Imperial Yarn Cascade Leg Warmers Accessory Knitting Pattern

Imperial Yarn Cascade Leg Warmers

What Is Being Made

The Cascade Leg Warmers are a pair of seamless, tubular leg warmers designed for cool autumn and winter weather. These accessories measure 13 inches in circumference and 13 inches in length, with intentionally unshaped construction that allows the wearer to use either end at the knee or ankle. This versatile design helps eliminate wear areas around the lower edge and extends the garment's lifespan by distributing stress evenly.

Techniques Used

These leg warmers are worked seamlessly in the round using a bottom-up construction method. The seamless, circular approach creates a smooth, continuous fabric without seams that could cause discomfort against the skin. The pattern is worked on double-point needles or a circular needle, both of which are suitable for creating tubular garments. The designer, Jean Lampe, has structured the pattern to allow the knitting tension to expand up to an extra inch without requiring adjustments to stitch and row counts, providing flexibility for different body sizes and fit preferences.

Stitches Used

The leg warmers feature a simple yet textured main pattern stitch that repeats over four rounds. The pattern consists of three consecutive knit rounds followed by one purl round, creating subtle horizontal texture and visual interest. This straightforward stitch sequence is accessible to knitters of various skill levels while producing an attractive, functional fabric. The pattern notes reference a Right Twist stitch worked over two stitches, which adds additional textural variation to the design.

Materials

Yarn: The kit includes 2 skeins of Imperial Yarn Columbia 2 ply yarn, which is 100% wool sourced from the Imperial Stock Ranch. The sample shown is in color #125 Canyon Shadow Blue. Columbia wool is known for its warmth and durability, making it ideal for winter accessories.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles—either a set of 5 double-point needles or a circular needle measuring 11½ to 12 inches (29 to 30.5 cm) in length. Needles are not included in the kit. Additional notions needed are a split ring stitch marker and a tapestry needle for finishing. The pattern also allows for optional embellishment with 8 buttons, approximately ⅞ inch (2.2 cm) in diameter, though these are not included in the kit.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 18½ stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in the main pattern stitch on US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. The finished leg warmers measure 13 inches in circumference and 13 inches in length, with upper and lower edges that naturally roll when worked in stockinette stitch.