Pearls-on-a-string skirt

You start with the folded waistband, shape the skirt with increases and short rows for a good fit, before working the decorative pearl border.  The skirt itself is further shaped with more increases to add lots of extra width – this gives the skirt a beautiful drape and there is plenty of room for movement and play.  Pearls-on-a-String Skirt is worked with 2 colors and is the perfect match for its sister pattern Pearls-on-a-String Sweater that has a similar look.

Sizes: 1 (2, 4, 6, 8) years 
Finished measurements: Length from waistband to edge: approx. 21 (26, 31, 36, 41) cm [8¼ (10¼, 12¼, 14¼, 16¼)]” – or desired length; Waist circumference (without elastic): approx. 43 (46, 50, 54, 57) cm [17 (18, 19¾, 21¼, 22½)]”
Yarn: Knitting for Olive Merino, Cotton Merino or Pure Silk (250 m [273 yd] / 50 g [1.8 oz]), fingering-weight yarn, 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) balls in MC and 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) ball in CC.  Sample is in Pure Silk in Wheat (MC) and Blood Orange (CC) colorways 
Needles: 3 mm / US2.5 circular needles, or in size to obtain gauge
Gauge (after blocking): 28 sts and 38 rows = 10 cm [4”] in st st with 3 mm / US2.5 needles  
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, safety pin, elastic for the waistband (2.5 cm [1”] wide)