Breakdance

Breakdance Legwarmers and Wrist Warmers by JimiKnits

What Is Being Made

Breakdance is a downloadable knitting pattern set containing instructions for two coordinating accessories: ankle warmers and wrist warmers. The pattern offers versatility, as the wrist warmers can also be worn as baby legwarmers depending on your preference. These textured pieces feature bold two-color striping and are designed to be both stylish and functional, helping to lock in warmth while creating visual interest through their distinctive wavy texture.

Construction and Techniques

Both the ankle warmers and wrist warmers are knitted flat and then seamed, making them accessible for knitters who prefer working on straight needles rather than in the round. The pattern uses a two-color bold striping approach throughout, creating striking visual contrast between the two yarn colors.

The defining characteristic of this design is the signature 'Grab Stitch' pattern featured in each stripe. This innovative stitch technique creates distinctive folds in the fabric that produce a wavy, textured appearance. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Grab Stitch pattern serves a functional purpose by helping to lock in heat, making these warmers effective for their intended use.

Construction begins with short ribbing trims at the edges, which provide elasticity and a finished appearance. The body of each warmer is then worked in Stockinette stitch (abbreviated as St st), arranged in broad stripes that showcase the two-color design.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (for trim sections)
• Stockinette Stitch (for main body)
• Grab Stitch (signature textured pattern creating folds and waves)

Materials and Yarn Weight

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, a versatile mid-weight yarn that works well for fitted accessories like ankle and wrist warmers. The sample pieces were created using two contrasting colors: "Chadwick" (black) and "FlowerPower," demonstrating how color choice can dramatically affect the finished look. You will need appropriate needles for DK weight yarn and standard seaming supplies to finish the pieces.

Difficulty Level

Breakdance is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. While the basic stitches involved are relatively straightforward, the Grab Stitch pattern and color work require attention to detail and familiarity with following stitch instructions carefully.

Sample Specifications

The pattern includes sample pieces in two sizes: the ankle warmers are shown in a medium size, while the wrist warmers are demonstrated in a small size. These samples illustrate how the pattern can be adapted and scaled for different body measurements and intended uses.