purlJam

# The Sideways Slouch: Beginner Knitted Leg Warmers

This is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern worked flat (sideways) and seamed. Unlike traditional leg warmers knit in the round from the bottom up, these are knit as a rectangle. The ridges of the Garter Stitch will run vertically when worn, providing excellent stretch and a ribbed look.

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Beginner
**YARN WEIGHT:** DK (Double Knitting) / 8-ply / Category 3

### When Customizing

1.  **Yarn Choices**:
    *   **Wool/Wool Blends**: Best for warmth and memory (keeping shape).
    *   **Acrylic**: Durable and washable, but may stretch out over time.
    *   **Cotton**: Not recommended for this pattern as it lacks the necessary elasticity to stay up.

2.  **Needle Size**:
    *   4.0 mm (UK 8 / US 6) or size needed to obtain tension.
    *   Straight needles or circular needles (working flat) can be used.

3.  **Essential Materials**:
    *   Knitting needles (4.0 mm)
    *   Tapestry needle (for seaming)
    *   Measuring tape
    *   Scissors

### Size Chart (Calf Circumference)
*Note: Leg warmers require "negative ease" (they should be smaller than the leg to stay up).*

*   **Child**: Fits 25-30 cm calf. (Finished length of work: ~24 cm)
*   **Teen/Adult Small**: Fits 30-35 cm calf. (Finished length of work: ~29 cm)
*   **Adult Medium**: Fits 35-40 cm calf. (Finished length of work: ~34 cm)
*   **Adult Large**: Fits 40-45 cm calf. (Finished length of work: ~39 cm)

**Height of Leg Warmer (Slouch factor):**
*   Standard Fit: 30 cm
*   Slouchy Fit (This Pattern): 40 cm

### Tension (Gauge)
**22 stitches and 42 rows = 10 x 10 cm** in Garter Stitch (knit every row).
*Check your tension! If you have fewer stitches per 10 cm, your leg warmer will be too tall. If you have more, it will be too short.*

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### Construction Instructions

These leg warmers are constructed as a rectangle.
*   The **Cast On** edge determines the **Height** of the warmer.
*   The **Rows** worked determine the **Circumference** (width) of the warmer.

#### STEP 1: CAST ON
Make a slip knot and place it on your needle.
Cast on **88 stitches**.

*Math Verification:*
`[88 sts / 2.2 sts per cm = 40 cm height]`
*This creates a generous 40 cm height for a nice slouchy look.*

#### STEP 2: THE BODY
**Row 1 (Right Side):** Knit all stitches.
`[Validation: 88 sts start + 0 inc = 88 sts rem]`

**Row 2 (Wrong Side):** Knit all stitches.
`[Validation: 88 sts start + 0 inc = 88 sts rem]`

**Continue working in Garter Stitch** (knit every row) until the piece measures the required length for your size **when slightly stretched**.

*Length Guidelines (How many rows to knit):*
*   **Child**: Work until piece measures approx 24 cm (approx 100 rows).
*   **Teen/Small**: Work until piece measures approx 29 cm (approx 122 rows).
*   **Adult Medium**: Work until piece measures approx 34 cm (approx 142 rows).
*   **Adult Large**: Work until piece measures approx 39 cm (approx 164 rows).

*Pro-Tip: Wrap the work around your calf as you go. It should meet comfortably with a slight stretch. If it overlaps loosely, it is too big and will fall down.*

#### STEP 3: CAST OFF
Cast off all stitches loosely.
*Critical Step: If you cast off tightly, the top/bottom of your leg warmer will be constricted. Use a larger needle to cast off if you are a tight knitter.*

### Assembly & Finishing

1.  **Block the fabric**: Lay the rectangles flat. You may steam them gently to relax the stitches, but do not over-stretch them, or they will lose their elasticity.
2.  **Seaming**:
    *   Fold the rectangle in half so the Cast On edge meets the Cast Off edge.
    *   The rows of knitting should be running vertically (up and down).
    *   Thread your tapestry needle with a length of yarn.
    *   Use **Mattress Stitch** or a whip stitch to sew the side edges together.
    *   Ensure you are sewing the *row ends* together to form a tube.
3.  **Ends**: Weave in all loose ends securely on the inside of the work.

### Stitch Pattern Options (Variations)

*   **Standard (As written above)**: Garter Stitch. Ridges allow for maximum stretch.
*   **Stocking Stitch**: (Row 1 Knit, Row 2 Purl). *Not recommended* for this sideways construction as the edges will curl significantly and it has less elasticity.
*   **Seed Stitch**: (K1, P1 across row; on next row, K the P stitches and P the K stitches). Creates a bumpy texture.
*   **Stripes**: Change colour every 20 rows for wide bold stripes, or every 2 rows for thin stripes.

### Common Questions

*   **"Can I make them shorter/less slouchy?"**
    Yes. Cast on fewer stitches in Step 1. Try casting on 66 stitches for a 30 cm height (standard fit).
*   **"They are sliding down!"**
    You likely knit too many rows (too wide). You can thread elastic thread through the top rim (the selvedge edge) to tighten the fit.
*   **"Can I use chunky yarn?"**
    Yes. Reduce your cast on to approx 45-50 stitches and knit fewer rows. Check tension on the ball band.