Legwarmers are a necessity when temperature drops, but have you ever thought about keeping knees warm as well? Well now you can with this full-length legwarmer! Legwarmers are not just for cold weather, but are a must for every fashionable woman in your life!
The inspiration behind this project is one little girl. As a true princess, she will wear only skirts and dresses whether that be for playing in the snow or attending a tea party. Like all fashionable young ladies she is very opinionated about her wardrobe. She made it very clear what is the proper length for legwarmers: 'No mommy, longer...', 'No mommy, do it again, you HAVE TO make them longer'! And the pattern is sized to fit that little girl, right up to adults.
This design features the twisted rib cuffs and beautiful Lace Twist that flows up the side. The legwarmers have discreet shaping to ensure the perfect fit for babies through to adults. The length and fit at the thigh is easy to customize.
models: Mary Kate, Anna, Tatiana photos: Monika Sirna
MATERIALS
Yarn Green version: Madelinetosh Tosh DK [100% Merino; 225yds/206m per 100g skein]; color: Filigree; 1[1, 2, 2, 3, 3] skeins
Red version: Colour Adventures Dia Merino DK [100% Merino; 231yds/211m per 100g skein]; color: Garnets; 1[1, 2, 2, 3, 3] skeins
Recommended needle size [always use a needle
size that gives you the gauge
listed below -- every knitter's
gauge is unique] US #6/4mm needles for working in the round US #4/3.5mm needles for working in the round
22 sts/29 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette st using larger needles
PATTERN NOTES [Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]
Sizing is based on calf circumference, which is measured at the widest part of the calf.
An additional measurement: the low thigh circumference is measured right above knee.
The length is measured down to the floor. This allows the bottom cuff to cover top of the foot (if the CO is stretchy enough), or gives the legwarmer positive ease lengthwise if the cuff falls at the ankle.
The legwarmers are worked in the round, bottom up. The left and right legs differ subtly due to the different cable turns in the Left and Right versions of the pattern.
Tip: To make sure the legwarmers stay up, you can use a fine elastic yarn thread or a heavier elastic cord. Work the top cuff while holding the yarn and the elastic yarn thread at the same time, or weave the elastic cord through the stitches on the WS once the top cuff is finished.
Recommended stretchy CO:Jeny's Stretchy Slipknot CO. Note: This cast on is followed by a Set-up rnd with ALL sts worked tbl to correct the positioning of the sts, as the sts are twisted with this CO method.
C6R: sl 3 sts on cn and hold to back, k3, k3 from cn C6L: sl 3 sts on cn and hold to front, k3, k3 from cn
Left Lace Twist Rnd 1: K1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo, skp, k1. Rnd 2 and all following even rnds: Knit. Rnd 3: K2tog, yo, k1, C6L, k1, yo, skp. Rnd 5: As Rnd 1. Rnd 7: K2tog, yo, k8, yo, skp. Rnd 9: K1, k2tog, yo, C6L, yo, skp, k1. Rnd 11: As Rnd 7. Rnd 12: Knit.
Right Lace Twist Rnd 1: K1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo, skp, k1. Rnd 2 and all following even rnds: Knit. Rnd 3: K2tog, yo, k1, C6R, k1, yo, skp. Rnd 5: As Rnd 1. Rnd 7: K2tog, yo, k8, yo, skp. Rnds 9: K1, k2tog, yo, C6R, yo, skp, k1. Rnd 11: As Rnd 7. Rnd 12: Knit.
DIRECTIONS
Bottom cuff:
Using smaller needles and stretchy CO method, loosely CO 36[40, 44, 50, 60, 68, 78] sts. Distribute across needles as you prefer and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.
Set-up rnd: [K1 tbl, p1 tbl] around. Note: if you used a different CO than Jeny's (see Pattern Notes), proceed straight to Ribbing rnd.
Ribbing rnd: [K1 tbl, p1] around.
Work ribbing as set for 1.5[1.75, 2, 2, 2.5, 3, 3] inches.
Work even in pattern as set until the legwarmer measures 7.5[11.75, 12.75, 14.5, 17.75, 21.5, 22.5] inches from the CO edge, or desired length less 1.25[1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.5] inches, ending with with rnd 4 or 10 of Lace Twist pattern.
Top cuff:
Change to smaller needles. Add elastic yarn thread if desired -- see Pattern Notes.
Set-up rnd: K to m, remove m, k4, skp, k2tog, k4, remove m, k to end. 2 sts decreased. 42[48, 54, 60, 68, 76, 86] sts.
Ribbing rnd: [K1 tbl, p1] around.
Work ribbing as set for 1.25[1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.5] inches.
BO using a stretchy BO method.
FINISHING
Lightly steam block or wet block, shaping with fingertips to help open the lace. Weave in ends.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Monika Sirna is a full time mom and designer. She studied Textile Engineering and worked in fashion industry in Europe before she moved across the ocean. She dreams that knitting and designing will become her 'real' job one day.
Left Lace Twist
