purlJam

# Cambridge Waffle Stitch Leg Warmers
**Difficulty:** Intermediate

**Description**
These textured leg warmers feature a thermal waffle stitch that traps heat and provides excellent elasticity. Designed with a tapered fit, they start narrower at the ankle and gently flare to accommodate the calf, ensuring they stay up without sagging.

**Size**
To fit average adult leg.
**Finished Calf Circumference:** Approx. 34cm (stretches to 40cm).
**Finished Length:** 40cm.

**Yarn & Materials**
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 300 metres of DK weight yarn. (Wool or wool blend recommended for elasticity/memory).
*   **Needles:** 
    *   3.25mm (UK 10) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or short circular needle for ribbing.
    *   4.00mm (UK 8) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or short circular needle for main body.
*   **Notions:** 1 Stitch marker (to mark beginning of round), tapestry needle, tape measure.

**Tension (Gauge)**
22 stitches and 30 rounds to 10cm over Waffle Stitch pattern using 4.00mm needles.
*It is crucial to check your tension to ensure the leg warmers fit comfortably.*

**Abbreviations (UK Terms)**
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **rnd:** round
*   **inc:** increase
*   **M1L:** Make 1 Left (pick up the bar between stitches from front to back, knit into the back of it).
*   **M1R:** Make 1 Right (pick up the bar between stitches from back to front, knit into the front of it).
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **PM:** Place Marker

**Stitch Pattern: Circular Waffle Stitch**
(Worked over a multiple of 4 sts)
*   **Rnd 1:** \*K2, p2; rep from \* to end.
*   **Rnd 2:** As Rnd 1.
*   **Rnd 3:** Knit.
*   **Rnd 4:** Knit.

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### INSTRUCTIONS

**1. Lower Cuff (Ankle)**
Using 3.25mm needles, cast on **48 sts**.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM to mark beginning of round.

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 5cm.
`[Math Check: 48 sts is divisible by 4, ribbing flows correctly.]`

**2. Leg Body**
Change to 4.00mm needles.

**Setup Section:**
Work Rounds 1–4 of Waffle Stitch pattern twice (8 rounds total).

**Shaping Section (Increases):**
You will now begin shaping the calf while maintaining the pattern.
*Note: As you increase, new stitches will not immediately fit into the k2, p2 texture. Work these new stitches as Knit stitches (Stocking Stitch) on all rounds until you have increased enough stitches (4) to complete a full pattern repeat.*

**Increase Round:** K1, M1L, pat to last st, M1R, k1. (2 sts increased).
`[Inline Math: 48 start sts + 2 inc = 50 sts]`

Work 7 rounds straight in pattern (keeping the new stitches as knit stitches on Rnds 1 & 2 until they can form a p2 or k2 block).

Repeat the **Increase Round** every 8th round **11 more times**.
`[Inline Math Calculation for Final Count:]`
`[Start: 48 sts]`
`[Increases: 12 rounds x 2 sts = 24 sts]`
`[Total: 48 + 24 = 72 sts]`

At the end of all increases, you will have **72 sts**.
Check that the 72 sts are realigned into the main Waffle Stitch pattern (18 repeats of 4 sts).

**3. Upper Leg**
Continue straight in Waffle Stitch pattern on these 72 sts until work measures 35cm from cast-on edge (or 5cm less than desired total length).
End after completing Rnd 4 of the pattern.

**4. Top Cuff**
Change to 3.25mm needles.
*Note: The change in needle size will pull the fabric in slightly to help hold the leg warmer up.*

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 5cm.
Cast off loosely in rib pattern. A stretchy cast-off (like Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off) is recommended to prevent the top edge from digging into the calf.

**5. Finishing**
Weave in all ends on the wrong side.
Block gently. Do not stretch the ribbing excessively while blocking, or the leg warmers may slide down during wear.
Make a second leg warmer to match.