Swell Leg Warmers Free Crochet Pattern

The Swell Leg Warmers are a very versatile design that can easily be made any length (above knee or below) and any circumference, to fit any size leg.

Just about any type of yarn can be used, however, they’re best suited for lighter weight yarns, so a #4 worsted weight or lighter will be best. I personally prefer making them with sock yarn (#1 fingering weight). You can find some of my recommendations by scrolling down.

There is an option to add ribbon around the top or to do a solid edge with no ribbon. I also show how to add elastic thread to the top in case they don’t stay up well enough on their own.

I consider the pattern advanced beginner level. It uses only basic stitches (all single, double, and treble crochets). I think you’ll truly enjoy making these! They’re simple and you can easily work on them while watching TV as they don’t require too much focus.

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Why You’ll Love These Leg Warmers

• Custom fit – This pattern allows you to make your leg warmers any length and any circumference so they’ll fit you perfectly!
• Use any yarn – Grab something from your stash or use your favorite! This pattern is versatile and can likely accommodate whatever yarn you have on hand!
• Nice year round – Use a lightweight cotton yarn and this lacy stitch pattern will be nice and airy for evenings when the weather is starting to warm up. Or, use a #4 worsted weight wool to create a cozy leg warmer that you can layer over leggings to keep you toasty!
• Easy stitch to memorize – Perfect for Netflix & crochet nights, you’ll be able to make these without needing to focus very hard because the stitch pattern is simple!

Yarn

You can use just about any yarn you’d like for this pattern, however, a #1 fingering weight – #4 worsted weight will probably work best. Yardage will vary depending on the size you make and what yarn you use.

Examples shown use #1 fingering weight yarn: Loops & Threads Woolike in Beige and Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Yarn in Burgundy and Woodsy Green.

Yarn Substitute Ideas

• Lion Brand Summer Nights – An affordable acrylic blend, #1 fingering weight yarn that offers a collection of variegated colors in sparkly tropical hues!
• Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering – Featuring beautiful tonal colors created by kettle dyeing, this is a #1 fingering weight superwash wool blend with a unique texture.
• Malabrigo Sock – Also a #1 fingering weight, this superwash wool is one of my personal favorites and comes in some really gorgeous hand-dyed colors!
• Premier Cotton Fair – This #3 DK weight yarn is a cotton/acrylic blend that offers some pretty solid colors and would be great for warmer weather when you don’t need wool to stay warm.
• Premier Hipster Cotton – Offering some bright, fun multi-colors, this #3 DK weight cotton would be another nice option for warmer times of the year and for those who prefer natural fibers.
• Knit Picks Swish Worsted – If you’re looking for warmth, this #4 worsted weight superwash wool could be just what you need! You’ll find a nice selection of heathered and solid-colored options.

Download The Pattern

You can find the FREE pattern by scrolling down. A print-friendly, ad-free PDF of this pattern is also available for a small fee. If you enjoy my patterns, please consider purchasing the PDF – your support is greatly appreciated and will help me keep the new patterns coming! :)

Supplies

• A hook size that allows you to crochet somewhat loosely with your chosen yarn
• Yarn needle for finishing
• Ribbon (optional‐ see finishing section for more info)
• Elastic Thread (optional‐ see finishing section for more info)

Difficulty

Advanced Beginner

Gauge

Gauge is unimportant, just make sure you don’t crochet too tightly or your leg warmers won’t be stretchy enough.

Sizes

Can be made in any size, custom fit to you!

Abbreviations

• sc‐ single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• trc ‐ triple/treble crochet
• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• rep – repeat
• rnd – round
• ea – each
• sp – spaces
• st/sts – stitch/stitches
• FO – finish off

Terms of Use

You are welcome to sell any items you make using this pattern, in small quantities. Mass production is prohibited. When selling online, please credit Julie King / Gleeful Things by linking to www.gleefulthings.com or tagging @gleefulthings. You may NOT sell or distribute the pattern itself in any form, alter it to claim it as your own, post it online, or create a video demonstrating the pattern.

Notes

1. This pattern is worked in joined rounds starting at the top. Join at the end of each round, where the pattern says to.

Instructions

Step 1: ch to desired length, making sure that it is a multiple of 5. This will be the top of the leg warmer so the ch should wrap around your leg (the spot where you plan on wearing the top) and be a little bit snug. sl st to join end of ch to beginning.

rnd 1: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). 1 sc in ea ch. sl st to join.

*If you’re going to add ribbon, rep rnd A 4 times. If you’re NOT going to add ribbon, rep rnd A 9 times.*

rnd A: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). 1 sc in ea st. sl st to join.

*If you’re going to add ribbon, do rnds B & C. If you’re NOT going to add ribbon, skip rnds B & C. *

rnd B: ch 4 (counts as 1 trc). 1 trc in ea st. sl st to join.

rnd C: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). 1 sc in ea st. sl st to join.

rnd 2: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 1 dc in same st. ch1. 2 dc in same st as previous dc. [Skip 4 sts. 2 dc. ch1. 2 dc in same st as previous 2 dc.] rep around. sl st to join.

rnd 3: sl st into next ch sp. ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 1 dc in same sp. ch1. 2 dc in same sp as previous dc. [in next ch sp: 2 dc, ch1, 2 dc] rep around. sl st to join.

*rep rnd 3 until you reach your desired length*

rnd 4: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). 1 sc in ea dc & ch sp. sl st to join.

rnd 5: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). 1 sc in ea st. FO using an invisible join.

Finishing

Ribbon

The size of ribbon you need will depend on the height of your trc’s (this will vary depending on the weight of your yarn). I recommend not buying ribbon until you finish so you can make sure to get the right size.

Instructions: Weave your ribbon under one trc & over the next all the way around and then tie a bow.

Elastic

Elastic is helpful to keep your leg warmers from falling down. There are a lot of types of elastic threads & cords that you can get at any craft store. Click here for a full tutorial on what elastic I use and how I add it to my leg warmers.

Share Your Project

I hope you’ve enjoyed this pattern and I would love to see what you made! Please share your photos on social media and tag me @gleefulthings or use hashtag #gleefulthings. Don’t forget to add your project on Ravelry too! :)