Yippee Ki Yay!

Yippee Ki Yay! Legwarmers and Boot Cuffs by Laurie Beardsley

What Is Being Made

Yippee Ki Yay! is a downloadable knitting pattern for legwarmers and boot cuffs designed by Laurie Beardsley. This project creates fitted tubular accessories that slip over the leg or boot, offering both functional warmth and a stylish finishing touch to footwear. The pattern is available in five sizes ranging from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL), making it accessible for various body types and preferences.

Sizing and Dimensions

The legwarmers and boot cuffs are designed with the following specifications across all five sizes:

• Cuff Circumference: 9.5 inches (24 cm) in XS, increasing to 14.5 inches (36 cm) in XL
• Stretch Range: The finished pieces stretch from 11 inches (28 cm) in XS to 15 inches (38 cm) in XL, providing comfortable fit and recovery
• Length: 8 inches (20 cm) for all sizes, creating a standard legwarmer or boot cuff height

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs circular knitting techniques to create seamless, tubular legwarmers and boot cuffs. The pattern is worked in the round using DK weight yarn, which allows for detailed stitch definition and a refined finished fabric. The circular construction method eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in smooth, comfortable wear against the leg.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The body of the legwarmers features a repeating pattern that creates visual interest and texture. The gauge for the body pattern is 20 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the round after blocking. While gauge is noted as not critical to the success of the project, it will affect the final yarn yardage required and the drape and size of the finished legwarmers.

Materials Required

Yarn: DK weight yarn is used throughout this pattern. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 130 yards (119 m), with yardage increasing through the sizes to 185 yards (170 m) for XL. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Blue Mule Fiber Lahla DK, a blend of 75% superwash Merino and 25% nylon, in the colorway "Rodeo Rosie." This fiber blend offers durability, easy care, and a soft hand suitable for legwarmers.

Needles and Notions: US 6 (4 mm) knitting needles in the preferred style for knitting in the round are required. Additional supplies include a stitch marker for tracking rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in circular knitting and pattern reading. The in-the-round construction and body stitch pattern require familiarity with basic knitting techniques and the ability to follow a repeating stitch sequence.