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 Pia
Shana’s designs are always on point! Her attention to finishing details result in handknits that are both unique and classic. Her patterns are well written and thoughtful. I’m a fan!
Pia has test knit several Shanalines Designs patterns!
From Cori B.
What a great test knitting experience! The expectations were very clear, there was constant communication (I love the use of discord for test knitting- so much more streamlined than using an IG chat or an email)- I love that it was a communal experience without being overwhelming. I would absolutely apply to test knit again.
And the pattern is so ingenious- a fun and quick knit, that feels solid, with minimal finishing (literally two ends to weave per mitt). I’m so excited to use them!
Cori B. was a test knitter for Turnover.
From Mary H.
After admiring Shana’s designs for a long time, I was excited to actually knit one of her patterns, and it did not disappoint! I am always interested in new construction and unique knits and this was a pleasure to knit up. Fun, engaging and easy to modify — Shoulder Season is a great pattern!
Mary was a test knitter for Shoulder Season.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Tina P.
I have knit many of Shana’s patterns and never been disappointed! Her patterns are always fun to knit with really interesting construction so they’re never boring to knit (sometimes I can be a short attention span knitter!) She provides really clear instructions for techniques and great tutorials as well. Shana is one of my very favorite designers and I am always excited when I see she has a new pattern.
Tina has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns!