Legwarmers may seem like a blast from the past, but they’re actually really practical. Whether you wear them with your skinny jeans or on top of pyjamas with flappy legs, they’ll keep you warm when you need it most. A simple but striking combination of rib and cables, these will be a joy to knit, and just tricky enough to keep you thinking.
If you’re not sure on what a purl stitch is, or need a refresher, check out our in-depth tutorial – How to Purl in knitting.
If you like this project, why not try your hand at some of our other winter warmer favourites? We love these gorgeous cable socks and these cosy knitted wrist warmers. And for more knitting projects and inspiration sign-up to our newsletter!
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To make these knitted leg warmers you will need:
- King Cole, Riot Chunky (70% acrylic, 30% wool, 100g/134m) 2 balls of Potash (663) We used Potash, but if you have trouble finding it, try Hazelnut (3080)
- A pair of 5mm needles
- A pair of 6mm needles
- Cable needle
Knitted leg warmers pattern
Tension
Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles.
Abbreviations
- pfb purl into front and back of next st
You’ll find our standard knitting abbreviations in this pattern. This pattern is written in UK metrics but it’s really easy to convert, just check out our yarn weight conversion chart and beginner’s guide.
LEG WARMERS
Cast on 56 sts using 5mm needles. Next row Knit into back of sts to form a neat edge. Next row *K2, P2; work from * to end.
Now continue working as above rib row until work measures 7cm with WS facing for next row.
Next row K1, kfb, K1, *P2, K2; rep from * to last 3 sts, P1, pfb, P1. [58 sts]
Change to 6mm needles and start cable pattern as follows:
Row 1 K4, *P2, K4, P2, K6; rep from * to last 12 sts, P2, K4, P2, K4. Row 2 and every foll alt row Work each stitch as it appears on this side of the work – K the knit sts and P the purl sts.
Row 3 K4, *P2, C4F, P2, K6; rep from * to last 12 sts, P2, C4F, P2, K4.
Row 5 K4, *P2, K4, P2, K6; rep from * to last 12 sts, P2, K4, P2, K4. Row 7 K4, *P2, C4F, P2, K6; rep from * to last 12 sts, P2, C4F, P2, K4.
Row 9 K4, *C4B, C4F, K6; rep from * to last 12 sts, C4B, C4F, K4. Row 11 K2, *C4B, P4, C4F, K2; rep from * to last 14 sts, C4B, P4, C4F, K2.
Row 13 K2, *C4B, P4, C4F, K2; rep from * to last 14 sts, C4B, P4, C4F, K2. Row 15 K4, *C4F, C4B, K6; rep from *
to last 12 sts, C4F, C4B, K4. Rep Rows 3–16 once more.
Change to 5mm needles. Next row *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2. Continue until rib measures 7cm. Cast off in rib.
TO MAKE UP
Sew in loose ends by weaving them into the WS of your cuff. With RS facing, use mattress stitch to join side seams.
Download the knitted leg warmer pattern
Get a PDF version of this pattern here: Knitted leg warmer pattern
