Review: 25+ Potholders to Knit

When I think about knitting for the home, I usually think about things like blankets and pillows, but I also love knit washcloths, dishcloths and other items that I can use every day.

Potholders are a great thing to knit because, like washcloths, you can use all sorts of patterns and try new designs and techniques on them without having to devote yourself to a large project. They are great travel projects because they are pretty small, and if you knit them in cotton (which is really the best choice because it doesn’t melt or scorch in high heat) they’re even great summer knitting projects.

Lest you think that knitting potholders sounds boring, allow me to present Stina Tislius’ book 25+ Potholders to Knit: Classic, Playful, and Festive Patterns.

The book does have a lot of projects worked in Garter Stitch, but there is shaping or colorwork or something to make it more fun. The classic design, for instance, if just a Garter Stitch rectangle with crocheted edging (which is common in the book) to make places to hang the potholder from if you wish (in some cases the crochet also holds two layers of knitting together).

There’s a mitered square project and one worked on the bias. There are others with simple stitch patterns and colorwork. Some potholders are in fun shapes like a boat, a sheep, a ladybug, a troll (looks like an alien to me) and a monster. An oven mitt and projects shaped like hearts, Easter eggs and a ghost round out the collection.

Of course because these projects are worked in cotton you could use them as washcloths, too, which would be fun with the shaped ones. I also think they’d be great as appliques on another project, like the little boat stitched onto a baby blanket or pillow for a little boy’s room.

The book also includes basic knitting and crochet instructions for those who might need help with any of the steps involved. It’s a fun, pretty book with some great ideas that will fill your kitchen — and no doubt your friends’ kitchens as well — with knitting.

Book specifications: 116 pages, paperback with interior flaps, 29 patterns (by my count). Published September 2015, Trafalgar Square Books, suggested retail $19.95.

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.

Have you read?