Pattern Supplement for the Faith and Tradition Girl's Skirt from Zoar

This girl’s skirt pattern is based on an original piece preserved in the Ohio History Connection’s collection from the historic Zoar Separatist community. The original white wool skirt—likely an underskirt—was handknitted sometime between 1804 and 1859. In re-creating it, I chose to knit the front and back separately and then seam them together since circular needles were not yet in use when the original was made. The pattern, however, can easily be adapted for circular knitting. It took some experimentation to replicate the chevron welt pattern accurately. While the original skirt is finished with a linen waistband, I opted for a simple knitted rib that can be worn either straight or folded over. —Melissa Dehncke McGill

In this pattern supplement, you’ll find the written instructions for Charts A and B only. Please note this is a written pattern only supplement, so you must refer to the remaining instructions in PieceWork Spring 2026. You’ll find the materials, full instructions, and charted patterns for completing your skirt in that issue.