HONEYCOMB LEG WARMER KNITTING PATTERN
A fun, simple slip stitch knit pattern for leg warmers incorporating garter stitch into the design to add stretch. The honeycomb shapes may look difficult, but that's only a trick of the technique. If you like slouchy leg warmers add extra repeats for added length. The bottom edge fans out a bit, making them a nice slip over for boots or heals.
Step 1
Materials Cascade 220, 100% wool, 3.5 oz (100 g), 220 yards (200 m) 1 skein each of the following shades: A; 9459, Yakima Heather B; 2433, Pacific
Needles and Notions US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) Tapestry needle
Sizing: Gauge 21 sts and 28 rows = 4in. (10 cm) in honeycomb pattern
Finished dimensions Upper calf circumference, Small (medium, large): 12 (13 3/4, 16 3/4)in. / 30.5 (35, 42.5)cm Length, Small (medium, large): 14 (15, 16)in / 35.5 (38, 40.5) cm
Pattern Notes All slip stitches are slipped purlwise. Carry yards up the inside at the beginning of the round.
Step 2
Honeycomb Chart
Step 3
With A and size 5 (3.75 mm) DPNs, cast on 64 (72, 88) sts. Divide sts evenly over the needles and join for working the round taking care not to twist the sts. Use the cast-on tail to mark the beginning of the round. Rnds 1 - 7: [k2, p2] rep to end. Rnd 8: knit. Change to size 7 (4.5 mm) DPNs. Rnd 9: join B and knit. Rnd 10: purl Rnds 11-12: rep Rows 9 and 10.
Step 4
Commence Honeycomb chart: Rnds 1-4: join A [k5, sl3] rep to end. Rnd 5: join B, knit. Rnd 6: purl. Rnds 7 - 10: join A, k1, [sl3, k5] rep to last 7 sts, sl3, k4. Rnds 11 - 12: rep Rows 17 and 18.
Step 5
Size small only: rep Rnds 1 - 12 another 6 times. Size medium only: rep Rnds 1 - 12 another 6 times then rows 1 - 6 once more. Size large only: rep Rnds 1 - 12 another 7 times.
Break A and continue in B only. Next rnd: knit Next rnd: purl. Rep these 2 rnds another 4 times.
Step 6
Finishing Bind off. Weave in all loose ends and block to finished dimensions. The bottom will fan out a little bit and the top will pull in and hug the calf.
Step 7
This how-to is excerpted with permission from Color Knitting with Confidence: Unlock the Secrets of Fair Isle, Intarsia, and More with 30 Vibrant Colorwork Techniques
by Nguyen Le (Barron's Educational Series).
