Supplies

1 Crochet Hook size 5mm
2 Ruffle Yarn (I used Starlet Frill) 2 skeins
3 Worsted Weight Yarn (4) 1 1/2 skeins
A main color and a secondary color 1/4 skein
4 Buttons
5 Yarn Needle
6 Measuring Tape
7 Stretch Cord (optional)

For the skirt pictured, this pattern will fit a child size 6 - 8 depending on your gauge. I used the stretch cord in the front placard to help the buttonholes keep their shape.

Key:
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
sts - stitches
ch - chain
yo - yarn over

Step 1: Measure Twice, Crochet Once

I always find that I have to make alterations to any pattern I use, it's not long enough or it's too small/large. For this pattern you want to measure around the bottom of the rib cage, about 3"- 4" above the belly button, around the hips, and finally measure the distance between the two.

For the pictured skirt the measurements were:
23" - ribs
27" - hips
5" - length

And here's a handy, dandy size chart if you want to make it in another size and don't have anyone to measure.

Step 2: Back/Sides

Ch 62

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to end.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 3: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 5: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 6: Ch 1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 30 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.
Row 7: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 8: Ch 1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 32 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.

Row 9: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.

Row 10: Ch 1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 34 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.

Row 11: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.

Row 12: Ch 1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 36 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.

Row 13: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.

Row 14: Ch 1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 38 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.

Row 15: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.

Row 16: Ch 1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 40 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.

Row 17: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.

Row 18: Ch1, sc 14, 2 sc in next st, sc 42 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc 14 to the end.

Row 19: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.

Row 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across, bind off and weave in ends.

With a complimenting color sc 2 - 4 rows around sides and top of piece. (I used black for the skirt pictured)

*Note: This piece of the skirt should be blocked before stitching together with the front placard, as it will be slightly skewed.

Step 3: Placard

Ch 36

Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each st across.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc 4, *ch 3, sk 3 sts*, sc 20 sts, *ch 3, sk 3*, sc in the last 4 sts. (* * this creates the buttonholes)
Row 3: Ch 1, hdc in each st across including the ch 3 sts.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 5: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 6: Ch 1, sc 4, *ch 3, sk 3 sts*, sc 20 sts, *ch 3, sk 3*, sc in the last 4 sts. (* * this creates the buttonholes)
Row 7: Ch 1, hdc in each st across including the ch 3 sts.
Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 9: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 10: Ch 1, sc 4, *ch 3, sk 3 sts*, sc 20 sts, *ch 3, sk 3*, sc in the last 4 sts. (* * this creates the buttonholes)
Row 11: Ch 1, hdc in each st across including the ch 3 sts.
Row 12: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 13: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 14: Ch 1, sc 4, *ch 3, sk 3 sts*, sc 20 sts, *ch 3, sk 3*, sc in the last 4 sts. (* * this creates the buttonholes)
Row 15: Ch 1, hdc in each st across including the ch 3 sts.
Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 17: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 18: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Row 19: Ch 1, hdc in each st across.
Row 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across.

Step 4: Joining the Back to the Placard

Place the placard so that it overlaps the side/back piece evenly on both sides and will comfortably fit to your desired size. This was 7 sts on one side and 6 on the other (so there were and even number of sts). Be sure not to crochet the placards edging down to the bottom of the skirt. (The picture shown is the back w/edging and the placard front, which you will crochet together.)

Joining the Round: Sl st into the 1st st of the back and the 7th st of the placard, Ch 1, sc in the same st, sc 18, 2 sc in next stitch, sc 18, 2 sc in next stitch,sc 18, 2 sc in next stitch,sc 18, 2 sc in next stitch. If you want the waist of the skirt to sit lower add another two or three rows following the pattern of one sc row and one hdc row.

For this size you should have 80 sts.

Step 5: RUFFELS!!!

At this point you will be alternating between your ruffle lace and yarn.

Round 2: (w/ruffle) Sl st round 1 together with the lace, hdc in each st around with lace. (80) (Use each loop of the lace as you would a yo.)
Round 3: (w/yarn) Sl st round 2 together with yarn, Ch 1, *sc 15, 2 sc in next st*, repeat ** 4 more times. (85)
Round 4: (w/yarn) Sl st to close round, ch 1, Hdc in each st around.
Round 5: (w/ruffle) Sl st round 1 together with the lace, hdc in each st around with lace.
Round 6: (w/yarn) Sl st round 2 together with yarn, Ch 1, *sc 16, 2 sc in next st*, repeat ** 4 more times. (90)
Round 7: (w/yarn) Sl st to close round, ch 1, Hdc in each st around.
Round 8: (w/ruffle) Sl st round 1 together with the lace, hdc in each st around with lace.
Round 9: (w/yarn) Sl st round 2 together with yarn, Ch 1, *sc 17, 2 sc in next st*, repeat ** 4 more times. (95)
Round 10: (w/yarn) Sl st to close round, ch 1, Hdc in each st around.
Round 11: (w/ruffle) Sl st round 1 together with the lace, hdc in each st around with lace.
Round 12: (w/yarn) Sl st round 2 together with yarn, Ch 1, *sc 18, 2 sc in next st*, repeat ** 4 more times. (100)
Round 13: (w/yarn) Sl st to close round, ch 1, Hdc in each st around.

Repeat the one row ruffle yarn, 2 rows (sc/hdc) yarn until the piece is the length you would like it.

Step 6: Buttons, Buttons, Buttons... the End!

The easiest part of all!

Place your buttons and sew them on. Be sure not to sew them on too tightly or they will not hold correctly inside the buttonhole or can break easily under the strain of wear. I used two buttons, one large and one small to create a unique look but still be understated to not take away from the skirt.

At this point, weave in any ends you might have and, if you are using it, weave in a length of stretch cord around all the buttonholes. A simple knot and end weaving will keep the cord in place.

Hand wash and block the whole piece.