Cimidar

Cimidar Legwarmers and Boot Cuffs by Melanie Berg

What Is Being Made

The Cimidar pattern is a set of coordinating legwarmers and boot cuffs designed by independent designer Melanie Berg. This knitting project creates elegant, lace-detailed leg accessories inspired by the aesthetic of Susie Rogers' Reading Mitts. The legwarmers and matching boot cuffs work together as a cohesive set, designed to create a striking visual statement as part of an autumn outfit.

Design Inspiration and Style

Melanie Berg drew strong inspiration from the simple elegance and refined look of Susie Rogers' Reading Mitts pattern. The designer adapted this aesthetic to create legwarmers that maintain the same sophisticated appeal while providing coordinated accessories. When worn together, the legwarmers and boot cuffs function as a complementary pair that serves as an eye-catching element in seasonal fashion.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The pattern incorporates lace construction through strategic yarn overs and decreases that create openwork sections. Colorwork is introduced through the use of two distinct yarn colors (color A and color B) worked in alternating rounds. The pattern also uses circular knitting on double pointed needles, requiring the knitter to work in continuous rounds rather than flat rows.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cimidar pattern uses the following core stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch worked in stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create textural variation and definition in the pattern
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the decorative eyelets and lace openings that define the pattern's elegant appearance
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the fabric

The lace section follows a structured repeat that alternates between knit rounds, purl rounds, and eyelet rounds. The eyelet round uses the [yo, k2tog] repeat worked across the entire round, creating a consistent lace motif. Decrease rounds are incorporated to maintain proper stitch count and shaping as the pattern progresses.

Yarn and Materials

The Cimidar pattern calls for sport weight yarn, specifically Wolle Rödel "Siena" in two colors. The main lace section requires 2 skeins of Wolle Rödel Siena in color A, with each skein containing 50 grams and yielding 147 yards (134 meters). The yarn is composed of 100% Merino, a natural fiber known for its softness, breathability, and elasticity—ideal qualities for fitted leg accessories. An additional small quantity of Wolle Rödel Siena in color B is needed for the colorwork sections.

The pattern is worked on US 4 [3.5mm] double pointed needles, which are appropriately sized for sport weight yarn and allow for seamless circular knitting. The recommended gauge is 14 stitches and 21 rounds over 2 inches (5 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, providing a reference point for achieving proper fit and fabric density.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns. The combination of circular knitting, lace techniques, and colorwork requires comfort with reading pattern instructions and managing multiple techniques simultaneously, but remains accessible to experienced beginners advancing their skills.

Format and Availability

The Cimidar pattern is available as a free, downloadable PDF, making it an accessible option for knitters seeking a designer pattern without cost. The digital format allows for easy printing and reference while working on the project.