Knitting Leg Warmers Made Easy

Use a variegated yarn to get interesting color effects as you knit.

Leg warmers provide an extra layer of warmth in winter. They allow fashionistas to wear dresses and skirts well into the cold weather without suffering from the frigid temperatures. Legwarmers may look difficult to knit, particularly for knitters who are nervous about knitting in the round. However, leg warmers are a great project for beginning knitters since they can be knit flat and seamed together. Knit a pair in your favorite color and create your own fashion statement.

Things You'll Need

• Bulky weight yarn
• Straight knitting needles, size 10
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Yarn needle

Instructions

1. Knit a gauge swatch by casting on 20 stitches and knitting in a knit two, purl two rib. Continue for 16 rows. The swatch should be four inches long. If your gauge does not match, adjust your needle size. If your swatch is too small, use larger needles. If your swatch is too big, use smaller needles.

2. Cast on 44 stitches.

3. Knit two, purl two across the first row and all odd rows.

4. Purl two, knit two across the second row and all even rows.

5. Stop when the piece measures two inches long.

6. Change to stockinette stitch by knitting across all even rows and purling across all odd rows. Continue until the piece measures 16 inches total.

7. Knit two more inches of knit 2, purl 2 rib, following the same pattern used for the first two inches.

8. Bind off, leaving a long yarn tail. Use the tail and a yarn needle to stitch the long edges of the piece together.

9. Repeat the process for the second leg warmer.

Tips & Warnings

• This pattern can be personalized by adding cable stitches or a lace pattern to the stockinette portion. Be sure to work a gauge swatch in your revised stitch pattern to ensure your legwarmers will fit as desired.

• If your finished legwarmers feel too loose at the top or bottom ribbing, weave in a piece of thin elastic through the tops of the ribbed sections.

• For a decorative accent, consider using a ribbon to cinch the top or bottom of your legwarmers. Thread a ribbon over the purl stitches and under the knit stitches, leaving tails long enough to tie into bows.

• To create legwarmers with extra slouch, knit a few extra inches in the stockinette section.

References

• Knitting Help: Casting On Stitches