Antique crochet patterns can serve as sources of new ideas and inspiration for new crochet work. A particular book of interest is “The Priscilla Yoke Book, 1916” which may be found in the Antique Pattern Library.

An excellent book on the "yoke".

Using a corset-cover yoke design from page 13 of the book, in combination with filet crochet, I made this white skirt using white rayon thread.

Skirt crocheted with white rayon thread.

The hem of the skirt is based on the crocheted medallions from the yoke book. I added little blue glass beads along the hemline to add weight to the skirt, since rayon is such a soft and delicate material.

The Yoke design which I used for the skirt's hemline.

The skirt hem is composed of large and small wheels/medallions linked together, followed by two bands of beading (”beading” means a row of alternating stitches and spaces wide enough to accommodate a string or a ribbon). The two rounds of beading are different: one is composed of cross trebles whereas the other is composed of alternating crossed trebles and a group of five treble stitches. The instructions for the wheels and beading are further below. (The skirt is composed of 13 large wheels/medallions linked together. You may wish to add or subtract this number depending on the size of skirt you wish to make).

A closer view of the skirt.

The skirt is kept in place with a simple crocheted string around the hips. Earlier, I have placed very light blue ribbons through the filet crochet spaces (beading) to add a touch of color to the skirt.

The skirt with the light blue ribbon.

I learned about filet crochet through “The Priscilla Filet Crochet Book No. 2, A Collection of Beautiful Designs in Filet Crochet, Introducing Filet Crochet Brode, Embroidery on Crochet and Cameo Crochet, edited by Mrs. F.W. Kettelle, 1915.” The book may also be found in the Antique Pattern Library. Apart from this book, if you would like to learn filet crochet, you may also visit the Haas Design tutorial on filet crochet techniques.