Spiral Rib Leg Warmers
For many of us, the mere mention of leg warmers conjures up vivid images of ripped sweatshirts and really big hair.
Having grown up in the eighties, I love Olivia Newton John as much as the next person, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I want “Let’s Get Physical” to be my theme song for 2010. However, I’m not so curmudgeonly that I can’t appreciate new takes on old trends.
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
So, instead of acrylic and rainbow stripes, these 21st century leg warmers are super soft merino and naturally subtle colors. Hand dyed by Manos del Uruguay’s cooperative of local craftswomen, this 5-ply Merino is perfectly now. A South American rural community sustaining itself through its traditional crafts sounds like a very beautiful future to me! -Whitney
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoSpiralRibLegWarmers. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Manos del Uruguay’s 5 Ply Merino, 100% Pure Extrafine Merino Wool. Approximately 482 yards required. This color is Cinnamon #512.
- A US 7 (4.5 mm), 12-inch circular needle OR a set of US 7 double pointed needles
Shop our wonderful collection of light worsted/DK-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
24 stitches = 4 inches in spiral rib pattern
Finished Size
8 inches in circumference unstretched / 16 inches in circumference stretched and 30 inches long
NOTE: This size is for extra small to small women. To make bigger sizes, simply add a multiple of 4 stitches. Each additional 4 stitches will add 2/3 inch to the final unstretched circumference and 1 1/3 inch to the final stretched circumference. (Please note that if you increase the size, 2 skeins probably won’t be enough yarn to make your leg warmers quite 30 inches long. You can either make them a little shorter or buy an extra skein.)
Pattern
With US 7 needle (either 12 inch circular or double pointed), cast on 48 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Rounds 1-3: *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 4-6: K1, *p2, k2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p2, k1.
Rounds 7-9: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 10-12: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Repeat Rounds 1-12 until piece measures 30 inches from the cast on edge.
Bind off loosely in pattern.
Make another leg warmer identical to the first.
Weave in the ends and you’re done!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I love these!!! The stitch pattern is gorgeous and subtle. Thank you for making legwarmers cool again!
So to make for a child, I’d just subtract a multiple of four and/or use smaller yarn & needles, right?
Thanks so much for this pattern! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I knitted two pairs of legwarmers but they keep falling down to my ankles. These look like they would be snug enough to stay up. I really look forward to making these!
If you keep having your legwarmers fall, you could always invest in some elastic yarn (Boye has a nice one) and hold it alongside your yarn for the last 10-15 rows, then you’ll have a nice elastic cuff. I’ve done it with hats and gloves and it’s worked amazingly well.
thank you for this pattern ! I find them superb !
You make legwarmers look hot! Thanks for the pattern. Can’t wait to try it out.
Just wondering – when I cast on 48 stitches and then join for working in the round I have a total of 47 stitches which does not allow me to do the last k2 at the end of round 1. Am I supposed to cast on 49 and then join so I have an even number? I am still new to this knitting stuff so I am just wondering if I’m missing something. Thanks for your help!
Hi Jessica,
I’m not sure why you are ending up with one less stitch when you join into a round, are you knitting two together when you join the round (you don’t need to)? You certainly could cast on an extra stitch for a simple fix to correct the problem you’re having, but you might also want to check out the video for large diameter circular knitting at KnittingHelp,com for some insight into the usual way to start the round. You can find the video at this link:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/advanced-techniques
Hope this helps!
Joelle
Lovely! I’m not a very talented knitter, but I will try to make these. I love easy but still beautiful patterns (not just garter stiches)!!!
So simple and cute! Great pattern!
Love the leggings!
I would like to put some sort of standard ribbing on the top and bottom to keep things from slipping downward.
Is this even necessary? How would I do this?
I was thinking the same thing. I’m going to just do a 2×2 rib for 2″ starting with the p2 then go right into the pattern. Same thing at the end, another 2×2 rib following the set pattern for 2k and 2p stitches.
Hi Whitney!
I knit the spiral legwarmers for my daughter using the Manos del Uruguay yarn you suggested. (I ordered the yarn from The Purl Bee!) I absolutely loved knitting with that yarn, and the legwarmers turned out great. I decreased the original cast on a bit to accomodate my daughter's skinny legs. I posted a picture of her wearning them on my blog.
http://houseinhiddenhollow.blogspot.com/2011/08/finally-fo.html
Thank you for the great pattern, and thanks for the wonderful, inspiring blog!
Josie
Hi Josie –
Thanks so much for sharing! I love your purple version and the idea that a real ballerina is wearing them!
Keep the “FO”s coming!
Whitney
I love these legwarmers but they are the “longest” project I have embarked on thus far! I am getting so antsy to get them finished and am so close to finishing the first one! I will be posting pictures once I am finished!
I love these and have never used dpn needles before and am not quite sure how many are in a “set”. The question may be silly, but other patterns I looked at called a set 3, 4 or even 5. I have 2. I have a circular needle but it is too long and am not capable of the magic loop technique either. Any answers would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Hi Andee-
Usually double pointed needles come in a set of 5 and in general you need at least 4 to knit in a circle. You can also use a shorter circular needle. This pattern calls for a 12-inch circular.
The links below the “Materials” section of this pattern link directly to the needle options that will work for this project.
Good luck and thanks for your question!
Molly
Thank you! I guess I just have to practice more. My circular needle apparently is 12'' but the cast on stitches don't cover the circumference so it is hard for me to join/stitch in the round. I'll get it eventually.
If you don’t know how to do the Magic Loop technique (an you find 4-5 DPNs too stiff and pokey), just get two circular needles. After casting on, transfer half the stitches to the second set of circulars. Then, when knitting one half, make sure that half is on the needle of one set and the other half is on the far end of the cable of the other set so that your working needle is free to work.
When you are done that half, all the stitches will be on one set: half on the far end of the cable an half on the needle. Slide the stitches from the cable to the other needle of this set. Slide the stitches you just knitted from the needle to the cable (and keep the two halves of your stitches separate. This set should stay folded over).
Now, take the other set (which has no stitches) and start knitting. When you are done, you’ll have half the stitches on one cable and half on the other, just like how you started. Now just continue as above.
Hope that helps!
I was thinking, to knit bigger sizes and not be left guessing as to how long to make the leg warmers, you could put both warmers on the needles at once and knit that way. Liat's KNITFREEDOM blog has info on how to knit socks 2 at a time, and I believe the master herself, Elizabeth Zimmerman, has this technique in one of her books.
The best parts are that you never run out of yarn before knitting both, AND there's no second-sock blues.
What do you think? Any tips for how to do this for your readers?
Thank you for a lovely pattern!
-Kelly
Hi KRB,
Good idea! I've never done two-in-one knitting, but it looks like Knitty also has a great tutorial: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATextreme2in1.html
Enjoy your freedom and thanks for the great tips!
Whitney
I finished making one of these today, using the recommended yarn and size. Unfortunately it turned out a little too big. Before I begin the second one, should I re-knit it, or can I felt it slightly to shrink it? Thanks!
Hi Maggie,
I'm sorry to hear your leg warmer is too big! This yarn will felt; I would recommend watching the process very closely if you decide to take this route.
Another option would be to pick up stitches along one or both ends in order to knit some ribbing, which might do the trick of keeping the leg warmers in place!
Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
How would I make these for a 12-year old kid? Should I use smaller yarn and needles?
Hi Ashley-
I have a feeling these might fit a 12 year old. They are 8-inches in circumference and they stretch to fit around the calf. But if you'd like to make it smaller simply decrease the number of stitches by a multiple of 4 keeping in mind that the gauge is 6 stitches per inch. For example if you wanted them to be 7-inches around: 7 (inches) X 6 (stitches per inch)= 42, rounded up to the nearest multiple of 4= 44 stitches to cast on.
Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for writing in!
Molly
I found this pattern searching “leg warmer knit patterns” and 80s. I was asked to make something for our silent auction at our Waldorf school that would appeal to tweens/early teens. What a great, easy, and fun pattern! I did want them to look more retro and choose a very hot pink in Berroco Vintage yarn. Usually I don't like acrylic, but in this case the acrylic-wool blend is just right for the 80s look AND washable for a teenager hard on clothing. Knit one 24 inch long with adding a 1.5 inche rib at either end in a weekend easily. Will definitely work for a youth ages 12+. Two skeins will work with suggested cast on with a bit left over for a ear warmer, I think. Showed the one to some mothers this morning who now want to bid for themselves – too funny. Just have to finish the other by this weekend! Thank you, thank you!
I love the way these look! I'd love to try this project out myself but am not sure about the yarn to use. If I'm not using the yarn listed, what weight would I need to stick with? Sport? Worsted? Sock? Any advice would be great. Thank you!
Hi Caitlin-
You should use a worsted/ aran weight yarn. You can see our selection here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=6
Thank you!
Molly
Hey Molly,
I'm new to circular knitting and the 48 stitches I've cast on to my 12 inch circular needle don't reach all the way around the needle – I'm finding it impossible to join for this project. Am I missing something?
Thanks!
Sara
Hi Sara-
It sounds like you're casting on too tightly. Try casting on very loosely.
Hope that helps!
Molly
I'm really hoping to make these for my daughter for ballet – but I'm having the hardest time finding 12'in. US 7 circular needles (and I'm trying to avoid doing this on DPN's…circulars just seem to be so much easier to stick in my purse for some on-the-go knitting)…any recommendations??
Hi Aimee-
We sell size 7 12-inch needles here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2010/1/29/whits-knits-spiral-rib-leg-warmers.html
Thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
Perfect – thank you!! I've got my needles now…just wondering if you have a recommendation for the best way to join after casting on? Do you have a favorite method?
Hi Aimee,
Some people do special things to join their work into the round, like casting on an extra stitch and then working the first two stitches together. However, I just cast on the number the pattern says and then work the first row also how the pattern says. This does leave a bit of a gap, but I never have a problem fixing it when I weave in the cast on tail.
Thanks so much for asking and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for posting this pattern, I just finished my leg warmers last night, and I love them!! They were the first project I have knitted magic loop style.
I love your blog.
Thank you!!
Lindsay
I am using two circular needles, is it still going to turn out okay?
Put seems like lots of people have made theses and no one complains of them falling. Do they stay up pretty well because the whole thing is ribbed? I am making them for someone else and want to make sure, thanks!
Hi Megan,
Yes, that's right! The stitch pattern is essentially a rib, which tends to pull in and keep the leg warmers snug around the leg. Just make sure you consider the final stretched circumference when you decide how many stitches to cast on.
Thanks for your question and please let us know if you have any more!
Whitney
I wanted to make a pair for my 8 year old daughter. Can I decrease by 4 to accommodate?
Hi Michelle,
Yes, the stitch pattern will work over any multiple of four, so decreasing your cast on number by four would work out great! And if your daughte has skinny, little legs, you might consider casting on 8 fewer stitches.
Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
I dont know where to find the yarn you recommend for these adorable leg warmers, plus Im allergic to wool.
What yarn weight would you recommed, sport or regular weight?
Karen
Hi Karen-
This will work with any worsted weight yarn. You can see our entire selection here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=6
We don’t have much that doesn’t contain wool but this great cotton could be nice! https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Cotton
Thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi, I really like the look of these, and want to make them for my sister in law. I am just unsure of what yarn to use, I am in France and I can’t seem to find something with the right gauge – 6 stitches for 1 inch. I used to metric, so I make that 24 stitches for 10 cm (4 inches) – is that right?
Thanks, I’m looking forward to making them, they look fantastic.
Annie
Hi Annie-
Yes, your math is correct!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hello!
I am so excited to make these leg warmers! I am on vacation in Australia and just bought yarn to make them here (Rowan Lima 50g) thinking I brought the correct needles with me. Turns out I only have US No. 6 12 inch and cannot find US No. 7 12 inch anywhere in the Melbourne area!! Instead of waiting until I get home, I’m wondering if I can use my pair of US 6 12 inch but I’m not sure how that will alter the pattern?
Also, I was planning to cast on 48 stitches with US 7, as stated in the pattern directions. How many more stitches should I cast on to use US 6?
Thank you for your help!
-Maggie
Hi Maggie!
The important thing for a pattern like this is the gauge. If you are fairly close the the gauge on your size 6 needles, then I say go for it! Otherwise, you need a multiple of 4 stitches to cast-on for the pattern, so I would maybe add 4 stitches if you find that your gauge is too small. Keep in mind that the knitting will be tighter (more solid) if you knit on a smaller needle.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi!
So, I am horrible and understanding patterns. I make things more difficult than what it actually is. For the rows 4-6 and 10-12….the repeat til the last 3 stitches. Is that the last three stitches of each round (4, 5 and 6) or just til the end of round 6?
Hi Beth!
You will knit to the last 3 stiches in each of those rounds.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hello~
I’m not great at math and have basic knitting skills. I’d like to make these a little shorter (as I’m only 5’2″) and only have 420 yards of yarn. Can you give me some guidance about how to adjust the pattern to accommodate this?
Thanks so much!
Hi Shayna!
I don’t think there will be a problem with these being too long. Leg warmers are the type of thing where you want to scrunch them down, and let them be super warm! I would suggest following the pattern until you run out of half of your yarn (or the 30″ – whichever comes first), and then cast off!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I have the first leg warmer nearly done (love the pattern!) This rib spirals to the left. I would like the second one to spiral in the opposite direction. Do I start with rows 10-12, then work 7-9, 4-6 and finish with 1-3? Thanks for any guidance you can give.
Hello Mary Jane!
What a fun idea to have them going the opposite direction! I would not mess with the order of the rows, since they’re all carefully written to shift slightly for the spiral patterns. All you would need to to is make the second as written and then turn it inside out after. That should do the trick.
Happy Knitting!
Alyson
Hello,
I am knitting these leg warmers for someone whose circumference at the widest point of her calves is 16 inches.
Should I double the number of stitches since the pattern makes a 8 inch circumference unstretched? Or, do you have a suggestion for how many stitches I should cast on so the leg warmers fit the way they are meant to?
Thank you!
Tali
Hello Tali!
This is definitely do-able, it just will take a little bit of knitting math!
The pattern recommends that you add 4 stitches per 1 1/3 inches you would like to add to the final stretched circumference. The original pattern also stretches about 8″ larger than the un-stretched size, so if you want the un-stretched size to be 16″ and then have it stretch about 8″ larger than that, you should only have to add about 24 stitches to yield leg warmers that stretch to be about 24″ total.
(This is how I calculated it: Each 4 stitches adds 1.33″ to the final stretched size. 8″ added to final stretched size divided by 1.33″ = 6 multiples of 4 = 24 stitches.)
Hope this helps and happy knitting! -Alyson
How much do your recommend the leg warmer should stretch in proportion to the size of the calf? In other words, if you have 15″ calf, do you recommend it be 15″ circumference unstretched? Or do you recommend that the unstretched size be a couple inches smaller than the calf? Just looking for a gauge here. Thanks.
Hi, Kelley!
Thank you so much for writing in! If you get the same gauge as us and follow the pattern as writtn you’ll end up with leg warmers that are 16-inches in circumference stretched and 8 inches in circumference unstretched. Does that help? Let us know if you have further questions!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
This yarn doesnt seem to available anymore. do you have something similiar that you can replace it with.
Hi, Danielle!
Thank you very much for writing in! Sorry about the delayed response! The Manos del Uruguay 5-ply is discontinued, but you can substitute with Manos del Uruguay’s Maxima. I recommend making gauge swatch to make sure you get the correct gauge! Also, I recommend getting 3 skeins of the Maxima because the original yarn used was 241 yards per skein while the Maxima has 219 yards.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Your recommended yarn doesn’t seem to be available anymore. I noticed you recommended a worsted weight yarn in the comments above but how many yards does the project need total?
I’m also interested in knowing about the negative ease–when the fabric is stretched to 16″ is this a comfortable and flattering stretch or a rather tight stretch? How many extra inches of fabric should be added per extra inch of leg circumference?
Hi Clarissa,
Thank you for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response. It is true, we no longer carry the yarn used in the original leg warmers but you may substitute any worsted weight yarn here. We used roughly 432 yards total to make the leg warmers.
Negative ease makes these leg warmers stay up rather than droop down. As far as I have seen, the stretched top of the leg warmers looks lovely on. The pattern as written is 8 inches unstretched and 16 inches stretched. To accommodate for larger calves, I would measure your leg and base the cast on on the stretched measurement. For example, if your leg measures 20 inches, you would want the unstretched circumference to be 10 inches. To modify the stitch count simply add a multiple of 4 stitches. Each additional 4 stitches will add 2/3 inch to the final unstretched circumference and 1 1/3 inch to the final stretched circumference.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I made a pair of these several years ago, specifically for when I wear a skirt to work and I’m freezing in my office, but it’s too hot to wear boots or heavy stockings outside the office.
We got shuffled around and I’m now working near other people, so they see me wearing them. My coworkers have been asking for their own…so I guess I’ll be making them for the office’s holiday gift pool, for one lucky person. 🙂
I am being a little bit lazy, though, and doing them up flat so that I can knit them faster and more easily in the movie theatre or at orchestra concerts, and then I’ll stitch up the seam later. (Nothing like juggling DPNs or Magic Loop rabbit-ears when you’re trying to be quiet in dim lighting!) The seam may interfere a bit with the rib pattern, but I figure if it saves the fuss of knitting in the round….
Anyway, I’m commenting mostly to say thanks for posting such an evergreen pattern! It’s visually appealing but not at all complicated and even nearly 7 years after it first showed up, I’m going back to it for more.
Hi!
Beautiful stitch pattern indeed. Given that I have cyclist legs-monster big calves and lower thighs- I decided to use a tubular long tail cast on so that it would make the edge very “elastic”. I chose it because I also want the leg warmers to reach above the knee since it gets gosh dang cold on windy winter days in Montreal. Here’s a link for the cast on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsObEM3iQRs
And for the bind off: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/long-tail-tubular-bind-off/
Hope it’s useful.
Could these be made with mulberry merino? Would there be any changes made to the pattern if used? I’m in love with the new colors, looking for ways to use them.
Thanks!
Hi Blair,
Thanks for writing in! These lovely leg warmers are knit up using worsted weight yarn and our Mulberry Merino comes in at a DK weight. In order to use Mulberry Merino for this pattern, the whole of the pattern would need to be reworked. You can certainly do so. The pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. You could knit a gauge swatch in pattern and work out the cast on number using the gauge swatch and casting on a multiple of 4 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I would like to knit these leg warmers using Cascade 220 superwash aran yarn. Would 2 skeins be adequate?
Could you recommend how many stitches you would cast on for a woman’s size medium?
Thank You!
Hi Nornina,
Thanks for writing in! To make these lovely leg warmers using Cascade 220 Aran Superwash, you will need 4-5 skeins. This is owing to the yardage being a bit less than original yarn we used!
This pattern is easy to modify for a larger leg. To make bigger sizes, simply add a multiple of 4 stitches. Each additional 4 stitches will add 2/3 inch to the final unstretched circumference and 1 1/3 inch to the final stretched circumference. I would suggest measruing the largest aprt of your leg to determine your cast on number!
Best,
Cassy
I guess I have one item for clarification about which size we are supposed to cast on. For the 8″/16″, which the pattern calls for, is said to be for smaller legs, what would be the size of the leg- 8″ in circumference? What is the ratio between un-stretched and stretched size in relation to the circumference of the persons leg?
Like a few comments above, the circumference of my calf at the largest point is 16″. However I am a larger woman, and so the 8″/16″ for the pattern i dont believe would work since it is stated it would fit a 12 year old. Because, referencing Cassy’s response to Clarrisa:
“To accommodate for larger calves, I would measure your leg and base the cast on on the stretched measurement. For example, if your leg measures 20 inches, you would want the unstretched circumference to be 10 inches. ”
So I am confused how my circumference being 16 stretched would still be 8 un-stretched, yet it is for smaller legs.
How many more inches should i allow for accommodation on the stretched circumference so that the leg warmers are not too tight, but do not fall off?
Hi LeAnna,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to help! The size that these are written for will accommodate a 16 inch calf measurement because the stitch pattern itself if quite stretchy! However, if you feel that that 8 inch stretching to 16 inch would be too small, you can certainly size up. Each additional 4 stitches will add 2/3 inch to the final unstretched circumference and 1 1/3 inch to the final stretched circumference. So if you add 4 stitches, the unstretched circumference will be 8 2/3 inches and the stretched circumference will be 17 1/3 inches.
Molly did note earlier that she thought that the original size could fit a 12 year old but everyone is different! The sample size that we knit was for an adult woman with more slender legs but does stretch to accommodate up to 16″. For the leg warmers, we do like a fair amount of negative ease so that they will stay on. With that in mind, if the largest part of your calf measures 16 inches, I would not suggest going up more than additional 4 stitches if you are on gauge to ensure that it hugs your leg in a pleasing way!
Best,
Cassy
Hello,
I am interested in knitting this and have looked at Purl Soho’s selection of worsted/aran weight yarn. However, are there any in particular you’d recommend specifically for this project? As they’re leg warmers that possibly may be stuffed into a boot, I’m thinking a more sturdy type of yarn that may not pill as easily.
Thanks!
Hello Sara,
Thank you for reaching out- this is such a fun pattern. Though all natural fibers will pill, I would reccomend looking at Anzula’s for better or worsted which has a bit of Nylon in it. This will give it more longevity.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi!
I tend to have a tight cast-on edges. Can you recommend a stretchy cast-on for these legwarmers? Would knitting regular 2×2 rib at the ends of the legwarmers help with the stretchiness and ability to not slip down?
Thanks,
Michelle
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out! While this is a stretchy fabric, adding a rib at the ends would add a bit of security. Particularly if you go down a needle size or two. What type of cast on do you typically do? A long tail tubular cast on is going to give you the most stretch, but a standard long tail cast on is always a good option.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi –
I’m planning to make these for my niece, who has skinny 13″ calves and lower thighs. Should I reduce the pattern by four stitches to make sure they’re not too big, or do you think it’ll be fine as written?
Thanks so much!
Hello Lauren,
Thank you for reaching out! I think these will be fine for your niece as written.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi, I’d like to make these in the size given in the pattern.
Would Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist be too heavy a yarn? If this yarn would work, how much yardage would I need?
Are there other yarns you’d recommend, either in Merino or Alpaca?
Hi Marly,
Thanks for reaching out! Although it is always a good idea to knit a gauge swatch when substituting yarns, Worsted Twist should work out quite well for this pattern! The original yarn was worsted weight, so some other good options would be our Understory, Manos del Uruguay Maxima, Madelinetosh Tosh Merino, or Brooklyn Tweed Ranch 01.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello! I have 5 skeins of good wool that I intended for a wrap, but find it too itchy. I’m wondering if I can use some or all of it for these legwarmers instead of returning it all. Would 2 skeins of good wool be enough?
Also, sizing: I would normally consider myself on L/XL end of things so I’m surprised to find my calves measure 16″ with skinny jeans on. However, if I did want them to go over my knee, I measure 18″ just above my knee.
Thank you!
Hi Shira,
Thanks for reaching out! Good Wool has quite a bit more yardage than the yarn we originally used for these leg warmers, so you should have plenty of yarn, even if you increase the size a bit. The spiral rib stitch is quite elastic, so I would suggest knitting them to fit your leg above the knee, and they should still hug in nicely to fit your calf.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi! I’d love to make these for my 6 year old for ballet class…do you know how I would have to adjust the pattern to fit a child? Thank you!!
Courtney
Hi Courtney,
Great question! You can make this pattern larger or smaller by adjusting the cast on in increments of four stitches. I would suggest measuring your daughter’s leg circumference at the largest point where the leggings will fit, dividing that measurement in half, and multiplying that number by our gauge of 6 stitches per inch. You can then round to the nearest multiple of four and cast on! Since this is a big jump from our original pattern, it would be a good idea to try the legwarmers on your daughter once you have a few inches done to make sure they will fit.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
It would be so helpful of you could give the yardage requirements in the materials section so we don’t have to look up the yarn to find out the yardage if we are going to substitute. Thanks!
Hi Paisley,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately with some of our older patterns, like this one, we don’t have the yardage available to include in the pattern. However, we have started to include the yardage requirements in all of our newer patterns!
Warmly,
Gianna
The cast off instructions are to “bind off loosely in pattern”. Would that be like rounds 10-12 of which I just finished 3 rounds, or would it be like rounds 1-3 which I would be doing if I were continuing with more rounds?
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for reaching out! Binding off in stitch pattern simply means you work the stitch based off what it is, for example if it is a knit stitch you will knit it, if its a purl stitch you will purl it. So for this pattern you would k2, pass 1st stitch over 2nd and off needle, p1 pass 1st stitch over and off, p1 pass 1st stitch over and off, k1 pass 1st stitch over 2nd and off needle and so on.
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna