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 Gwynethnotpaltrow
I really appreciate how organized Shana was with this test knit. The pattern was straightforward to knit, but she was very open and responsive to knitter feedback. It really made the test feel like a collaborative effort.
Gwyneth test knit L’Dor Va Dor Shawl.
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 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 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 Kelly O.
This pattern is clever and fun. I was looking for a quick knit with style and the Drawn Together Cowl was perfect! It is a one-skein project, clearly explains new-to-me techniques and produces a show-stopping cowl. I will keep this first one for me and I see gift knitting in the future!
Kelly O. knit Drawn Together.
From Sara D.
I test knit the puff cuff mitts for Shana. She was a pleasure to work with, she answered questions promptly and took suggestions gracefully. The pattern was easy to follow and fun to knit. The videos included in the pattern are helpful and well done.
Sara test knit Puff Cuffs.
From Christen C.
Recalibrate was interesting and fun to knit. Designer tips and helpful schematics throughout the pattern made the modular construction easy to work.
Christen has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat, Shot Reverse Shot Poncho, Air Hugs Wrap, and 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 L. Taylor
Love the process and finished product. Will knit this again. Great combination of conversation knitting and some interesting details. Was the perfect vacation project.
L. Taylor test knit Athleisure Cowl.
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 Lisa M.
Testing the Coexist Cowl was a pleasure. The pattern was easy to follow and communication with Shana was terrific. All questions were answered promptly and professionally.
Lisa test knit Coexist.
From Pam S.
I really love Shana’s designs, including Puff Cuffs, which I’ve just recently knit! Cute and fun to knit, with a few challenges to keep it interesting. I especially like how thorough Shana is in her explanations of multi-step techniques! Ive come across some new-to-me ways of doing things while knitting these, but the explanations are clear, and my Puff Cuffs turned out great!
Pam has been to Zombie Knitpocalypse 2021, 2022, and 2023. She has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat and Recalibrate, and has test knit Semantics, Peapod Marble Fidget Toy, Textured Marble Fidget Toy, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season, and Puff Cuffs.
From Ellie F.
Very clear concise pattern, a joy to test. Cables were fun and unique and the design came together perfectly.
Ellie F. test knit High Desert Headband.
From Susie W.
I always find Shana’s designs to be a great blend of soothing and relaxing knitting as well as interesting and engaging construction and finishing techniques – basically my favorite kind of project! Her patterns are very well-written and are as enjoyable to knit as they are to wear.
Susie has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including SuperCape, Space Positive Wrap, Recalibrate, Shoulder Season, and Drawn Together.
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.