Years ago I used to knit Barbie outfits to sell at Christmas bazaars
and at gift shops, and they
sold surprisingly well. I had fun turning out glittery gowns, coats
with angora collars, Fair
Isle sweaters, faux arans, fuzzy robes with matching slippers, etc.,
and actually learned new techniques and honed my skills whilst doing it.
Of course, I'm one of those who love working
with tiny needles and yarn.
The following pattern evolved during that time, and I had a struggle
deciphering my battered and coffee-stained notes to write it up in (I hope)
intelligible form. I did not invent the
pleating technique, but think I'm right that the technique itself would
not be copyrighted. The
pattern is my own and a gift to the knitlist.
Increase 1st = knit in front and back of same stitch
Starting at waist cast on 34 sts. Work in k1,p1 ribbing for 4
rows.
Increase 1 st at end of last row.
Row 1: k3, *p1, k3. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: k1, *P1, K3. Repeat from *, ending p1, k1.
Repeat these two rows twice.
Row 7: (First increase row). *Increase 1 st, k1, inc 1 st, p1*. Repeat across, ending inc 1 st.
Row 8: k2, *p1, k5. Repeat from *. End p1, k2.
Row 9: *k5, p1, repeat across.
Row 10: Repeat row 8.
Repeat rows 9 and 10 for about 1/2", ending with row 10.
Second increase row: *Inc 1 st, k3, inc 1st, p1. Repeat from *, ending inc 1 st.
Stop here and mark this side as the increase side with a small safety
pin or whatever. Now look at the emerging pattern. You are developing
wedge shaped panels of garter stitch separated by one-stitch "fold lines"
of knit stitches (also of purl stitches, but they aren't very obvious to
the eye.) On future increase rows you will be increasing one stitch at
beginning and end of the
row and just before and after each fold-line knit stitch. For a very
short full skirt, (for a skating or cheerleader costume, perhaps) do the
increases every few rows, for a knee-length skirt, make them about every
3/4 inch.
Next row: K3, *p1, k7. Repeat from *.
Continue in this pattern, adjusting stitch count to each increase until
desired length. Bind off.
Sew back seam to within 3/4" of top. Sew snap fastener at waistline.