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leg slouchers

by Melynda Bernardi

» photos: melynda bernardi

These extra-slouchy legwarmers were originally created out of a need to keep small legs toasty during cold winter months.

They quickly became a wardrobe favorite for my (oh-so-fashion-forward) 2 year old daughter, who loves pulling them on and off “all by herself”.

Perfect for an extra layer on quick trips out, for lounging around the house, or for playing dress-up, these leg slouchers are sure to be a hit with young and old.

Size

7 inch circumference (stretches to 10 inches), 12 inch length
Size Shown: one size

Materials

Anzula Haiku [70% Superwash Merino, 20% Bamboo, 10% Nylon; 500 yards/457 meters per 4.02 ounce/114 gram ball];

Au Natural (MC); 1 skein
Terra Cotta (CC1); 1 skein
Gape (CC2); I skein

Recommended needle sizes

US 2 (2.75 mm) dpns
US 2 (2.75 mm) straight needles

Notions

Stitch marker

Gauge

32 sts and 35 rows = 4 inches in St st, worked in colorwork pattern

Pattern Notes

Leg slouchers are worked in the round from the bottom up. The bottoms are slightly looser than the top, giving them more of a slouchy than snug fit.

Skills Required

knitting in the round, basic increases, basic decreases, changing color (stripes)

Instructions

With CC1 and straight needles, loosely cast on 52 sts.
Switch to MC, knit 1 row.
With dpns, join for working in the round, being careful not to twist sts, pm.
Work in k1, p1 rib for 1½ inches.

Detail

Next Rnd: Knit around, increasing 4 sts evenly spaced: 56 sts.

Work Rnds 1-4 of Chart A.

Detail

Knit 1 rnd in MC.

Work Rnds 1-6 Chart B until legwarmer measures 9½ inches from cast on edge (or approximately 2½ inches shorter than desired length). Chart is repeated 7 times each round.

Detail

Knit 1 rnd in MC.
Work Rnds 1-4 of Chart A.
Knit 1 rnd in MC, decreasing 8 sts evenly spaced: 48 sts.

Work in k1, p1 rib for 1½ inches.
Switch to CC1, work 1 rnd in k1, p1 rib.
Bind off all sts loosely.

Detail

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block.

Growing up, Melynda Bernardi never found a wardrobe problem that could not be solved with some fabric, a needle, and thread. This early proficiency eventually led to teaching herself knitting in college, as a way to keep her ever-creating hands busy. A few years later, when the day to day stresses of a job pressed in, her creative needs burst forth onto the internet as French Press Knits. Melynda has found a new joy in life as she embarks on the wonderful (and sometimes crazy) journey of motherhood. This knitter, wife, and mom creates and designs from her home in Michigan, where her hand knits get plenty of use.