Whit's Knits: Spiral Rib Leg Warmers

For many of us, the mere mention of leg warmers conjures up vivid images of ripped sweatshirts and really big hair. Having grown up in the eighties, I love Olivia Newton John as much as the next person, but that doesn't necessarily mean I want "Let's Get Physical" to be my theme song for 2010. However, I'm not so curmudgeonly that I can't appreciate new takes on old trends.

So, instead of acrylic and rainbow stripes, these 21st century leg warmers are super soft merino and naturally subtle colors. Hand dyed by Manos del Uruguay's cooperative of local craftswomen, this 5-ply Merino is perfectly now. A South American rural community sustaining itself through its traditional crafts sounds like a very beautiful future to me!

The Materials

• 2 skeins of Manos del Uruguay's 5 Ply Merino, 100% Pure Extrafine Merino Wool. This color is Cinnamon #512.
• A US #7, 12 inch circular needle OR a set of US #7 double pointed needles.

The Pattern

Gauge

6 stitches = 1 inch in spiral rib pattern

Finished Size

8 inches in circumference unstretched / 16 inches in circumference stretched and 30 inches long

NOTE: This size is for extra small to small women. To make bigger sizes, simply add a multiple of 4 stitches. Each additional 4 stitches will add 2/3 inch to the final unstretched circumference and 1 1/3 inch to the final stretched circumference. (Please note that if you increase the size, 2 skeins probably won't be enough yarn to make your leg warmers quite 30 inches long. You can either make them a little shorter or buy an extra skein.)

To Make

With US #7 needle (either 12 inch circular or double pointed), cast on 48 stitches.

Place a stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.

Rounds 1-3: *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 4-6: K1, *p2, k2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p2, k1.

Rounds 7-9: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 10-12: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.

Repeat Rounds 1-12 until piece measures 30 inches from the cast on edge.

Bind off loosely in pattern.

Make another leg warmer identical to the first.

Weave in the ends and you're done!

Comments

[CitricSugar]

I love these!!! The stitch pattern is gorgeous and subtle. Thank you for making legwarmers cool again!

[MFP]

So to make for a child, I'd just subtract a multiple of four and/or use smaller yarn & needles, right?

[AEK]

Thanks so much for this pattern! It's exactly what I've been looking for. I knitted two pairs of legwarmers but they keep falling down to my ankles. These look like they would be snug enough to stay up. I really look forward to making these!

[salidou]

thank you for this pattern ! I find them superb !

[accoutrements]

You make legwarmers look hot! Thanks for the pattern. Can't wait to try it out.

[Jessica]

Just wondering - when I cast on 48 stitches and then join for working in the round I have a total of 47 stitches which does not allow me to do the last k2 at the end of round 1. Am I supposed to cast on 49 and then join so I have an even number? I am still new to this knitting stuff so I am just wondering if I'm missing something. Thanks for your help!

[purl bee]

Hi Jessica,
I'm not sure why you are ending up with one less stitch when you join into a round, are you knitting two together when you join the round (you don't need to)? You certainly could cast on an extra stitch for a simple fix to correct the problem you're having, but you might also want to check out the video for large diameter circular knitting at KnittingHelp,com for some insight into the usual way to start the round. You can find the video at this link:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/advanced-techniques
Hope this helps!
Joelle

[Tina]

Lovely! I'm not a very talented knitter, but I will try to make these. I love easy but still beautiful patterns (not just garter stiches)!!!

[KnitPurlGurl]

So simple and cute! Great pattern!

[MUU]

Love the leggings!
I would like to put some sort of standard ribbing on the top and bottom to keep things from slipping downward.

Is this even necessary? How would I do this?

[Josie]

Hi Whitney!
I knit the spiral legwarmers for my daughter using the Manos del Uruguay yarn you suggested. (I ordered the yarn from The Purl Bee!) I absolutely loved knitting with that yarn, and the legwarmers turned out great. I decreased the original cast on a bit to accomodate my daughter's skinny legs. I posted a picture of her wearning them on my blog.

http://houseinhiddenhollow.blogspot.com/2011/08/finally-fo.html

Thank you for the great pattern, and thanks for the wonderful, inspiring blog!
Josie

[purlbee]

Hi Josie -

Thanks so much for sharing! I love your purple version and the idea that a real ballerina is wearing them!

Keep the "FO"s coming!
Whitney

[egb91011]

I love these legwarmers but they are the "longest" project I have embarked on thus far! I am getting so antsy to get them finished and am so close to finishing the first one! I will be posting pictures once I am finished!

[Andee]

I love these and have never used dpn needles before and am not quite sure how many are in a "set". The question may be silly, but other patterns I looked at called a set 3, 4 or even 5. I have 2. I have a circular needle but it is too long and am not capable of the magic loop technique either. Any answers would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[purl bee]

Hi Andee-

Usually double pointed needles come in a set of 5 and in general you need at least 4 to knit in a circle. You can also use a shorter circular needle. This pattern calls for a 12-inch circular.

The links below the "Materials" section of this pattern link directly to the needle options that will work for this project.

Good luck and thanks for your question!

Molly

[Andee]

Thank you! I guess I just have to practice more. My circular needle apparently is 12'' but the cast on stitches don't cover the circumference so it is hard for me to join/stitch in the round. I'll get it eventually.

[KRB]

I was thinking, to knit bigger sizes and not be left guessing as to how long to make the leg warmers, you could put both warmers on the needles at once and knit that way. Liat's KNITFREEDOM blog has info on how to knit socks 2 at a time, and I believe the master herself, Elizabeth Zimmerman, has this technique in one of her books.

The best parts are that you never run out of yarn before knitting both, AND there's no second-sock blues.

What do you think? Any tips for how to do this for your readers?

Thank you for a lovely pattern!
-Kelly

[purl bee]

Hi KRB,

Good idea! I've never done two-in-one knitting, but it looks like Knitty also has a great tutorial: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATextreme2in1.html

Enjoy your freedom and thanks for the great tips!

Whitney

[Maggie]

I finished making one of these today, using the recommended yarn and size. Unfortunately it turned out a little too big. Before I begin the second one, should I re-knit it, or can I felt it slightly to shrink it? Thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Maggie,

I'm sorry to hear your leg warmer is too big! This yarn will felt; I would recommend watching the process very closely if you decide to take this route.

Another option would be to pick up stitches along one or both ends in order to knit some ribbing, which might do the trick of keeping the leg warmers in place!

Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney

[Ashley]

How would I make these for a 12-year old kid? Should I use smaller yarn and needles?

[purl bee]

Hi Ashley-

I have a feeling these might fit a 12 year old. They are 8-inches in circumference and they stretch to fit around the calf. But if you'd like to make it smaller simply decrease the number of stitches by a multiple of 4 keeping in mind that the gauge is 6 stitches per inch. For example if you wanted them to be 7-inches around: 7 (inches) X 6 (stitches per inch)= 42, rounded up to the nearest multiple of 4= 44 stitches to cast on.

Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for writing in!

Molly

[Devon]

I found this pattern searching "leg warmer knit patterns" and 80s. I was asked to make something for our silent auction at our Waldorf school that would appeal to tweens/early teens. What a great, easy, and fun pattern! I did want them to look more retro and choose a very hot pink in Berroco Vintage yarn. Usually I don't like acrylic, but in this case the acrylic-wool blend is just right for the 80s look AND washable for a teenager hard on clothing. Knit one 24 inch long with adding a 1.5 inche rib at either end in a weekend easily. Will definitely work for a youth ages 12+. Two skeins will work with suggested cast on with a bit left over for a ear warmer, I think. Showed the one to some mothers this morning who now want to bid for themselves - too funny. Just have to finish the other by this weekend! Thank you, thank you!