Fun & Fruity Leg Warmers – An Easy Leg Warmer Knitting Pattern

Knit a pair of fun and fruity leg warmers with this easy leg warmer knitting pattern, using a fabulous new self striping yarn that does all the hard work.

This free leg warmer pattern is brought to you by American Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.

What’s better than a pair of knitted leg warmers? Fun fruit striped leg warmers of course!

I’m a sucker for anything fruit themed, so when American Yarns sent me a few balls of their fun new Premier Sweet Rolls Fruits range, I couldn’t wait to make something wearable – A pair of legwarmers!

Premier Sweet Roll Fruits yarn

Self-striping yarn is fun to knit with, usually it’s just random colour combinations, but the fact that the colours in this yarn are designed to pattern like fruit is SUPER FUN!

I mean Banana Leg Warmers – Come on! I’m going to wear the heck out of these this winter.

Banana stripe pattern legwarmers

Leg warmers are a great way to show off the patterning in this striped yarn because the width is narrow enough that the stripes don’t look too thin.

watermelon yarn

Some of the fruit colors are more recognisable than others. My top picks are Watermelon, Banana, and my personal favourite, Dragon Fruit (which is also one of my favourite fruits).

dragin fruit legwarmers and dragon fruit

I really think they’ve nailed it with the Dragon Fruit pattern. The speckles mimic the seeded flesh perfectly and the pink and green are really vibrant.

All up, I’ve made two pairs, and the pattern in two sizes. One pair for me, and another for Emma.

fruit pattern legwarmer with bananas and dragonfruit - leg warmer knitting pattern

These leg warmers are perfect for adding fun to our skating outfits, but it’s been so chilly here in Melbourne that I’ve just been wearing them around the house to stay cosy.

Dragon fruit pattern knitted leg warmers

I’m a big fan of circular knitting, which means no seaming at the end. I’m comfortable with using DPNs (Double Pointed Needles), but much prefer the magic loop method with a long flexible cable.

If you haven’t tried the magic loop method, I’d highly recommend it. I’m notorious for dropping those small needles in between the sofa cushions!

Here is a great video demonstrating the magic loop circular knitting method.

half knitted legwarmer using magic loop method

Magic loop using interchangeable needles and a long soft cable is ideal for this project as you can just clip in the new needle size when changing from the rib to stockinette section.

I swear by my Addi Click needle set with a 100cm super flexible red lace cord.

If you aren’t comfortable with circular knitting, I’ve added some pattern conversion suggestions below, for straight needle knitters.

Banana leg knitted warmers

You may also enjoy:

Fruity Leg Warmer Knitting Pattern

fruit pattern legwarmer with bananas and dragonfruit

Pictured above: Banana print size (Small/Med), Dragonfruit print size (Med/Large)

Finished length: 33cm (13″)

Diameter un-stretched: Small/Medium 27cm, Medium/Large 30cm

You will need:

  • 1 ball x Premier Sweet Roll Fruits
  • 4.5mm circular needle or DPNs (US 7)
  • 5.5mm circular needle or DPNs (US 9)
  • Stitch marker (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

Stitches used:
K Knit
P Purl
CO cast on (long tail)
BO Bind off 

Gauge for stockinette: 13st and 20 rows in 10cm/4″ (with 5.5mm needles)

Pattern note: These two legwarmer sizes fit most and are designed with negative ease to help them stay up. To increase or decrease width, add or reduce CO stitches in groups of 4. Legwarmers will comfortably stretch another 5-8cm in diameter.

Length can be adjusted as desired but keep in mind you may need extra yarn if you make longer legwarmers.

Depending on the pattern repeats in the yarn cake, some of the yarn balls may lend themselves to making an identical pair of legwarmers. You may choose to plan your stripes and/or choose to band your ribbing to match the colour changes, or just let the stripe patterns develop as you knit.

Each leg warmer uses just under half a ball of yarn. You can split the ball ahead of time if you wish – I like to use kitchen scales to accurately weigh out half the ball.

Banana leg knitted warmers

Legwarmer Pattern instructions:

SIzes: Small/Med (Med/Large)

For each legwarmer

  • CO 36 (40) stitches onto 4.5mm needle. Add marker if desired and work the following in the round using your preferred circular knitting method.
  • Ribbed section – K2, P2 for 6cm/2.5″ (or one colour section)
  • Change to 5.5mm needles
  • Stockinette stitch (K all) for 23cm/9″ (or for desired color sections)
  • Change to 4.5mm needles
  • Ribbed section – K2, P2 for 6cm/2.5″ (or one colour section)
  • BO loosely or using a stretchy bind method – This is a good one
  • Break off yarn and weave in ends.

Repeat for 2nd legwarmer.

TIPS FOR STRAIGHT NEEDLE KNITTING: Add an extra stitch on front and back of cast on (ie 38 (42) total) to allow for seam. Knit 2×2 rib, stockinette is K then P alternating rows, then finish with 2×2 rib. cast off and sew up side.

Dragonfruit stripe pattern legwarmers

Will you be making your own pair of fruity legwarmers?

My thoughts on Premier Sweet Roll Fruits – Pro’s & Con’s

Premier Sweet Roll Fruits yarn

In general, I’m a huge fan of Premier Sweet Roll Yarn and prefer the texture and quality over other popular yarn cake brands such as Caron Cake.

Personally I love the quirky colour patterns in this Fruits range, but admittedly they aren’t for everyone.

I think the Sweet Roll Fruits range is perfect for kids knitting and crochet projects, and when you want to make something with bright vibrant colours.

Premier Sweet Rolls Fruits is 100% premium acrylic, Medium 4 weight (10ply/Aran) in a 3.5oz/100g, 174yds/160m cake.

fruit pattern legwarmer with bananas and dragonfruit - leg warmer knitting pattern

PROS

  • Fun pattern and bright colour range
  • Currently on Sale (June ’22)
  • Soft against skin
  • Nice and squishy
  • Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified
  • Smooth and pleasant to knit with
  • Great stitch definition
  • Machine washable and tumble dry safe
  • Non-spitting, good twist
  • 100g ball is enough for a most small projects
CONS
  • Striping not suitable to very wide projects
  • Pattern may be lost with all but simplest crochet stitches
  • Novelty colour/pattern range has limited applications
  • You can purchase the yarns featured from www.americanyarns.com.au

    Dragon fruit pattern knitted leg warmers

    1 Comment

    • Carol D. Snyder says:

      These leg warmers are the cutest I’ve seen. Definitely going to make them for my granddaughters.

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