Take Pause

Take Pause Legwarmers and Boot Cuffs by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Take Pause is a knitted legwarmers and boot cuffs design by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a pair of fitted leg accessories that measure 9, 12, or 15 inches in circumference with a length of 10.5 to 14.5 inches, depending on the size selected. The design is inspired by the contemplative atmosphere of a dance studio, capturing both movement and stillness in its construction.

Techniques and Construction

Take Pause is worked using circular knitting techniques in the round, which creates seamless legwarmers and boot cuffs. The pattern employs both circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) during construction, allowing knitters to work continuously around the circumference without seaming. This method is ideal for creating fitted, tubular garments that conform smoothly to the leg.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern on the right side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round as in this pattern. This versatile stitch provides an elegant, refined appearance suitable for legwarmers and boot cuffs.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Take Pause pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a light worsted-weight yarn that knits to a gauge of 24 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The yardage requirement is 380, 415, or 475 yards depending on the size chosen. The pattern was designed using Julie Asselin Leizu DK yarn in the Birch colorway, which provides a neutral, natural aesthetic.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need US size 6/4.0 mm circular needles and DPNs for the main fabric, along with US size 4/3.5 mm circular needles and DPNs for ribbed sections or finishing details. Additional notions include at least one place marker to track pattern repeats (or four markers if tracking each repeat separately) and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Skill Level

Take Pause is rated as a beginner-level pattern, making it an accessible project for knitters new to circular knitting techniques. The straightforward stockinette stitch construction and simple shaping make this an ideal introduction to working in the round and creating fitted garments.