Easy and Stylish Loom Knit Legwarmers
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Supplies Needed
- Step 1: How to Mark Your Loom
- Step 2: How to Cast On
- Step 3: How to Do the First Rib Stitch Border
- Step 4: How to Do the Garter Stitch Body
- Step 5: How to Do the Last Rib Stitch Border
- Step 6: How to Bind Off
- Conclusion
- FAQ
How to Loom Knit a Cozy Pair of Leg Warmers
Knitting leg warmers is a fun and cozy project that will keep your legs warm during the colder months. In this step-by-step tutorial, I will guide you through the process of loom knitting a pair of leg warmers using a round loom and a garter stitch body with rib stitch borders. Whether you're a beginner or experienced knitter, this tutorial will provide you with all the instructions you need to create your own pair of leg warmers.
Supplies Needed
Before we begin, let's gather all the supplies you'll need for this project:
- A small round loom (I recommend a 28 peg large gauge loom, but you can use other sizes as well)
- One Bonus Bundle ball of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn (174 yards/157 meters long)
- A hook
- A pair of scissors
- A yarn needle
- Stitch markers (colored pegs, elastics, or tape)
Step 1: How to Mark Your Loom
To make it easier to follow the pattern, we'll start by marking the pegs on the loom. Use colored pegs, elastics, or tape to mark the pegs. In this tutorial, we'll use blue for knit stitches and pink for purl stitches. Mark peg 1 with blue and alternate between green and pink markers for the remaining pegs.
Step 2: How to Cast On
To begin knitting the leg warmers, we'll start with the chain cast on. Place a slip knot on peg 1 and hold the tail in the back with your left hand. With your hook, dive into the first loop and grab the working yarn below. Pull it upwards to create a new loop, which goes behind peg 2. Continue feeding the working yarn between pegs and tightening to create new loops. Repeat this process until you reach the last peg. Tighten the loops and pull on the working yarn to secure the cast on.
Step 3: How to Do the First Rib Stitch Border
The rib stitch border adds elasticity and a decorative edge to the leg warmers. We'll be doing a Knit 1, Purl 1 sequence for 10 rounds. Begin by knitting the first peg using the e-wrap knit stitch. Then, purl the next peg by diving into the loop, grabbing the working yarn, and pulling upwards to create a new loop. Repeat this sequence all around the loom, alternating between knit and purl stitches. You can choose to knit and purl each peg individually or use the technique of wrapping multiple pegs with e-wrap before knitting over. Continue knitting and purling for 10 rounds.
Step 4: How to Do the Garter Stitch Body
The garter stitch body is the main part of the leg warmers and is created by knitting every round. This creates a textured and squishy fabric. Simply continue knitting each peg using the e-wrap knit stitch for a total of 46 rounds. Remember to alternate between knit and purl rounds according to the pattern.
Step 5: How to Do the Last Rib Stitch Border
Once you've completed the garter stitch body, it's time to add the last rib stitch border. This is the same as the first rib stitch border, with 10 rounds of the Knit 1, Purl 1 sequence. Use your stitch markers to guide you through the pattern. Knit and purl each peg according to the color markers. This rib stitch border creates a finished look for the top of the leg warmers.
Step 6: How to Bind Off
To finish off the leg warmers, we'll use the stretchy bind off method. Cut your yarn and wrap the loom two and a quarter times. With your yarn needle, go down peg 1, up peg 28, and behind peg 1. Continue this "down, up, behind" sequence all around the loom. Alternatively, you can use your hook to go down and up the pegs. Once you've completed the bind off, remove the leg warmer from the loom and weave in the ends.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully loom knitted a cozy pair of leg warmers. The garter stitch body and rib stitch borders create a beautiful and warm texture. These leg warmers are perfect for keeping your legs toasty during chilly days. Customize them with your favorite yarn colors and patterns. Enjoy the comfort and style of your handmade leg warmers!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different loom size for this project?
A: Yes, you can adapt this pattern for other round looms by adjusting the number of stitches and the size of the yarn you use.
Q: How much yarn do I need for a pair of leg warmers?
A: One Bonus Bundle ball of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn (174 yards/157 meters long) should be enough to knit two leg warmers.
Q: Can I use a different type of yarn for this project?
A: Yes, you can use any bulky weight yarn that meets the yardage requirement. Just make sure to adjust the number of rounds accordingly.
Q: How long does it take to knit a pair of leg warmers?
A: The time required to complete this project depends on your knitting speed. It can take a few hours to a couple of days.
Q: Are leg warmers suitable for all ages and sizes?
A: Yes, leg warmers can be made to fit different sizes by adjusting the number of stitches and the length of the leg warmer itself. They are suitable for people of all ages.
Q: Can I add patterns or designs to the leg warmers?
A: Absolutely! You can incorporate different stitch patterns, cables, or colorwork to personalize your leg warmers and make them unique.
Q: How do I care for my knitted leg warmers?
A: It is recommended to hand wash your leg warmers in cold water and lay them flat to dry. Avoid using harsh detergents or machine washing as it may damage the knitted fabric.