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 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 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 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 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 Pam S.
I really appreciate Shana’s attention to detail in each of her patterns, and also across the scope of her patterns. There are certain things I can count on from a Shanalines pattern, whether it’s a garment, coffee cozy or fidget toy: The directions will be clear, the design will be innovative, and the thing WILL fit! Her modular knits are good on everybody, and they are also really fun to make! As a bonus, Shana is very interactive and fun to knit with! I’ve had the chance to spend time with her at a couple of events, and I always leave her side smiling!
If you are hedging about one of the shanalines patterns, and you happen to see her at an event, she may even take off that beautiful sweater she’s wearing (with a tank top underneath, of course) to let you see how it works on you, or to point out a specific stitch detail. And if you have questions while you’re knitting, just reach out. She is always ready with a thoughtful answer that makes sense. I always look forward to seeing what pattern will come out next!
Pam has been to Zombie Knitpocalypse 2021 and 2022. 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 and Shoulder Season.
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 Nan P.
Shana consistently produces engaging and fun to knit designs, and offers great pattern support. She is really fun to test knit for, as well. I love the playful and meditative aspects of her knits.
Nan test knit Coexist, and has knit other Shanalines Designs patterns.
From Marieke vB.
These cuffs work up extremely quickly, are quick to knit and make a great gift for anyone. They are a perfect introduction if you’re new to short rows in knitting. Shana’s patterns are always written clearly and easy to follow.
Marieke vB. test knit Side Hustle Cuffs. She has also test knit Doubled Up Hat and Shoulder Season and knit many other Shanalines Designs projects!
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 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 Marieke, Solace in Stitches
Duplex is a quick and fun to make. The striping and modular joining kept me engaged throughout the project without being to complicated. It’s a great pattern to use up sock yarn leftovers and play with colors. Excited to cast on another one.
Marieke test knit Duplex, and has knit many other Shanalines Designs patterns.
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 Azariah’s Fibre Arts
I met Shana for the first time at an in-person event in early 2020, before the world shut down. She was at a small fiber festival sharing one of her new designs and her story about being an architect who now designs modular knitting patterns. I was hooked. I have tested for her, met her again multiple times and asked her questions about the industry and designing. She is a down to earth fun person. She is also honest and helpful. If you have a chance to work one of her patterns I highly recommend it! Some of the construction is a bit outside the box, but totally worth the effort. Just take it one step at a time and wait until you’re alone to concentrate if needed. Once you get it, you’ve got it! Thank you Shana for making fun knit patterns and sharing them!
Azariah’s Fibre Arts has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Cohenside Cowl (DK), Air Hugs Wrap, and Turnover.
From Cathy A.
I love Shana’s pattern designs. I have knit at least eight different patterns (some multiple times). The patterns have unique construction and are easy to follow. Shana responds to any questions in a very timely manor. She is always very positive and wants to make sure you are comfortable knitting her designs.
The Modular Bento Bag is such a fun, quick knit! The directions are easy to follow. You can’t stop at making just one. Try all four sizes. Makes a great gift bag.
Cathy has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Seeking Balance, Moduloncho, Recalibrate, Semantics, Side Hustle Wrap (Light), Switching Stirpes Hat, and Modular Bento Bag.
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.