Ribbed crochet leg warmers pattern
Add a cozy handmade layer to your cold-weather wardrobe with these ribbed crochet leg warmers. The simple shape and textured cuffs give them a classic look that works well over leggings, with boots, or for lounging at home.
They’re an easy accessory to customize with your favorite yarn color and make for yourself or give as a handmade gift.
Quick answer
This beginner crochet leg warmers pattern is worked in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. Double crochet forms the main body, with alternating FPdc and BPdc stitches creating ribbing at both ends. The pattern is written in one adult size measuring approximately 12 inches around by 19 inches long, with instructions for adjusting the circumference and length.
Crochet leg warmers pattern information
Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.
Skill level
Beginner – This pattern uses double crochet plus front post and back post double crochet ribbing (FPdc/BPdc). If you’re comfortable working in the round, you’ll have no trouble with this fun and easy project!
Materials needed
- I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn (#4) (172 grams/6 ounces/375 yards)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Finished size
Adult, one size.
- Circumference: 12 inches
- Length: 19 inches
Keep in mind that the leg warmers will have some stretch to them.
Gauge
14 stitches × 9 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
Too many stitches? Use a larger hook
Too few stitches? Use a smaller hook
My guide to crochet gauge explains how to measure your stitches and adjust your hook size.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet
- FPdc = front post double crochet
- BPdc = back post double crochet
- ch / chs = chain / chains
- st / sts = stitch / stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
Pattern notes
- The ch 2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch
- The post stitches create the ribbing on each end
- The pattern is written in US terms
Adjust your leg warmers for the perfect fit
How to adjust the circumference
The starting chain determines the finished circumference of the leg warmers. At the pattern gauge of 14 stitches = 4 inches, you will need approximately 3.5 stitches per inch.
- Measure around the widest part of your leg where the leg warmer will sit.
- For a snug fit, subtract approximately 1 inch from that measurement.
- Multiply the adjusted measurement by 3.5 to calculate your starting chain.
- Round to the nearest even number so the FPdc/BPdc ribbing works correctly.
Example: For a 13-inch leg, subtract 1 inch for a finished circumference of approximately 12 inches.
12 × 3.5 = 42 chains.
The ribbing and crochet fabric have some stretch, so check the fit before continuing if you are adjusting the pattern.
How to adjust the length:
The number of rounds determines the length of the leg warmers. To make them longer or shorter, add or remove double crochet rounds from the middle section before working the final 3 rounds of FPdc/BPdc ribbing.
How to make post stitches
- FPdc (front post double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a double crochet.
- BPdc (back post double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a double crochet.
Crochet leg warmers pattern instructions
Make 2
Round 1:
Ch 42 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), dc in each chain around. Join. (42 sts)
Rounds 2–4:
Ch 2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (42 sts)
Rounds 5–37:
Ch 2, dc in each stitch around. Join. (42 sts)
Rounds 38–40:
Ch 2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (42 sts)
Finishing:
Fasten off and weave in yarn tails using a yarn needle.
Prefer a printable version?
You can purchase the ad-free PDF of this Ribbed Crochet Leg Warmers Pattern in my Etsy shop. The downloadable pattern is easy to save, print, and keep with your crochet projects.
Free crochet accessories patterns
Looking for more cozy accessories to make? Browse my favorite crochet patterns for feet and legs, including slippers, leg warmers, and other comfy handmade projects.
You can also visit my full collection of crochet accessory patterns for even more small projects to wear, use, and gift.
Let’s connect!
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📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
