Baby Leg Warmers

What is it about being a knitter that inspires one to decide a week before a holiday or birthday, “I think I should knit them something”…? I recently convinced myself to do just this and cranked out a hand knit gift for a little girl’s 1st birthday. By utilizing baby nap time, and toting my project everywhere with me, I successfully completed a pair of baby legwarmers. I was so happy with how they turned out, I almost didn’t want to give them away!

Project Details:

Yarns: Lion Brand Wool Ease in # 099Fisherman & #129 Cocoa; Sensations Angel Hair # 4348 Pink

Needles: US size 2

 

 

 

 

I used the pattern Leg Warmers from the book The Expectant Knitter. The pattern is knit in a rainbow of bright primary colors with 1×1 rib on each end. Subtle shaping is used throughout to create a nice gradual increase up the leg of the stocking. They are quite lengthy, which not only look cute bunched up on a baby’s chubby legs but also gives room to grow.
My time frame didn’t allow me the luxury of a leisurely trip to the yarn store to locate the yarns suggested in the pattern. I had to improvise with what I had on hand. I ended up using a heavier weight, but it made the finished leg warmers nice and thick, perfect for the cold climate that the baby and her family lives in. I also decided to go for a different striping pattern by using only three colors and used the sewn bind off technique found in the book Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmerman. It creates such a great stretchy leg opening and is just so simple, I love using it. It’s also great for casting off toe up socks.
I was pleased to see the leg warmers quickly put on the baby as soon as they were out of the box. And even happier that they fit! They were so well received that it definitely made it worth the rush job. I’m glad I listened to my nagging inner knitter.

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