柚夏笙栀

Legwarmers.  It's a functional accessory used to keep legs warm (obviously!).  I wanted to make a pair that were as fashionable as they are functional.

First, I wanted a pair that were slightly flared (boot bottomed) to fit over my shoes rather than the classic tapered legwarmer look.  Second, I wanted to have a pair that had more texture.  I've crocheted many boot-bottomed legwarmers in a very simple single crocheted repeat pattern held up by using a thin gartered cord. Knitting the legwarmers gave me more ability to add more texture.  The upper portion is in 2x2 rib and folded over to hide the i-cord. The main portion of the legwarmers is covered with cables along with a cabled motif pattern repeated on the back side of them.  The legwarmers are held up by an i-cord that has pompoms attached at the ends.  I tied the i-cords comfortably, not too tight but enough to be able to mosey around with them on. 

This was fun to knit and more fun to wear.  It's great to pair these up with a skirt or shorts for the cooler days in spring.

model: Susan Power photos:Stephanie Fabia

To fit calf circumference up to 16[22] inches (16-inch shown)

Circumference of ribbed cuff, unstretched: 10[12] inches
Circumference of cabled legwarmer: 16[22] inches
Length of legwarmer with cuff folded: 15.5 inches 

20 sts/26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette st

RIGHT LEGWARMER
CO 76[108] sts. If using double-point needles, divide sts between needles.
Place marker and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.
Work in 2x2 Rib until work measures 3 inches.

Eyelet Round: Work 24[36] sts in pattern, k2tog, yo, p2, yo, k2tog, continue in pattern to end.
Continue in 2x2 Rib until work measures 9 inches.

Next Round: [M1, p38(54)] twice. 78[110] sts.
K 1 round.

Next Round: [P2, k2] once[twice], work Back Panel over next 12 sts, [k2, p2] once[twice], k2[3], work Cable Pattern over next 54[76] sts, working pattern repeat section 2[3] times, k2[3]. This round establishes pattern for legwarmer.

Continue in pattern until all rounds of Back Panel have been worked 3 times, then work 1 round more (Round 1 of Back Panel); you will have just completed Round 7 of Cable Pattern.

K 1 round. P 1 round.
BO all sts.

LEFT LEGWARMER
CO 76[108] sts. If using double-point needle, divide sts between needles.
Place marker and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.
Beginning with 2 p sts, work in 2x2 Rib until work measures 3 inches.

Eyelet Round: Work 46[66] sts in pattern, k2tog, yo, p2, yo, k2tog, cont in pattern to end.
Continue in 2x2 Rib until work measures 9 inches.

Next Round: [P38(54), m1] twice. 78[110] sts.
K 1 round.

Next Round: K2[3], work Cable Pattern over next 54[76] sts, working pattern repeat section 2[3] times, k2[3], [p2, k2] once[twice], work Back Panel over next 12 sts, [k2, p2] once[twice]. This round establishes pattern for legwarmer.

Continue as for Right Legwarmer.

Weave in ends and block as desired.

Make 2 cords as follows:
CO 3 sts and work I-Cord until cord measures approx. 28[34] inches.

Before binding off cord, insert through eyelets as shown in photots and try on to determine desired length.

BO all sts; do not weave in ends.

Insert cords through eyelets.

Make 4 pom poms and sew to ends of cords using yarn tails at each cord end.

Susan Power works with computer code by day and works with knitting code by night.  She lives with her loving husband who accepts and supports her knitting habit, and her lovely cat.  She finds herself saying "I need knit therapy" at least once a day.