’ll be worth it to have it exactly the length you want.

  258. Definitely knee length. Mid calf length is going to make you look like Stumpy McStumpersons.

  259. Well, I’ve been hearing about the “hemline effect” – that when the economy does poorly, hemlines fall and become more conservative… so really, to get the economy back on track, perhaps a MICRO-mini would be just right. Reference to the salon.com article in the URL right there, baby!

  260. If you have a skirt you like and like the length of, measure that and work from there.
    Is there instructions in the pattern about how much it’ll stretch? Will it maybe be done sooner than you expect if you block it for the stretch?
    Just a thought.

  261. I have knit two skirts and I am over 40. They are both just below knee lenght. Remember you will sit down and you may not wish to show your thighs or underwear to the world :-). I have also lengthened (sp?) the back by 1 inch using an extra ball of yarn and knitting one row from that ball for every inch I knit with the main ball of yarn. I did that to take into consideration my back-end. Can’t abide a skirt that creeps up in the back. Both skirts were knit in a semi tight gauge, and one was made with cotton and the other linen yarn. After over 5 years of wear neither have grown or sagged.
    Good luck with yours!

  262. I would never attempt to knit a skirt, so I can’t answer your questions, but I applaud your spirit of adventure, and wish you the best of luck.

  263. I think you should shoot for mid-knee. Longer would probably be less flattering for your height; slight shrinkage would put it just above the knee, which would also work nicely for you. Since the skirt is not laden with cables, I think the potential for stretching would be fairly minimal.

  264. I would have it finish just at the top of your knee, and wear it with tights (as opposed to pantihose) and ballerina flats. Very cute, and appropriate for a 40-something.

  265. Lots of votes for knee length…My designer friend tells me that means below your knee cap, but not so low on the lower leg that it hides the top of the curve of your calf. He says when a skirt cuts the calf part way or even half way down the calf, it looks dowdy. And we Must Not Look Dowdy.
    As for stretch, I would think something fine and wooly would work. Fine yarn to make the skirt less bulky (us shorties do Not need bulk!) and wooly for maximum springiness/return to shape.
    Have fun, looks like a quick knit!

  266. Go with the narrowest part of the leg- just below the knee cap ( or ankle length- but that would be stupid) and wear with boots etc. Looking forward to the pics- are you putting a lining in to stop bagging/ pilling etc??

  267. You are slim so you won’t have to apply the golden rule for skirts – that it should never be shorter than it is wide. For me, I’m wide and lumpy so I can only be envious at anybody who can get away with a knitted skirt.

  268. I somehow didn’t get the picture of the skirt but I knitted a skirt made with hemp (lace around the bottom and then plain knitting up to the waist band. I thought I would loose my mind…. How long it should be depends on how you feel about your legs. I have good legs (as opposed to some other parts) so I made mine an inch above my knees. I’m 61 but fairly active and in serious denial. The good news is that you are “grown” and can therefore do whatever you want….
    Thank you so much for your blog. It lifts my spirits everyday I tune in.
    J

  269. Just above the knee, considering the style of this particular skirt. Knee-length is not flattering in general, and below the knee would be frumpy. Definitely above the knee.

  270. Whatever you do, I still think that it needs to be lined to prevent stretching from sitting down an such. Otherwise you’re facing the possibility of wasting a whole lot of work on something that will stretch after a little wear…

  271. *sigh* Put me on the “wide, lumpy and envious of anyone who can get away with wearing a knitted skirt” bench.
    That said, I’ll take “just below the knee” for 500, Alex….

  272. My understanding is that the hem shouldn’t hit at the widest part of the leg. Think thigh or mid-calf. I think just above the knee or just below is safest.
    Is it at a point you can try it on?

  273. Above the knee is suppose to be the most flattering length for women our age and height. I know it sucks a bit to own up to the number of decades comprising our generation but man, sometimes life in the 40s is pretty good, you know?

  274. Knit skirt + me = very bad idea.
    That having been said, I’ve heard that there’s a proportional rule of 3/5 where you take the distance between your waist and the floor. Start by imagining how the skirt will look if it is 3/5 of the distance, and then tweak the length to best flatter your leg shape in whatever shoes you’ll be wearing.
    This is supposed to be good whether you’re long- or short-legged. Since I have piano legs and a large rear, I haven’t actually tried it.

  275. I’m in the “approximately knee length” camp – either just above, or just below. I don’t know exactly how you’re proportioned, but I’d say absolutely no longer than 3 inches below the knee, unless you’re long in the leg – as much as I like the flow of mid-calf length skirts, they can have a tendency to make one look downright dumpy, if the proportions aren’t right for it. I suspect that, as much as I think you could pull off a shorter skirt, that it isn’t your style.

  276. Take a page from home- dressmakers. ( I would same home- sewers, but you’ve already put in time with some home- pipes, and the rest might get jealous) anyway—
    You could, of course, choose randomly. And it will still have that awkward off- the rack, not quite right fit.
    Possibly,borrow your sister. I’ve borrowed my brother, before. Stand in front of a full – length mirror. Get a big piece of cardboard, or some fabric, and drape it at the bottom of your leg. Now, pull it up, until you find a part you don’t want to see. Obviously, it shouldn’t go at the widest part of your calf. Look at your knees- cannon balls ( as Chanel called them) or the dice that sirens used to entice sailors? Calf headed to thin is the right length for maxis, just above the knees if you want frisky, midknee if you are after Chanel style, midthigh if you have bicyclist thighs ( which you do) just below croctch- well, it could go with your orange tank top, and you could have a new hobby while Joe is out of town.
    Books about costume designers, or by designers, usually get into how they choose these sorts of details. Scaasi has first lady gossip, including the debate about Laura Bush’s skirt lengths, the book about Edith Head has the most brutal assessments of glamorous stars I’ve ever read- believe you me, I feel like a goddess after reading it–
    Short rows on the heiny really do help, too. Even on women that look like barbie dolls, there is a one to two inch variance front to back, to get a flattering, even hemline on a straight skirt.
    And yeah, lining, at least through the seat, will help with bumps, lines, and durability. The lining won’t last as long as the skirt. You can replace linings every so often- they get sweaty, stained, stretched, worn out- and still have a skirt that looks new on the outside. I have some that are working on two decades, now. One skirt was made from dishcloth cotton, so it’s not like it was designed to last forever.
    I hope your poor ankle and leg are starting to feel better- and your hands, and arms, and back….
    ari

  277. Knit a skirt only once.
    Was beautiful on the needles. On me, it stretches too much in the upper part and clings around my legs in the lower part.
    My husband really loves to see me wearing it, but I wouldn´t be caught dead wearing this thing in the open…..

  278. I will likely never knit a skirt, and I am the same age as your eldest daughter, but I have to say that I absolutely LOVE knee length skirts with boots. So chic. And ageless.

  279. DOes anyone else se “The Blog” as “The Borg”? So very close in concept as well…
    I am one of the lucky ones that has broken from the collective and met you in 3D, and consider you a friend.
    Lucky, lucky me.

  280. In our office, where we do have rules for professional attire, the skirts can be as short as where the tips of your fingers reach with your arms straight down the side. That is just right for some and way too short for others. You, with your figure, would be in the first group. Besides, you don’t want to wear this skirt to any stuffy office anyway. Go for short, have fun and turn some heads. vj

  281. I agree with Bextoronto and who knows how many other people who think you will be just fine with a knee skirt. And, I would also take it one step further and say go above the knee! How far above? The dressmaking draping tips from ari are simple enough.
    Would you wear an above the knee skirt? If so, go for it! You have tights and boots and leggings (for the winter for warmth, I mean; not for hiding your yoga ankles!), don’t you? Modest moms can wear above the knee skirts too, if they want!

  282. If you booty is big enough (which mine is) you could add short rows for it to compensate for any length issue. I hate it when my skirts are longer in the front than in the back.
    And knee length is my favorite. Just past the knee.

  283. I say, make Joe happy and go for above the knee. Waaaaay above the knee. Go on, be a devil! You know you want to! And you’ve got the figure to carry it off ~
    lw

  284. You are little, so I would definitely go just a shade above the knee, otherwise you might look stumpy and short-legged. I think, being modest and no longer a VERY young woman, you shouldn’t go too much shorter. Also, I have seen you in person twice, and I think your ass is a lovely size, so I don’t think you have to do any extra predicting about stretching, just use the regular pattern measurements. If you’re worried–as one commenter mentioned–about the skirt bunching up around your legs, just make sure to wear a slip (does anybody even own any of these antiquated things anymore–besides me?), especially if you wear tights, which would be adorable. And boots! Even more adorable!

  285. As a short, modest, pear shaped, 50+, stylish (?) woman,I have a couple of suggestions. Knee length. To determine exact length, put on the shoes/boots you are planning to wear with the skirt, and then stand in front of a mirror and have a brutally honest friend ( not one of your teenage daughters), help you find the most flattering length. To prevent it from being butt sprung, you need to line it. Best (only?) thing to line wool with is China silk, and 2 yard aren’t too expensive. Have fun!

  286. Tim Gunn (of “The Guide to Style” and “Project Runway” and all that) says knee-length is best. Although I suppose if you’re built like Heidi Klum or Nina Garcia (ditto “Project Runway”) you could do a mini, but I think that Heidi Klum’s legs are as tall as I, so I wouldn’t try it.
    For warmth, go longer. In the winter, I wear below-the-knee (what I think I’ve seen called a “midi skirt” in old fashion stuff) and then boots, so I am warmly and properly accoutered for the foul weather of the times.
    If you’re worried about bulgy bits, you could try short-rowing a portion the way the well-accoutered-in-front are advised to do. Not that I’ve ever done it, because I hate fiddly. And with my luck, the short-rowing would go foul and either stretch more than plain knitting would have, or would have weird gappy bits or lines that do nothing aesthetically and only cause amusement in the opposite gender and sympathetic advice from other knitters.

  287. A good length is between the knee and mid-calf. If you knit it at knee length, it will probably grow a little, but not TOO long.

  288. A good length is between the knee and mid-calf. If you knit it at knee length, it will probably grow a little, but not TOO long.

  289. Do you have a skirt in your closet that you love? if so, then think about making it that length (I find this is always a good guide for making anything when I’m unsure) also think about what shoes/boots you will wear…boots or shoes with heals?, flat boots?
    To establish a length, put on the chosen footwear with the skirt whose length you love and stand in front of a full length mirror. Does the length look right? Longer or shorter or just right?
    It’s a beautiful skirt, looks like I now have a skirt for winter on my list too.
    happy knitting
    Helen

  290. I agree with those saying just above the knee…this way you’re ok if it doesn’t stretch (still modest) but if it does, you won’t end up looking like a Baptist schoolgirl (guess how I know what length Baptist schoolgirls wear?).

  291. I go with the parochial school rule of thumb: 2 fingers above the knee. If you went to a REALLY strict parochial school, however, it should just be touching the floor if you kneel down.
    Really, it depends on how much you like your knees to show.

  292. Whatever length it’s going to be ask yourself these questions:
    Do I look like I’m trying to pick up a “date?”
    Do I look like I’m trying to fit in with Sam’s friends?
    When I sit down does my underwear show?
    Frankly, I’m with the no knitted skirts crowd.

  293. Height (or age) doesn’t have as much to do with it as proportions. Some people are long waisted/short legged, others vice versa. You live in a cold place so if you are actually going to venture outside in it, I’d say it should just cover the tops of knee-high boots. Keep trying it on–with the top you are planning to wear with it–until it gets to a length you like. It’s quite lovely. My husband gave me a beautiful Scandanavian reindeer knitted skirt a million years ago and it’s been in a box under a bed ever since. The bum wasn’t the problem, but the tum sure was. Not enough flair so it cupped under in the most hideous way imaginable. I don’t think your pattern would have that problem.
    Is that really your mother? Wow, mine would never say anything that nice to me.
    PS. I want to slap that Tim Gunn every time he opens his mouth. Just sayin’.

  294. I have never knitted in my life, read your blog every day — toward the end of my day. I know that I will most likely feel better after reading it. Doubtful if I will feel worse. I feel that you are humble, passionate, and have issues just like the rest of us. Not sure that I have the “right” to weigh in on this, because I’m not a knitter … but I just can’t imagine a knitted skirt looking nice after the first 5 minutes. That being the case, I can’t get far enough past that to give an opinion on the length. Good night harlot.

  295. minty fresh knitted a norah gaughn skirt that i think is beautiful… but beyond that i find that most knitted skirts end up with dumpster butt UNLESS you are some kind of stick thin person who never sits down.
    so i can’t vote on length, since i’m fundamentally opposed to the concept.

  296. i was just thinking about a ps:…
    i’d also give denny a free skirt pass… because i suspect if she knit one it would be very extremely fabulous and length would not be an issue.

  297. I would go to just above your knees. Too much longer and you risk looking like…well…I was trying to come up with a descriptive adjective or mental picture that would clearly communicate what I meant and all of the ones I can think of end up offending large groups of people…so let’s leave it at: It just wouldn’t flatter you if it were much longer.
    Knee length. Go for it.

  298. Just above the knee. If it doesn’t stretch, it will still be an appropriate length. If it does, and it probably will, it won’t grow to the length that it looks Amish.

  299. I’ve worn a skirt about 20 times in my entire life so I’m probably not the person who you want to ask about this however i agree with the rest of the herd and say around the knee.

  300. as long as your other favorite skirt. for me, that’s about 6 inches below the knee, but you might prefer a skirt that’s just below the knee. how long are the skirts that you wear the most often? how long is the skirt that you never wear because it’s unflattering? knit a flattering skirt, and if that means leaving this thing on the needles till you get another boost of energy to finish it, so be it. don’t knit a miniskirt unless you actually like to wear miniskirts, though, ok?

  301. Tim Gunn all the way! And considering the amount of time and money spent on this project, I’m sure you’ll want to be able to wear said skirt for many years to come. I would go just below the knee. That’s my two cents 😉

  302. Make it so it hits about 2 0r 3 inches below the knees.
    Get your gage and cast on enough stitches to go from waist to hem. Knit 6 rows. Knit about 6 0r 8 short rows evenly spaced. repeat. When you have enough to go around your waist, cast off. Pick up stitches around waist and knit a band in stockinette about one inch or so. Purl a row. Knit another inch. Sew up seam. Fold over waist band and stitich down. You might do a row of single crochet around the hem. I have made this skirt a few times changing the short rows more or less and this will be sort of like the felt poodle skirts of the 50’s but more flattering. I am almost 81 and I still wear these skirts and get compliments all the time. Loretta

  303. I would make it from the top down and try it on every so often once it got the the bounds-of-decency length.
    A good look in the mirror will tell you when to stop.
    As far as stretching goes, I think a lot of that will depend on what it’s made of.
    If you make it in wool, and it stretches and becomes too long, you can probably do a bit of directional felting and shorten it back up again.
    If it’s made itself too long, make your felting movements in the up-and-down directions. That should shorten it without affecting the width too much.
    Does this help?

  304. I can’t comment on the skirt because when I click on the link it goes to a post about Kansas City that has lots of pictures of knitters and even some knitting but no knitted skirt.
    My advice about hem length is: try it on, if you don’t like the length keep knitting. If you don’t like the skirt, stop.

  305. Kicky Blog-San Diego votes for just above the knee with some sassy opaque tights. Add a simple top and you will be the Ultimate Skirt Showcase.
    (Are clothes supposed to flatter and draw attention to the wearer??? Not when they’re as hard-won as that skirt – show it off!!)

  306. I would say knee length would be best. You don’t want to be swallowed up in the thing. Hmmmm and where is the pattern for that? It is beautiful!

  307. Just below the knee is most flattering on anyone. Or you could just measure your favorite skirt and make it that length.

  308. The length of the skirt, IMHO, should barely skim the top of the knee high boots one might wear with it. It let’s one “peak” at the knees. That same length should look quite charming with leather sandals. Also, when you bend over to reach for something (which I tend to do forgetting I have a skirt on)it will remain discreet. 🙂 Can’t wait to see the finished skirt!!! I’m tempted to knit one for myself.

  309. I would say just above the knee. Stretching is your most likely posibility. Therefore if stretching occurs it will likely stretch to just below knee length. If my memory serves, you are not super tall. Therefore, If you knit it longer it could end up being floor length (if it stretches) which puts the emphasis on the arse (as it is the most prominent visual element in a floor length skirt).

  310. There is, somewhere on the internet, a skirt design that has increases in the area of he derriere that will take the skirt over a voluptious rear end, with some sophisicaion. But… wouldnt you know it, I cannot remember the reference: perhaps someone else on here can remember it – it could be on Interweave/Knitting Daily but I am not sure enough to give it as an answer on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, for example. Sheesh, if only I was clever like you, I would remember these things. x x x BTW Knit it to just under your knee caps and expect it to grow a couple of inches depending on the fibre used. Now, if u use shaping in the rear end it may not grow as much and if u dont use shaping in the bum area you need to make the front a little shorter because you rear will pull up the skirt in the back.

  311. There is, somewhere on the internet, a skirt design that has increases in the area of he derriere that will take the skirt over a voluptious rear end, with some sophisicaion. But… wouldnt you know it, I cannot remember the reference: perhaps someone else on here can remember it – it could be on Interweave/Knitting Daily but I am not sure enough to give it as an answer on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, for example. Sheesh, if only I was clever like you, I would remember these things. x x x BTW Knit it to just under your knee caps and expect it to grow a couple of inches depending on the fibre used. Now, if u use shaping in the rear end it may not grow as much and if u dont use shaping in the bum area you need to make the front a little shorter because you rear will pull up the skirt in the back.

  312. If you have good legs (and you should with all the biking), knit it just above the knee.
    If you can’t stay upright on a bike and have scarred up knees (not naming anyone that this might apply to!), knit it just below the knees.
    I think it would be cute in a shorter length…but then, it doesn’t get much below 30 degrees Farenheit here in VA!

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  314. Haven’t read the comments so far, but lining said skirt will solve a myriad of issues. Hopefully, you would avoid the butt bump on standing up.

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