Looking for the best knit leg warmer patterns on the web? Oh, and how about a list of only free patterns? Find them all here!
If you envision a Jane Fonda workout video when you hear the words “leg warmers” let me tell you that leg warmers have come a long way since the 70s! This fashion trend is back in a big way and better than ever. These knit leg warmer patterns are seriously cute and also really practical. Leg warmers are an easy way to achieve the popular layered look and you can wear them with pretty much anything. You can wear them over your jeans, over leggings, on bare legs, tucked into your boots or scrunched up outside your boots. Versatility at its finest!
So how do you knit leg warmers anyway? If you’ve never made leg warmers before, don’t worry, they’re really not that hard. Most of these free knit leg warmer patterns are worked in the round, although there are some that can be worked flat as well. You can make super simple knit leg warmers with stockinette stitch or moss stitch. Or you can go crazy with cabled leg warmers and lace leg warmers. The sky’s the limit! The best part is that leg warmers look great in basically every colorway and you really don’t need all that much yarn. Hello stashbuster!
Are you ready to see all the free knit leg warmer patterns that I have in store for you today? Explore and enjoy this fun and free knitting pattern round-up. 🙂
25 Fashion-Forward Knit Leg Warmer Patterns
Wool leg warmers are extra warm and cozy. This free knit leg warmer pattern has both a shorter and a longer length to choose from. You’ll be working in the round and using just basic stitches, making this a great project for beginners. Select a neutral color as shown for easy outfit matching and effortless sophistication. This is a great way to stay warm and stylish!
Designer: Tolt Yarn and Wool
Yarn: Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney (Worsted Weight #4)
These charming leg warmer knitting patterns are worked in the round so there’s no unsightly seam. A simple knit 2, purl 2 ribbing on each end helps these cute little accessories stay on. Most of the other rounds are worked in just knit stitch, with a couple of rows of the lovely lace design every so often.
Designer: Tiny Owl Knits
Yarn: Reynolds Whiskey (DK Weight #3)
Have you ever knit a spiral rib before? This leg warmer knitting technique is really fun and it looks amazing too. It’s really quite simple and only uses knit and purl stitches. This free knit leg warmer pattern is only available in one size but it does include instructions for customization. Give leg warmer knitting a try and create a stylish accessory with this easy-to-follow pattern!
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Rittenhouse (Worsted Weight #4)
Textured projects are fun to make, fun to wear, and fun to look at! These striking leg warmer knitting patterns play with both texture and lace. The pattern will keep you interested from start to finish with knit stitches in the back loops, twisted knit stitches, and more!
Designer: NCL Knits
Yarn: PurPle Laines Merino (DK Weight #3)
Fashion or function? Why not both? This free knit leg warmer pattern features flared ends to fit over your shoes, an adjustable i-cord closure to hold them up, and a generous ribbed cuff that hides the i-cord. It’s a more advanced knitting pattern but the result is simply beautiful and stunning!
Designer: Knitty
Yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool (Worsted Weight #4)
Make a statement with these multicolored knit leg warmers that are extra slouchy. Each leg warmer takes one skein of yarn, so you don’t have to worry about counting rows or measuring length. Just get lost in the easy knit 1, purl 1 repeat until you spy the yarn end in the distance, all while creating a stunning piece at the same time!
Designer: Knit-O-Matic
Yarn: Noro Iro (Bulky Weight #5)
Go to new lengths with these extra-long knitted leg warmers so that they fit snugly over the knee. This beginner-friendly knitting pattern is worked in the round and features a ribbed cuff with coordinating stripes of color. I love how cool these long-knitted leg warmers look! (and they also look really warm)
Designer: Northbound Knitting
Yarn: Northbound Knitting Superwash Merino (Worsted Weight #4)
Get the trendy ombre look for your knit leg warmers with Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. The bulky weight of the yarn will make your project go by faster, making it essential for your winter wardrobe! This is a fun and challenging intermediate-level knitting pattern with 4-stitch cables and twisted stitches.
Designer: Craft Passion
Yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie (Bulky Weight #5)
Break the mold with the bold diagonal lines in this design. As far as knit leg warmer patterns go, you really don't need to worry—it isn’t as tricky as it seems. You’ll be working in the round using knit stitches, yarn overs, knitting 2 together, and slip knits.
Designer: Lilliputian Stitches
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
Knitting leg warmers can be interesting too! Keep things interesting with these striking half-and-half-knit leg warmers. You’ll be working eye-catching chevron cables on the front half and broken stockinette stitch on the back half. The wool yarn this design calls for makes these knit leg warmers extra warm and toasty.
Designer: Crista Tappan
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn (Worsted Weight #4)
Would you wear leg warmers over your tights? Why not! I love the look of this knit leg warmer pattern. The fishtail lace technique uses knit, knit-wise, and pass stitches to great effect. However, with a 6-row pattern repeat, this free knitting pattern is a little more complicated but it’s worth every stitch!
Designer: Blue Betty Blog
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll (DK Weight #3)
Basic is anything but boring in this fabulous and free knitting pattern for easy leg warmers for beginners. This one skein design uses just knit and purl stitches. Choose a lovely soft yarn with subtle color changes to copy the look of these scrunchy oversized knit leg warmers.
Designer: Expression Fiber Arts
Yarn: Expression Fiber Arts Dewy (DK Weight #3)
The lace design in the center of these adorable knit leg warmers is such a nice touch. I love this free knitting pattern because most of it is pretty basic, but the part in the middle allows you to really grow in your knitting skills. There is even a matching cardigan and hat!
Designer: Melody’s Makings
Yarn: Berroco Folio (DK Weight #3)
Peek a boo! Knit leg warmers that poke out over your boots give you the stylish look of boot cuffs with fuller coverage for added warmth (without the bulk of thick socks). This easy knitting pattern is made entirely in k2, p2 rib stitch, so the leg warmers will be extra stretchy! Check out the tutorial for a step-by-step guide to creating these fashionable leg warmers.
Designer: For Making’s Sake
Yarn: Madeline Tosh (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Crochet or knit leg warmer patterns can be a bit daunting when the finished product looks as stunning as this! Don’t worry, the fair isle knitting portion of these fun leg warmers isn’t too tricky and doesn’t last for very many rows. Most of this design is just a stockinette stitch.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alaska (Worsted Weight #4)
Fantastic! Are you searching for knit leg warmer patterns that work flat? They seem to be more rare than their cousins worked in the round. This cute striped leg warmer design can be worked either way! An easy 2x2 rib portion is followed by a basic stockinette stitch section.
Designer: Artemis Adornments
Yarn: Wendy Shetland (DK Weight #3)
Are you dreaming of warmer weather? A nice light pair of mesh knitted leg warmers is perfect for the transition from winter to spring. You’ll be working this pattern in the round using knit, purl, and knit 2 together, as well as yarn overs. So stylish and unique!
Designer: See Love Share
Yarn: Vidalana Lofti (DK Weight #3)
Fashionable leg warmers! Here’s a knit leg warmer pattern that keeps your knees warm too! This design is a great use of the twisted rib technique for the cuffs and features a lovely line of lace stitches running up the side. With 7 different sizes to choose from, you can make a pair for the whole family!
Designer: Monika Sirna
Yarn:Madeline Tosh (DK Weight #3)
Fake it ‘til you make it with faux knit cables that only use knit and purl stitches! The clever staggered placement gives the illusion of cables without all the fuss. You’ll also be making easy k2, and p1 ribbed cuffs, typically using knit front backs to increase.
Designer: Briana K Designs
Yarn: Furls Whims Merino (DK Weight #3)
The difference is in the details with this stunning knitting leg warmers pattern that features intricate cable work, lace work, and twisted stitches. If you make this project for yourself or a friend, prepare to receive a ton of compliments on how cute they are!
Designer: Rae Blackledge for Willow Yarns
Yarn: Willow Yarns Daily (DK Weight #3)
Have you tried the Estonian rib technique before? This striking diagonal knit rib resembles a checkerboard when worked in different colors as shown. It’s a really fun technique that only uses knit, purl, and knit-together stitches, making it a fantastic addition to your legwarmer knitting patterns.
Designer: Gail Tanquary for Crystal Palace Yarns
Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Mochi Plus (Worsted Weight #4)
Cute and casual knit leg warmer patterns are where it’s at! You can make these stylish and slouchy knit legwarmers with the moss stitch and simple ribbed cuffs. This design is commonly worked in the round with no shaping or seaming. Yay for beginner-friendly knitting patterns!
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool (Worsted Weight #4)
These knotty knit leg warmers feature an i-cord drawstring. This helps your leg warmers stay up, and I think it also looks really cute! You can make this design using 4-stitch cables and an easy knit 4, purl 2 ribbing. Explore new possibilities with these knotty legwarmer patterns!
Designer: Turquoise Acoustic Knits
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
Super bulky yarn makes the pebble texture of the moss stitch really stand out! This knit leg warmer pattern works up very thickly with very little holes, but you still get a lovely drape that’s perfect for that signature slouch!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Eskimo (Super Bulky Weight #6)
_______________________
Cold legs will be a thing of the past once you make one of these amazing and free-knit leg warmer patterns! Which of these knit leg warmer patterns caught your eye? Have you made a pair of these before? Please share the knit leg warmer patterns that you have used with our readers in the comments below!
Oh, and before you go, make sure to share and save this link so you can find it again when you’re ready to make another pair of knit leg warmers! Click on the bookmark button or save a quick pin to your knitting Pinterest board.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!