Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Adventures in Mochimochi Land

by

adventures in mochimochi land

Congratulations to Lulu!

This is a really cute book, guys. Anna Hrachovec has made her name as a designer making what she calls mochimochi and what you might also think of as knit amigurumi, fanciful creatures, knit food, tiny little things that are so fun to look at and to knit.

Her latest book, Adventures in Mochimochi Land: Tall Tales from a Tiny Knitted World, includes three stories about the little creatures and people who live in this world, and then gives you the instructions to knit 25 people/sea creatures/things that feature in the stories.

One story is about a giant doughnut that goes a little wild. Another features sea creatures trying to figure out who should be in charge of a treasure chest. The third chronicles the love between a balloon and a blimp.

The stories are cute, and of course adorably illustrated with the knits. And who wouldn’t want to knit a tiny dolphin, a bundle of balloons, a gang of tiny bakers or a wee cherry pie? These little things would be great for making your own worlds or as tiny gifts for the fun-loving people in your life (thought some are really small, so watch out when choosing one to knit for a little person).

If you’d like a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, August 3. I’d love to know what the wildest/strangest/funnies thing you’ve ever knit was. Mine is probably a tossup between a carrot and a penguin.

Thanks  for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  2. I just finished her Confused Moose, and the antlers looked scary, but her instructions are pretty clear.

  7. I haven’t stitched any thing to weird, I do love to knit barbie doll clothes for my grand daughter.

  8. Not too many weird things on my finished list. I made a rattle for a baby once that looked like a daisy…………you could smoosh it around to make different facial expressions.

    from sunny summertime VT,
    the Vermonster

  9. I’d love this book. The wackiest think I’ve ever knit was a womb. It was used by a friend for anti-natal training.

  10. I’ve been following Anna Hrachovec’s Mochi Mochi books for years and would love to add to my collection.

  11. I knit some cupcakes for my grandaughter’s kitchen. I also just finished knitting a ball, which didn’t come out too round.

  13. Would an iPhone cozy be considered strange – LOL! That’s about as wild as I’ve gotten so far.

  14. The Royal Wedding….that was a crazy knitting trip…had to make a few adjustments to make the dresses/colours match the ones worn!!! This looks so cute!

  17. This one time I was making a flower and while I was assembling it, I realised I had an extra petal. As I wasn’t going to waste it, I stuffed it, put eyes and hair on it, knitted the rest of the body, and ended up with the wackiest alien I’ve ever seen, lol 😀

  20. I’ve knitted radishes (for Peter Rabbit) and a polar bear and socks for my daughter’s toy rabbit!

  21. I would love to have a book like this one. I have knitted a sort of free form wizard’s hat based on the Harry Potter books and knitted coal truly free form.

  22. I knitted a whole bunch of little pumpkins that I decorate the house with in the fall! I’d love this book, it looks adorable.

  23. After I knit a pair of houseslippers for my daughter, she asked me to knit houseslippers for all of her friends as well and, then, she hosted a “skating” party at our house and she and all of her friends “skated” on our living room floor in their houseslippers.

  24. I think the silliest thing I ever knit was a Death costume for a teddy bear. A hooded black cloak and pipe-cleaner reinforced scythe.

  25. yo solo e tejido asi de miniatura, a una sirena, y realmente me encanto!!!! y bueno a mi hija le facino!!! y creo que seria fantastico hacer mas figuras miniatura con este libro!.

  26. I have crocheted amigurumi octopi and jellyfish as Christmas tree ornaments. They were so cute and I’m sure I’d find more fun ornaments to make from this book!

  27. I have knit tiny fried eggs and a tiny hot dog. Both patterns are from another Anna Hrachovec book, Teeny-Tiny MochiMochi. Her patterns are adorable! Thanks for the chance to win this new book!

  31. I have gotten the most comments on a chicken hat I made. It was just yellow with a bright red comb but because my daughter wore it with a bright yellow coat, the effect was ‘stunning’..

  32. I made a hedgehog! It was a pattern from Purl Bee and it was so loved by all that I had to give it away!

  33. I have a WIP and is a mermaid, I think the name is Kailani… she is cute but still unfinished.

  34. Gosh, this book is cute!! The strangest things I have made are a sushi pillow for my husband, a couple of viking hats for my mom and brother, a beard hat for my dad and brother and a deer humping hat for my other brother! I’ve made some strange things!

  35. The weirdest thing I have ever knitted is a tower of penguins each holding a different food for example one was holding bacon one was holding a donut and so on

Have you read?

10 Cosy Leg Warmer Knitting Patterns for Warm Legs and a Little Retro Charm

There are some things from the eighties I’m quite happy to leave there, but leg warmers? Those can stay. A soft knitted pair peeking out above boots or scrunched over leggings makes perfect sense when the weather turns chilly. And when you’re sitting still with your knitting for an hour longer than planned, a little extra warmth is rather lovely.

Leg warmers also occupy that useful middle ground between a small accessory and a proper garment. There’s enough knitting to settle into, but no sleeves, neckline or sock heels to negotiate. Choose simple ribbing for relaxing knitting, cables for satisfying texture, or a chunky yarn when you fancy something wonderfully cosy.

These leg warmer knitting patterns include straightforward designs for newer knitters, shaped styles and more detailed projects for anyone who enjoys following a cable chart. Check the finished measurements before casting on, especially with the one-size patterns.

Classic Leg Warmers from My Poppet

The Classic Legwarmers have that familiar retro shape: a smooth stocking-stitch middle with ribbing at both ends. The free pattern is worked in the round, but Cintia also includes conversion suggestions for knitting flat and sewing a seam. That makes this a particularly useful choice for newer knitters who prefer straight needles. I’d choose a cheerful colour and let the simple stitches do their thing.

Lovely Ribbed Leg Warmers from Purl Soho

If you prefer a closer fit, the Lovely Ribbed Leg Warmers combine stretchy 2×2 ribbing with shaping along the back. The free instructions include knee-length and thigh-length versions, giving you options for how much coverage you want. The original pairs a sport-weight merino with a fine silk-and-mohair strand for a softly fuzzy finish. This would suit a confident beginner ready to pay attention to shaping while enjoying a familiar stitch pattern.

Bernat Leg Warmers

The free Bernat Leg Warmers are rated easy and offer sizes ranging from girls aged seven to eleven through teen and ladies’ options. Having several sizes available is helpful when you’re planning a handmade gift rather than knitting for yourself. The design uses Bernat Satin, with the pattern page listing 3.75 mm needles or the size needed for gauge. It’s a practical starting point if you want an approachable pattern with more sizing guidance than a single-size tutorial.

Perceptiveness Leg Warmers from Brome Fields

The Perceptiveness Leg Warmers have a relaxed stocking-stitch body with textured ribbed ends. Brome Fields rates the design beginner level, using knit and purl stitches worked in the round with worsted-weight yarn. The listed fit covers a calf circumference of approximately 30–38 cm, so measure before choosing this one. I like this style for everyday wear over leggings, particularly in a warm neutral that goes with everything.

Classic Cable Leg Warmers from Purl Soho

The free Classic Cable Leg Warmers bring together cable panels, seed stitch and neat half-twisted ribbing. They’re knitted in the round from the bottom up, with two lengths and sizes spanning toddlers through adults. This is a lovely option for knitters who already enjoy cables and want something smaller than a jumper to work on. A pale or softly flecked yarn would make those raised stitches especially easy to appreciate.

Retro Dance Leg Warmers from DROPS Design

The Retro Dance Leg Warmers offer another cable option, this time designed in DROPS Alaska wool. The free pattern comes in one size and calls for 200 g of yarn, with 5.5 mm double-pointed needles suggested as the starting point for gauge. I’d put this on the list for a knitter comfortable working small circumferences and following cable instructions. The textured finish would look particularly cosy scrunched above a pair of winter boots.

Be a Lamb Leg Warmers from DROPS Design

The free Be a Lamb Leg Warmers use moss stitch for an all-over textured finish. Designed in chunky DROPS Snow with 8 mm needles, they have a substantial look that feels made for cold days. They’re worth considering if you enjoy knit-and-purl texture but would rather skip cable crossings. The pattern is one size, so compare its measurements with the intended wearer before committing your yarn.

Cable Knit Leg Warmers from Craft Passion

The free Cable Knit Leg Warmers combine detailed cables with the changing shades of Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. They’re worked in the round, and the tutorial includes photographs plus guidance for handling cables that cross the beginning of a round. Craft Passion rates the project intermediate to advanced, making it a better choice for someone with a little cable experience. This is the pair I’d pick when I wanted the knitting itself to be part of the entertainment.

Santarina Cuff Leg Warmers from Craft Passion

The Santarina Leg Warmers are wonderfully festive, with a red cable body, contrasting fold-over cuffs and dangling pom-poms. The free design includes several cable patterns and an elastic-supported cuff, so there’s more finishing involved than with a basic knitted tube. It’s rated intermediate to advanced and would suit a maker who enjoys decorative details. Keep the original Christmas colours for seasonal wear, or try oatmeal and cream for a quieter winter version.

Red Heart Thigh High Leg Warmers

The free Red Heart Thigh High Leg Warmers bring a playful option to the collection. Originally presented as a colourful addition to a witch costume, the pattern could also be knitted in colours you’d happily wear throughout winter. Yarnspirations rates it intermediate and lists both child and adult size options. This would be a fun choice for a costume-loving recipient or someone who prefers a longer leg warmer with plenty of personality.

Getting a Comfortable Fit

A little measuring makes a big difference with leg warmers. Check the circumference where the top will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing guidance. A snug ribbed pair and a loose, scrunchy pair are meant to fit differently, so follow the designer’s recommendations rather than choosing by appearance alone.

Swatch with the yarn you intend to use, and check that your cast-on and cast-off edges stretch comfortably. If you’re adding length, allow extra yarn for both leg warmers. Keeping a note of rounds worked on the first one also saves a surprising amount of second-pair guesswork.

For a first project, I’d lean towards the My Poppet design or the beginner-rated Brome Fields pair. If cables are your happy place, there’s plenty here to keep your needles busy. Either way, choose a yarn you’ll enjoy wearing against your skin—cosy ankles shouldn’t come with an itch.