Classic Cable Leg Warmers
A quintessential Celtic cable in an authentic Irish tweed yarn… Our Classic Cable Leg Warmers pattern is the kind of project that has inspired knitters for centuries! In our Hedgerow yarn, its twining cables are the perfect bridge between the roots of knitting and everything modern knitters love.
If you’re new to knitting cables and reading charts, this is a great place to dive in. We have tutorials for both techniques… And if you prefer written instructions to charts, we have those, too! Before you know it, those intertwining twists and turns will flow smoothly from your needles, and you’ll find out how easy and captivating cable knitting is.
This free pattern is available in two lengths and in tons of sizes to fit anyone from toddlers to adults. Starting and ending with tidy half-twisted ribbing for a snug yet stretchy fit, you’ll knit your leg warmers in the round from the bottom up, with the same cable pattern repeated four times around and with lovely seed stitch in between.
Made in Ireland’s County Donegal by one of the region’s last producers of tweed yarns, Hedgerow is a worsted-weight yarn with a time-honored character. Its mix of merino wool, cashmere, and silk has a softer feel than strictly traditional Irish wool, but Hedgerow still has a toothy, rustic quality and lofty spin that honors the aesthetic and integrity of Donegal tweeds.
Every one of Hedgerow’s 17 inspiring colors has a special story to tell, from the soft song of the House Wren (above left) to festive Fuchsia Rose. Most are speckled with small, colorful bits (or “burrs”) of fiber, a real pleasure to explore as you knit!
Pick up a skein or two of Hedgerow (most sizes and styles only need 1-2 skeins!), and cast on for an engaging knit steeped in deep-rooted tradition and bursting with timeless beauty!
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!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Hiromi Glover. See even more of Hiromi’s work on her Instagram!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoClassicCableLegWarmers, and #PurlSohoHedgerow. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Purl Soho’s Hedgerow, 93% merino, 3.5% cashmere, and 3.5% mulberry silk. Each skein of this worsted/aran weight yarn is 243 yards/ 100 grams.
- Short Version: 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s); approximately 165 (175, 270, 290, 400, 425) total yards required. We used the color Heirloom White.
- Long Version: 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 3) skein(s); approximately 234 (240, 380, 405, 540, 575) total yards required. We used the color House Wren.
- A set of US 6 (4mm) double pointed needles (or 36-inch [or longer] circular knitting needles for Magic Loop)
- A set of US 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles (or long circular needles for Magic Loop)
- A cable stitch holder
- Stitch markers, including 1 unique
GAUGE
30 stitches and 31 rounds = 4 inches in Classic Cable pattern (see Notes) on larger needles
36 stitches and 32 rounds = 4 inches in Half-Twisted 2×2 Rib (see Notes), unstretched, on smaller needles
SIZE
Toddler (Kid, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult X-Large)
To fit calf circumference of approximately 8¼ (9, 12½, 13¼, 16½, 18) inches, with 2 inches of negative ease
- Finished Circumference at Ankle: 5¼ (6¼, 8, 9¼, 10¾, 12½) inches
- Finished Circumference at Top of Calf: 6¼ (7, 9¼, 10¾, 12½, 14¼) inches
- Finished Length:
- Short Version: 9¼ (9¼, 10¼, 10¼, 11¼, 11¼) inches
- Long Version: 13¾ (13¾, 14¾, 14¾, 15¾, 15¾) inches
Samples: We knit a Short and a Long version of the Adult Small size.
NOTES
CABLES
NOTE: For more information about making cables, visit our Cable Tutorial. Although it shows a 6-stitch cable and this pattern uses 4-stitch one, the technique is the same!
C4F + C4B (CABLE 4 FRONT + BACK)
C4F (CABLE 4 FRONT): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, k2, then k2 from cable stitch holder.
C4B (CABLE 4 BACK): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k2, then k2 from cable stitch holder.
2/1 RPC + 2/1 LPC (2/1 PURL RIGHT + LEFT PURL CROSS)
2/1 RPC (2/1 RIGHT PURL CROSS): Slip 1 stitch onto cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k2, then p1 from cable stitch holder.
2/1 LPC (2/1 LEFT PURL CROSS): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, p1, then k2 from cable stitch holder.
2/2 RPC + 2/2 LPC (2/2 RIGHT PURL CROSS + LEFT PURL CROSS)
2/2 RPC (2/2 RIGHT PURL CROSS): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k2, then p2 from cable stitch holder.
2/2 LPC (2/2 LEFT PURL CROSS): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, p2, then k2 from cable stitch holder.
STITCH PATTERNS
CLASSIC CABLE PATTERN (FOR GAUGE SWATCH)
Cast on a multiple of 31 stitches.
Round 1: *P1, k1, p4, [C4B (see Notes), p4] 2 times, C4F (see Notes), p4, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *K1, p1, k1, p3, [k4, p4] 2 times, k4, p3, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *P1, k1, p3, 2/1 RPC (see Notes), [2/2 LPC (see Notes), 2/2 RPC (see Notes)] 2 times, 2/1 LPC (see Notes), p3, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: *K1, p1, k1, p2, k2, p3, k4, p4, k4, p3, k2, p2, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 5: *P1, k1, p2, 2/1 RPC, p3, C4B, p4, C4F, p3, 2/1 LPC, p2, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 6: *[K1, p1] 2 times, k2, [p4, k4] 2 times, p4, k2, p1, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 7: *P1, k1, p2, k2, p2, [2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC] 2 times, p2, k2, p2, , repeat from * to end of round.
Round 8: *[K1, p1] 2 times, k2, p2, k2, p4, k4, p4, k2, p2, k2, p1, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 9: *P1, k1, [p2, k2] 2 times, p4, C4B, p4, k2, p2, k2, p2, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 10: Repeat Round 8.
Round 11: *P1, k1, p2, k2, p2, [2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC] 2 times, p2, k2, p2, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 12: Repeat Round 6.
Round 13: *P1, k1, p2, 2/1 LPC, p3, C4F, p4, C4B, p3, 2/1 RPC, p2, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 14: Repeat Round 4.
Round 15: *P1, k1, p3, 2/1 LPC, [2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC] 2 times, 2/1 RPC, p3, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 16: Repeat Round 2.
Round 17: *P1, k1, p4, C4F, [p4, C4B] 2 times, p4, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 18–32: Repeat Rounds 2–16.
Repeat Rounds 1–32 for pattern.
HALF-TWISTED 2×2 RIB (FOR GAUGE SWATCH)
Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.
Round 1: *[Knit 1 through the back loop] 2 times, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 for pattern.
PATTERN
BOTTOM RIBBING
Cast 48 (56, 72, 84, 96, 112) stitches evenly onto smaller double pointed needles (or onto smaller circular needles, if using Magic Loop). We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place unique marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.
Round 1: *P2, [knit 1 through the back loop (k1 tbl)] 2 times, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until ribbing measures 1½ (1½, 2, 2, 2½, 2½) inches from cast-on edge.
BODY
FOR TODDLER, ADULT SMALL + ADULT LARGE SIZES ONLY
Increase Round: *K1, knit front and back (kfb), p1, kfb, k4, p4, k1, kfb, k1, kfb, p1, kfb, k2, kfb, p2, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. [62 (-, 93, -,124, -) stitches]
FOR KID, ADULT MEDIUM + ADULT X-LARGE SIZES ONLY
Increase Round: *K1, kfb, p2, kfb, k3, p4, k4, kfb, p2, k3, kfb, p2, kfb, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [-(66, -, 99, -, 132) stitches]
ALL SIZES
Change to larger needles and work Classic Cable Pattern either from Written Instructions or the Chart, both below.
NOTE: As you work the first round, indicate pattern repeats by placing markers every 31 (33, 31, 33, 31, 33) stitches.
CLASSIC CABLE PATTERN: WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
Round 1: *P1, k1, p4, [C4B (see Notes), p4] 2 times, C4F (see Notes), p3, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *K1, p1, k1, p3, [k4, p4] 2 times, k4, p3, [k1, p1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *P1, k1, p3, 2/1 RPC (see Notes), [2/2 LPC (see Notes), 2/2 RPC (see Notes)] 2 times, 2/1 LPC (see Notes), p2, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: *K1, p1, k1, p2, k2, p3, k4, p4, k4, p3, k2, p2, [k1, p1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 5: *P1, k1, p2, 2/1 RPC, p3, C4B, p4, C4F, p3, 2/1 LPC, p1, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 6: *[K1, p1] 2 times, k2, [p4, k4] 2 times, p4, k2, p1, [k1, p1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 7: *P1, k1, p2, k2, p2, [2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC] 2 times, p2, k2, p1, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 8: *[K1, p1] 2 times, k2, p2, k2, p4, k4, p4, k2, p2, k2, p1, [k1, p1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 9: *P1, k1, [p2, k2] 2 times, p4, C4B, p4, k2, p2, k2, p1, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 10: Repeat Round 8.
Round 11: *P1, k1, p2, k2, p2, [2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC] 2 times, p2, k2, p1, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 12: Repeat Round 6.
Round 13: *P1, k1, p2, 2/1 LPC, p3, C4F, p4, C4B, p3, 2/1 RPC, p1, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 14: Repeat Round 4.
Round 15: *P1, k1, p3, 2/1 LPC, [2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC] 2 times, 2/1 RPC, p2, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 16: Repeat Round 2.
Round 17: *P1, k1, p4, C4F, [p4, C4B] 2 times, p3, [p1, k1] 1 (2, 1, 2, 1, 2) time(s), repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 18–32: Repeat Rounds 2–16.
FOR LONG VERSION ONLY
Repeat Rounds 1–32 one more time.
FOR BOTH VERSIONS
Repeat Rounds 1–17 one more time.
Go on to Top Ribbing section below.
CLASSIC CABLE PATTERN: CHART
NOTE: New to reading charts? Unravel the mysteries with our Reading A Chart Tutorial!
Begin this chart in the bottom right corner. Read all rows right to left for working in the round.
Work your way up the chart from Round 1 to Round 32; for Long Version only, repeat Rounds 1–32 one more time; then, for both styles, repeat Rounds 1–17 one more time. Then, go on to Top Ribbing section below.
KEY
CHART
NOTE: Want to see it bigger? Download this chart (and key) as a PDF!
TOP RIBBING
FOR TODDLER, ADULT SMALL + ADULT LARGE SIZES ONLY
Decrease Round: *K1, purl 2 together (p2tog), p3, k4, p2tog, p2, k4, p4, k4, p2, p2tog, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [56 (-, 84, -, 112, -) stitches remain]
FOR KID, ADULT MEDIUM + ADULT X-LARGE SIZES ONLY
Decrease Round: *K1, p1, k1, p3, k4, purl 2 together (p2tog), p2, k4, p4, k4, p3, [k1, p1] 2 times, repeat from * to end of round. [- (64, -, 96, -,128) stitches remain]
ALL SIZES
Change to smaller double pointed needles (or smaller circular needles, if using Magic Loop).
Round 1: *(K1 tbl) 2 times, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until ribbing measures 1½ (1½, 2, 2, 2½, 2½) inches.
Bind off loosely in pattern.
FINISHING
Weave in ends, then make another and gently block as desired.
Learn About Hedgerow + All Our Beautiful Yarns
Our Hedgerow yarn makes this project extra special! Created in County Donegal with 93% merino wool, 3.5% cashmere, and 3.5% mulberry silk, Hedgerow has a softer hand feel than strictly traditional Irish wool, while still celebrating the aesthetic and integrity of Donegal tweeds. A classic worsted/aran-weight yarn, Hedgerow brings joy to every stitch!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Hedgerow knitting patterns and cast on!
More Worsted/ Aran-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of worsted/aran-weight yarn
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fiber
- Shop merino wool yarn
- Shop cashmere yarn
- Shop silk yarn
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’ve always had a problem with magic loop. Is it possible to make one at a time with circular knitting needles?
Hi Debra,
Thanks for writing in! Double pointed needles would probably be the best choice for you to use in this case. Since the circumference at the ankle gets quite small for many of the sizes, it will be too few stitches to even fit on 12- or 9-inch circulars. I’d say that DPNs are overall the best way to go since they’ll work no matter what!
All the best,
Lili
I always use 2 circulars of the same size to knit in the round. It’s a great solution if you don’t like DPNs.
I love the free patterns, but is there any way they can be offered as Ravelry downloads, or PDFs or at the very least organized so I can use the print function to get a document that fits on a regular page (or pages) and doesn’t require an internet connection to view?
Thank you!
Hi C,
Thanks for writing in! I would recommend using our “print” function to edit the webpage to your liking before downloading it. Here’s how that works: If you’re on your computer, you’ll find a “print” icon in the right column just below the “Save To Favorites” button. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find the “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Click on this button, and a window will pop up where you can delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print. When you hover over any image or a text block, it will be highlighted in yellow and a “trash” icon will appear. Just click on this icon to delete anything that’s not necessary to the pattern! For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. Then, click on the “PDF” button in the upper left-hand corner of the pop-up window. Once your PDF has finished downloading, just click the “Download PDF” button, and it will be saved to your computer! (You can also just click the “Print” button if you’d like to print the pattern.)
All the best,
Lili
My daughter would like these leg warmers but wants them to come up to her thigh. Would i just keep going till they get high enough for her? Should i double the number of skeins i would use? Would the yarn be too heavy for a longer length?
Thanks.
Judy
Hi Judy,
What a fun idea! Yes, you can just keep knitting in pattern until they’re tall enough, but I would recommend increasing the stitch count as you go so that the top fits over her knee and around her thigh. The best place to add stitches would be in the see stitch sections! As for yardage, I’d recommend getting 1 or 2 additional skeins, depending on how far up you’ll be knitting them. Hedgerow is super airy and lightweight, so it will definitely keep its shape at a longer length!
All the best,
Lili
thanks for the encouragement and advice. I’ll jump right in.
Judy