purlJam

# Pattern: Autumn Walk Slouchy Leg Warmers

**Description:** An intermediate, textured leg warmer pattern worked flat (sideways) and seamed. The texture is created using a Double Moss Stitch flanked by Garter Stitch cuffs, providing a rustic, slouchy look perfect for wearing over leggings or tights.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
**Method:** Sideways Knitting (Flat), Seamed

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### 1. Yarn Weight & Selection
**Weight:** Double Knitting (DK) / 8 ply (Category 3).
*   **DK:** Provides a perfect balance of warmth and drape. Not as heavy as Aran/Bulky, allowing the "slouch" to fold naturally.
*   **Fibre Recommendation:** Wool or wool/nylon blend is best for memory (retention of shape). 100% cotton is not recommended as it may sag.
*   **Quantity:** Approximately 300-350 metres total (2 skeins of 100g typically).

### 2. Needle Size
**Metric:** 4.0mm (UK 8 / US 6)
*   *Note:* If you knit loosely, go down to 3.75mm to ensure the fabric has enough structure to stay up.

### 3. Essential Materials
*   Pair of 4.0mm knitting needles (straight or circular worked flat).
*   Tapestry/Yarn needle (for mattress stitch).
*   Measuring tape.
*   Scissors.
*   Optional: Thin elastic thread (to reinforce the top cuff if desired).

### 4. Construction Instructions (Sideways)

This pattern is knit as a long rectangle. The **Cast On** edge determines the length (height) of the leg warmer. The **Rows** worked determine the circumference (width) around the calf.

**Tension (Gauge):**
22 stitches and 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm in Double Moss Stitch pattern.

**Dimensions:**
*   **Height (Length):** 41 cm (16 in)
*   **Circumference:** Adjustable based on rows worked.

#### SETUP (Height)
**Cast On:**
Using the Long Tail Cast On method (for a neat edge), cast on **90 stitches**.
*[Math Check: 90 sts ÷ 2.2 sts/cm ≈ 40.9 cm height]*

**Set Up Rows:**
*   **Row 1 (RS):** Knit all stitches.
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Knit all stitches.
    *(This creates a garter stitch foundation ridge).*

#### BODY (Texture & Circumference)
Proceed in the Main Pattern. The first and last 8 stitches form the top and bottom cuffs (Garter Stitch), while the centre 74 stitches form the textured body (Double Moss Stitch).

*   **Row 1 (RS):** K8, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 10 sts, K2, K8.
*   **Row 2 (WS):** K8, *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 10 sts, P2, K8.
*   **Row 3 (RS):** K8, *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 10 sts, P2, K8.
*   **Row 4 (WS):** K8, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 10 sts, K2, K8.

**Repeat Rows 1-4** until the piece measures the desired circumference when slightly stretched.
*   *See Section 5 for Size Chart/Row suggestions.*

#### FINISHING EDGE
Work 2 rows of Knit (Garter Stitch) to match the setup edge.

**Cast Off:**
Cast off all stitches knitwise on the RS. Ensure you cast off with standard tension; do not pull too tight, or the seam will pucker.

### 5. Size Chart (Calf Circumference)
Measure around the widest part of the calf. The finished knit piece should measure 2-4 cm *less* than the actual leg measurement (negative ease) to ensure it stays up.

*   **Child (7-10 yrs):** Calf 25-28 cm
    *   Work approx 74 rows (24 cm long unstretched).
*   **Teen / Adult Small:** Calf 29-33 cm
    *   Work approx 86 rows (28 cm long unstretched).
*   **Adult Medium:** Calf 34-38 cm
    *   Work approx 98 rows (32 cm long unstretched).
*   **Adult Large:** Calf 39-44 cm
    *   Work approx 110 rows (36 cm long unstretched).

### 6. Stitch Pattern Options (Variations)
If you wish to substitute the Double Moss Stitch centre panel:
*   **Garter Stitch:** Knit every row. (Stretchiest option, very rustic).
*   **Stocking Stitch:** Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row. (Will curl at edges, requires distinct garter borders).
*   **Seed Stitch:** Row 1 (K1, P1), Row 2 (P1, K1). (Very dense, sturdy fabric).

### 7. Styles & Modifications
*   **Classic Fitted:** Reduce Cast On to 70 sts (approx 32 cm). This removes the "slouch" and creates a standard boot topper.
*   **Extra Slouchy:** Increase Cast On to 100 sts. This creates significant gathering at the ankle.
*   **Tapered Fit:** This is an advanced modification. To taper the ankle, change to smaller needles (e.g., 3.25mm) for the last 15 stitches of every row (the bottom cuff end). This creates a trapezoid shape rather than a rectangle.

### 8. Techniques Used
*   **Long Tail Cast On:** Creates a firm but elastic edge.
*   **Mattress Stitch:** Essential for this pattern. You will be seaming two cast-on/cast-off edges side-by-side. Mattress stitch creates an invisible vertical seam.
*   **Selvedge Edge:** Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise if you prefer a chained edge for easier counting, though for seaming garter stitch, knitting the first stitch is often easier.

### 11. Finishing Tips
1.  **Block before seaming:** Wet block the flat rectangle to the precise dimensions. This opens up the textured stitch pattern and makes seaming easier.
2.  **Seaming:**
    *   Fold the rectangle in half (short ends touching).
    *   Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, work Mattress Stitch through the cast-on and cast-off edges.
    *   Ensure the garter ridges line up perfectly.
3.  **Reinforcement (Optional):** If the yarn lacks elasticity (e.g., alpaca or cotton blends), weave a strand of elastic thread through the wrong side of the top cuff.
4.  **Ends:** Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side.

### 12. Quick Colour Variations
*   **Colour Block:** Change colour halfway through the rows (e.g., after 45 rows) for a two-tone look.
*   **Stripes:** Change colour every 4 or 8 rows. Note that carrying yarn up the side may be visible in the seam, so cut and weave ends for wide stripes.
*   **Marled:** Hold two strands of fingering/4-ply yarn together (one solid, one variegated) to create a custom colourway and texture equivalent to DK.