These really fit all legs, slender to ultra-curvy!
As a
dancer, I wear legwarmers frequently—even when I am not dancing. Wear these and forget the cold, whether at home, walking a dog or waiting for a bus.
Knit to fit for any size/gauge, or use my suggested gauge for standard S/M/L sizing. Make short pairs to scrunch under jeans – long ones can pull over the knees of fitted clothing (see photo bottom left).
Many designers do not test their legwarmer patterns as I have. These have been tested by me for years. I also had a team of curvy-legged women test my knit-to-fit instructions, for those who may have found other designs unwearable.
Construction: In the round on 4 double-pointed needles (3 holding, 1 working). Seams don’t hold their own when legwarmers fit properly!
Gauge: (For my specified stitch counts) 18 st / 4 inches stranded stockinette in the round. If necessary, change needle size to adjust;
-OR- (knit-to-fit) working with your own gauge, with DK- to Aran-weight yarn (ball band specifies 5.5 to 4.5 st/inch).
Needles: (For my specified gauge) 1 set (of four) size 7 US/ 4.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), or the size with which you achieve gauge. Consider needles 1-2 sizes smaller for ribbing, particularly if you have curvy legs;
-OR- (knit-to-fit) needles 1-2 sizes smaller than you would use for a sweater with the same yarn.
Yarn: (For my specified stitch counts/gauge); 200gm/ 250gm/ 250gm of springy aran weight or lofty worsted. Views A & B, matching skeins, View C, 100/150/150 gm each, of 2 contrasting colors.
Pictured are: A) solid Brown Sheep Worsted wool/mohair M124 Persian Peacock above right, M62 Amethyst left, B) slowly-self-striping Noro Kureyon 40, and C) Malabrigo Merino Worsted, almost-solid Hot Pink and Purple.
Yarn Substitutes: (If using my gauge/stitch counts): Springy yarns rated 4 to 4.5 st/in or labeled Aran wt.
-OR- (knit-to-fit) Springy yarns in DK- to Aran-weight yarn (ball band specifies 5.5 to 4 st/in).
This design requires a yarn with spring/resilience. Best is springy wool. If you choose non-wool fiber, make sure it is blended with lycra, nylon or acrylic to keep these from falling down; 100% plant fiber will disappoint. If you use non-wool, watch your gauge after blocking and use the optional smaller needles for your ribbing.
Sizes/Circumference: Using my gauge of 4.5st/inch, S/M/L; legwarmer circ. 9.75"/10.66"/11.5"; fits knees 10.75"–12"/ 11.75"–13.25"/ 12.66"–14.25" (OR knit to fit).
Sizes/Height: (Approx.) View A, 21" total length, 16.75" with top cuff folded. View B, total length 24", after folding top cuff 20.5". View C, 26" total length, 22.25" w/ top cuff folded.
NOTE: I normally sell patterns printed and in a page protector, sent through the US mail. However, if you want this pattern as a PDF, write a note to me in the check-out process. I'll send you a PDF attached to an email and refund your $1 shipping fee, manually.
If you wish to download this as a PDF, you can purchase it at these excellent businesses:
Ravelry.com's Downloads Here for Ravelry
-OR-
Patternfish, Here for Patternfish