The Lexden Legwarmers

Introduction:

To accompany and celebrate the release of The Victoria Scarf (insert hyperlink) I decided to release my first free pattern!

Since this is a very simple construction and design, I didn’t feel comfortable charging for it so… here it is for free!

If you make them I only ask that you tag me on posts (@houseofzima) and use the hashtags #houseofzima #lexdenlegwarmers

This pattern is very basic so if you need any guidance or clarifications do not hesitate to either send me a DM on Instagram or send me an email (shophouseofzima@gmail.com) and I will help you to the best of my ability!

The Lexden Legwarmers are an extremely beginner-friendly and customisable pattern, they feature a foundation double crochet row to start, front post/ back post dc ribbing, stacked single crochet, granny stitch in the round and instructions to increase for a more dramatic flare.

The pattern uses US terminology (DC [US] = TC [UK]) and uses the following abbreviations:

1. Fdc- foundation double crochet 

2. Dc- double crochet

3. Slst- slip stitch

4. Fpdc- front post double crochet

5. Bpdc- back post double crochet

6. Stsc- Stacked single crochet

Materials:

• Any yarn!

  • I used 100g total as my legwarmers were shorter but the amount required will vary depending on the size you are making } I recommend no heavier than weight 4 since the flared portion will be too stiff with a heavier yarn

• Any corresponding hook

  • You might choose to size up your hook to assist with the drape 

• Stitch Markers If you are a beginner and planning to increase for a more dramatic flare

• Ribbon to create the drawstring bow, but you could also use yarn and make an icord!

• Any charms, findings, beads, badges, etc you wish to decorate your legwarmers with!

Measurements:

1. Circumference of where you want your legwarmers to sit, 

2. Desired length of legwarmers, I usually just go by vibes and try on often but if you do take a measurement ensure that you take into account any shoes you intend to wear with them

Method:

How to foundation double crochet 

Here is a link to a YouTube tutorial I like by Hope Corner Farm Crochet!

Written Instructions-

Start with a slip knot

Chain 3

Yarn over

Insert hook in first ch and pull up a loop

Yarn over and pull through the first loop

Yarn over and pull through 2

Yarn over and pull through two again

Tilt your work from this

To this

Yarn over and insert your hook in the 'v' next to the slip knot's tail

Yarn over and pull up a loop

Yarn over and pull through the first loop

Complete the dc (yarn over, pull through two, yarn over pull through two)

The beginning chains do not count as the first stitch!

Beginning with the ribbing

Fdc ensuring that your stitch count is an even number until it hits your first measurement when stretched.

This was 34 fdc stitches for me

Slst to join the round then use the slip knot tail to sew the round together, carry it up as we will crochet over this tail

chain 1 and pull up a long loop

{Ensure at this point that you have tried on your foundation round and can get this over your heel up to where you want the legwarmer to sit!]

Fpdc around the first stitch

Bpdc around the next

Repeat this all the way around and slip stitch to join, chain 1, pull a long loop and repeat.

Here is a YouTube tutorial link for a tutorial by Winding Road Crochet for how to double crochet front and back post <3

Repeat this until you have your desired width of ribbing, for me this was 4 rounds. Now we will proceed with the main portion of the legwarmers.

The main part of the legwarmers

For this first row, we will be working the granny stitch into each front post double crochet stitch and skipping every back post double crochet.

We will not be chaining between granny clusters!

Chain 1 and place a stsc and 2dc into the first stitch and skip the next

Place a granny cluster (3dc) into the next stitch and repeat all the way around

Slst three times to get to the gap between the two granny clusters

Here is a YouTube tutorial by Passioknit Kelsie for how to stacked single crochet! <3

Place a stsc crochet into the gap

Place two more dc into the gap to form the first cluster

Complete the next round by placing granny clusters into each gap and slst three times to reach the next gap

Guidance for increasing

If you feel like you want a more dramatic flare, please follow the instructions below to add increases into your work!

I recommend adding 4-6 evenly spaced throughout your row, ensure that your increase rows are every two rows.

For an increase stitch:

Simply place four stitches instead of three into a cluster!

I found that I did not need any increase rows to get the desired level of flare in my legwarmers so I worked 18 rows without any increases then fastened off.

Finishing touches

You could create a chain long enough to tie in a bow around your ribbing portion, create an i-cord, or use a piece of ribbon.

Thread this through your ribbing behind the front post stitches and tie in a bow at the front, this will act as a drawstring to ensure that the legwarmer sits where you want it.

I personally went for a ribbon!

I threaded it through each fpdc :)

Here is a YouTube tutorial for how to crochet i-cord by Bella Coco <3

(you could also slip stitch elastic thread on the backside of your ribbing if you didn't want a drawstring!)

I think it would be so cool and unique to decorate your legwarmers further with charms, bows, badges etc but this customisation part is totally up to you... the Lexden Legwarmers are the perfect canvas for your creativity!

Tester gallery 

A huuuuuuuge thank you to my testers!