Leg warmers are back, and they are just as cozy as you remember. These are worked in rounds of front and back post double crochet, so the rib hugs the leg without slipping, and the top slouches over the knee.
Free Crochet Leg Warmers Pattern: Ribbed, Slouchy and Warm
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: Sizing for calf width (Standard adult: 14–16 in / 35.5–40.6 cm calf circumference)
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Medium #4) in Heathered Charcoal and Camel
- Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, dc, fpdc, bpdc
- Time to make: 4 to 6 hours per pair
💡 Designer Tip: Size customization tips are included further down if you need to adjust for a narrower or wider calf.
What Makes This Crochet Leg Warmers Pattern Special
These ribbed crochet leg warmers combine a snug, elastic ankle cuff with textured post stitches that grip your leg so they never slide down. The ankle features a striking camel stripe against heathered charcoal, while the upper section transitions into tall, relaxed double crochet rounds for that effortless slouchy look. You can easily wear them pulled up high over leggings or scrunched down around your boots.
Skill Level
- Working in the round and joining with slip stitches
- Front post and back post double crochet (fpdc / bpdc)
- Color changes between rounds
- Basic increasing in pattern
Don’t worry if you haven’t mastered post stitches yet—take it one round at a time and your ribbing will spring right into shape!
Finished Measurements
| Size | Ankle Circumference | Calf Circumference | Total Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult | 9 in / 23 cm | 15 in / 38 cm | 16 in / 40.5 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Material | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn A | Heathered Charcoal, Worsted Weight (#4) | 320 yards / 293 meters |
| Yarn B | Camel, Worsted Weight (#4) | 45 yards / 41 meters |
| Hook | US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook | 1 hook |
| Notions | Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape | As needed |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lion Brand Wool-Ease | 197 yards / 180 meters | Excellent stitch definition for post ribs and great elasticity. |
| Caron Craft & Carry Worsted | 215 yards / 196 meters | Durable and soft for everyday wear inside boots. |
| Red Heart With Love | 370 yards / 338 meters | Budget-friendly option with rich heathered tones. |
⚠️ Note: Avoid novelty fuzzy yarns or very slippery bamboo yarns, as they obscure the post stitch texture and cause the leg warmers to slip down the leg.
Gauge
- 14 sts x 10 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in fpdc/bpdc ribbing using US H/8 (5.0 mm) hook.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| fpdc | front post double crochet |
| bpdc | back post double crochet |
| inc | increase (work 2 sts in same st) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| sk | skip |
UK Translation: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr, fpdc = fptr, bpdc = bptr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the specified stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice.
- Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the specified stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice.
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Ankle Rib (Make 2)
Using Yarn B (Camel) and 5.0 mm hook, ch 32, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (does not count as st here and throughout), dc in each ch around, join with sl st to first dc. (32 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*; repeat from * to * around, join with sl st to first fpdc. *(32 sts)*
Rnds 3 to 4: Repeat Rnd 2. Fasten off Yarn B. (32 sts)
Join Yarn A (Heathered Charcoal).
Rnds 5 to 7: Repeat Rnd 2 with Yarn A. (32 sts)
✅ Checkpoint: Your ankle ribbing should now measure approximately 2 inches tall and fit snugly around your ankle.
Section 2: Post Stitch Calf Rounds (Make 2)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*; repeat from * to * around, working an inc (work fpdc around post, then another fpdc around the same post) on the 16th and 32nd sts, join with sl st. *(34 sts)*
Rnds 9 to 12: Ch 2, fpdc, bpdc in pattern established around, maintaining rib columns, join with sl st. (34 sts)
Rnd 13: Ch 2, work rib pattern around, working an inc in two evenly spaced places. (36 sts)
Rnds 14 to 17: Ch 2, work rib pattern around. (36 sts)
Rnd 18: Ch 2, work rib pattern around, working an inc in two evenly spaced places. (38 sts)
Rnds 19 to 22: Ch 2, work rib pattern around. (38 sts)
Rnd 23: Ch 2, work rib pattern around, working an inc in two evenly spaced places. (40 sts)
Rnds 24 to 27: Ch 2, work rib pattern around. (40 sts)
✅ Checkpoint: You have completed the structured ribbed calf section. The piece should flare gently from ankle to upper calf.
Section 3: Slouchy Top (Make 2)
Rnds 28 to 35: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join with sl st to first dc. (40 dc)
Rnd 36: Ch 1, working loosely, sc in each st around, join with sl st. Fasten off. (40 sc)
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all loose ends securely using your yarn needle. Block lightly with steam if desired to relax the slouchy top.
Size Customization Tips
- Adjusting Ankle Width: Your foundation chain must be a multiple of 2 to ensure the fpdc/bpdc ribbing aligns properly. Each 2-stitch adjustment changes the circumference by approximately 0.6 inches / 1.5 cm.
- Adjusting Length: To make the slouchy top taller or shorter, simply add or subtract plain double crochet rounds between Rnds 28 and 35.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild wool detergent. Lay flat to dry on a towel, reshaping gently while damp. Do not wring or tumble dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without post stitches?
Yes, you can work the entire body in half double crochet (hdc) through the third loop for a faux-knit ribbed look, though the elasticity won’t be quite as strong as true post ribbing.
How do I adjust the calf size for wider legs?
Increase by 2 stitches every 4 rounds instead of every 5 rounds until you reach your desired upper calf measurement, then proceed to the slouchy top rounds.
Are these suitable for beginners?
They are best suited for adventurous beginners who are comfortable working in the round and learning front and back post double crochet stitches.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love making and wearing your cozy new ribbed leg warmers! Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest to your winter crochet boards, and leave a comment below letting me know what color combination you chose for your pair.
📄 Your free PDF pattern