I have a love / hate relationship with my 7/8 length leggings. When I wear them with boots or taller socks, there’s no issue at all. Wearing them with a sneaker profile presents some small problems. In colder weather, this style leaves the tiniest bit of my ankles exposed. Enter SNUG LIFE: a shorty legwarmer with an adjustable drawstring top. Inspired by detailing in my cowl design Drawn Together, this functional pair of legwarmers uses a drawstring closure for an adaptable calf fit and 1×1 knit and purl ribbing at the ankle for a bit of a cozy hug. Pull them up to their full length for more leg coverage or slouch them down for a stylish look. Choose your favorite contrast color for a fun pop of color at the drawstring. This pattern requires 1 skein of DK weight yarn and less than a mini skein of fingering weight yarn for the pair of drawstrings. Pattern includes links to video tutorials for all techniques included in this design.
Find full gallery images here.
YARN
MC: Queen City Yarn Biddleville DK, 100% Superwash Merino, 250 yd / 229 m per 115 g, or similar DK weight yarn, 1 skein, www.queencityyarn.com.
CC: Queen City Yarn Noda Sock, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yd / 423 m per 100 g, or similar fingering weight yarn, approximately 6-8 g required for a pair of drawstrings
YARN ESTIMATE PER SIZE
MC: 174 (196, 217) yd / 159 (179, 199) m
80 (90, 100) g
CC for all sizes: 32 yd / 30 m (7 g)
Estimate includes 10% buffer.
Colors in sample (shown in Size 2):
MC: Pollen Season 178 yd / 162 m (82 g)
CC: Mint to Be, 28 yd / 25 m (6 g)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Sizes 1 (2, 3)
Top circumference: 10.7” (12”, 13.3”) / 27 (30.5, 34) cm
Bottom circumference: 9” (10.25”, 11.25”) / 23 (26, 28.5) cm
Height for all sizes: 9” / 23 cm
Height is adjustable. Adding additional length will require more yarn.
GAUGE & NEEDLES
21 stitches & 28 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in [P3, K4] in the round, blocked
US 6 / 4.0 mm circular needle, 32” / 80 cm or double-pointed needles or size needed to get gauge for main body
US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 32” / 80 cm or double-pointed needles or 1 size smaller than main needle for ribbing
US 2 / 2.75 mm needles for drawstrings
ADDITIONAL TOOLS
Spare circular needle in same size as main needle
Smooth waste yarn for provisional cast-on
Crochet hook in size similar to main needle for provisional cast-on
TECHNIQUES
Provisional cast-on, joining folded hem, knit stitch, purl stitch, icord
PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This is a written pattern with links to video tutorials.
EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#SnugLifeLegwarmers
Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Lisa M., Diem N., Emily O., Marieke vB. & Emily W. (knitwitte8).
From Rebecca F.
I’ve tested multiple patterns for Shana and they’re always already well-written and well thought out before we see the testing version. She’s very responsive with answers to questions and clearly cares about making patterns accessible to knitters of all skill levels, budgets, and bodies. I love the way her patterns flow and present a canvas for your creativity and individuality.
Rebecca has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns, and test knit Space Positive Wrap, Upstanding Hat, Adulthood and Side Hustle Wrap (Light).
From Madeline J.
I have made two different Shanalines tops and one I made twice (and I generally don’t like repeating patterns!).
Her patterns are super clear and easily customizable. She offers a lot of size options, but also shows you how to make adjustments.
She is an architect by trade and you can absolutely tell – the patterns I made (Recalibrate and Shoulder Season) are modular and interesting. They are not your typical sweater construction, but the design makes sense and the pattern is not difficult to follow.
She’s very open to feedback and quick to help if you run into an issue. Cannot wait to see what else she comes out with!
Madeline was a test knitter for Shoulder Season, and has also knit Recalibrate.
From Katie T.
I always love Shana’s patterns – they are so clear but leave so much room for creativity! They are the perfect balance of direction and inspiration that I often make more than one of all her patterns. I especially love the analogous shawl and can imagine it in so many different color combos!
Katie test knit Analogous.
From Jen G.
Shanalines Designs patterns are clever in their design and enjoyable to knit. I’ve had the opportunity to take a class from Shana at Zombie Knitpocalypse and she is encouraging and patient and always open to feedback. I especially enjoyed knitting her Shoulder Season top. It is a lovely knit and easy to adjust to a longer length which I prefer. I’m never disappointed when I choose to knit one of Shana’s patterns.
Jen was a test knitter for Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season, and Reach For It.
From Eimear B.
I only recently became aware of Shana’s patterns and I chose to knit Recalibrate. I’m usually a top down in the round kind of knitter so I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this pattern – wow was I wrong! It was so enjoyable! A fun well written pattern that I just flew through! I really love the end result too!
I then was lucky enough to meet and take a class with Shana at SSK this year and all I can say is she’s an all round great person and fantastic teacher! If you get the chance to knit a Shana pattern, meet or take a class with Shana then don’t hesitate.
Eimear has knit Recalibrate, and attended a class at Super Summer Knitogether (SSK) retreat in Nashville, TN in July, 2023.
From Leah B.
After much consideration, I applied for and was chosen to be a Test Knitter for the “Turnover” Patern. I had an absolute BLAST from beginning to end. The pattern is very clear and concise, with so many extra little “Tips & Tricks” that helped me stay on track. This was my first time knitting a Modular item designed by Shana C, and it was such an easy-going experience. I can’t wait to make more, especially since my Kiddo has claimed the ones I have just completed.
Leah B. test knit Turnover.
From Allena W. / Starknits
Shana is such a fun person and I enjoy spending time with her. Her energy comes through in classes and her patterns. I love the modular knitting and how her patterns are written. I love how open to making it your own Shana is. I’ve test knit a few of her patterns and she always is down for using handspun or different yarn or adding a detail to make it specific to the knitter.
Allena was a test knitter for Semantics, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season and Split Decision Mitts.
From Amanda S.
This was a super meditative or rhythmic knit that once I had the pattern repeats down, I just kept cruising. I really like both sides to this, and actually think it would make a really cute pattern for a tee!
Amanda test knit Coexist.
From Kim R.
I’ve had the opportunity to test knit several designs for Shana. Pattern layout is neat, easy to read format, with helpful photos. I appreciate the video links within the pattern as extra guidance.
Shana is readily available during the testing phase and responds in a timely fashion.
I can’t say enough how wonderful of an experience it has been. The patterns are well written, easy to follow and interesting. I find them carefully thought out, and they keep me engaged. I look forward to every opportunity to knit her patterns!!!
Kim has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns!
From Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits
I first met Shana through a retreat where she taught her modular knitting technique with her modular knit case and bowl. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a class with her. Her teaching style is engaging and inclusive to all students.
I was immediately fascinated with her unique approach to design. Her patterns take techniques I’ve used in much simpler ways and make them hers in a seriously fun and unexpected way. Since the retreat, I’ve knit the modular Bento Bag and test knit the Turnover mitts. I’m looking forward to knitting one of her sweater designs. I just need to decide which one and if I have to wait to spin enough yarn for it.
Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits took a class at Super Summer Knitogether 2023. She has knit Modular Knit Cast, Modular Bento Bag, and test knit Turnover.
From Katie B.
The Side Hustle Cuffs are a simple, clear, and customizable pattern with an infinite amount of possibilities! Shanalines Designs patterns always allow for personalization, and these cuffs are no exception. Simple and adjustable, this pattern is definitely one that I will return to again and again for the people in my life.
Katie B. test knit Side Hustle Cuffs.
From Claudia W.
Very fun pattern and probably the best tutorial I’ve ever seen for the tubular cast-on. The fit is perfect and the way the thumb gusset flows out of the ribbing is just so satisfying!
Claudia W. test knit Office Hours.
From Lisa M.
Shana’s deigns are addictive. They are easy to follow, look great in all types of yarn (handspun and commercial) , and make great gifts.
Lisa has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including L’dor Va Dor Shawl, Tater Tots Bandana, Coexist, and Always Forward Poncho.
From Sara D.
I had the pleasure of testing this pattern for Shana. She is very responsive, and receptive to feedback. I would definitely work with her again.
Sara test knit Athleisure Cowl.
From TheKnittedBean
I appreciate the recipe or blueprint-like quality of the Shanalines Designs patterns which leave space for the maker to get truly creative and give each piece their own touch whether that be by substitution of yarns, or by the ease with which this allows the use of handspun that might have varying gauge, or even modular play with color. Ten different people can make a pattern by Shana and it can look like ten different patterns, there are no cookie cutters here!
TheKnittedBean test knit Share the Fun.