Checkerboard Mosaic Knit Leg Warmers Free Pattern

Introduction

These beginner-friendly leg warmers are the perfect first mosaic knitting project. Worked in the round as simple straight tubes, they use only knit, purl, and slip stitches to create a bold checkerboard pattern in lavender and mint. The rolled top edge and ribbed foot opening make them comfortable to wear over leggings, boots, or tights. Soft, smooth, and cozy, they look like a designer accessory but come together with the easiest stitches you already know.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Fingering weight wool, approximately 200 yards total: 100 yards lavender (Color A), 100 yards mint (Color B)
• Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3) circular needle, 9-inch circumference, or a set of double-pointed needles in the same size
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors
• Finished size: 10 inches circumference, 14 inches long (including rolled edge and ribbed cuff)

Abbreviations

• CO – cast on: create the starting stitches on your needle
• k – knit stitch
• p – purl stitch
• sl1 – slip one stitch purlwise (move it from the left needle to the right needle without working it), with yarn held to the back
• sts – stitches
• [ ] – repeat the instructions inside the brackets as directed

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in the mosaic pattern. Knit a small swatch in pattern, lay it flat without stretching, and count your stitches and rounds over 4 inches to check before starting.

Tips Before You Start

• When you slip a stitch, always carry the working yarn loosely behind it so the fabric doesn't pucker.
• Use a stitch marker at the beginning of the round so you never lose your place in the 8-round repeat.
• Keep both colors attached at the start of the round; you don't cut the yarn between color changes, you simply pick up the color you need.
• Try the leg warmer on as you go (or measure flat) to confirm you're hitting 12 inches before starting the ribbing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Leg Warmer (make 2)

Cast on: With A, CO 70 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Rounds 1-4: Knit (70 sts) — this forms the rolled edge.

Set-up round: With A, knit (70 sts).

Mosaic pattern:

Rounds 1-2: With B, knit (70 sts).

Rounds 3-4: With A, [k1, sl1] to end (70 sts).

Rounds 5-6: With B, knit (70 sts).

Rounds 7-8: With A, [sl1, k1] to end (70 sts).

Repeat Rounds 1-8 until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on, ending after Round 8.

Change to A.

Ribbing:

Rounds 1-8: [k1, p1] to end (70 sts).

Bind off in rib pattern.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side, using the tapestry needle to secure the color changes so they don't work loose. Block lightly to measurements: mist with water, pat into shape flat, and let dry completely. Avoid heavy stretching so the mosaic texture and ribbing stay crisp.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the lavender and mint for any two contrasting colors — a dark and light pair makes the checkerboard pop most.
• Make them longer or shorter by adding or removing full 8-round pattern repeats before the ribbing.
• For a snugger fit, go down one needle size for the ribbing section only.