YoP Update #13: Supremely Simple Versatile Cuffs (free pattern)



I love simple quick knits and it really doesn't get much more simple than these flared sleeves/ cuffs/ legwarmers which can be made in a day or a couple of evenings. Here's how I came up with the idea for them, and the pattern notes in case you'd like to make your own. 

While we were visiting our home town, some friends of my mum's wanted to make Cwtchy Cable Armwarmers but were unable to find DPNs or suitable circular needles in the only "wool shop" in town. It was really cold and I hadn't taken mine as it was sunny when we'd left home but wearing a dress with elbow-length sleeves, I was dreaming of something warm and squishy, with perhaps just a little flounce. All of this got me thinking....

On the journey home, I decided to make up my new idea by knitting flat on straight needles (which I am usually averse to) with the most easy-to-find yarn weight so that even novice knitters with basic tools would be able to make them. With this in mind, you will need:
  • 4mm knitting needles
  • Darning needle to sew them up
  • Double Knitting yarn - approx 100g for the length pictured, more if you want them longer. The sample was made using Armonia Multi 100% wool for a warm dense fabric with lots of texture, and which is also great for new knitters as the stitches need not be perfect with slubby yarn. I used 1/3 of the 300g in my stash which means there is enough left for either a cowl or hat to match. 

STITCHES:
2x2 ribbing = (k2, P2) on right side and (P2, K2) on wrong side
P1BF = purl into the back of the stitch and then purl into the front of the same stitch before slipping it off the left needle.

(NOTE: If you wish to alter the number of stitches be sure to start AND end the row with 2 knit stitches. This will keep the rib pattern intact when the edges are sewn together.) 

THE STRAIGHT BIT:
Cast on 58 sts using your favourite method (I used a long tail cast on)
Measure your arm from your wrist up to the desired length
Knit 2x 2 rib until your work reaches this measurement, ending on a RS row. 

THE FLARED BIT: 
Row 1: (K2, P1BF, P1) repeat to last 2 sts, K2  (total = 72 sts)
Row 2: (P2, K3) to last 2, P2
Row 3: (K2, P1, P1BF, P1,) repeat to last 2 sts, K2  (total = 86 sts)
Row 4: (P2, K4) to last 2, P2
Row 5: (K2, P4) to last 2, K2
Row 6: (P2, K4) to last 2, P2 
Row 7: (K2, P1BF, P1, P1BF, P1) to last 2, K2 (total = 114 sts)
Row 8: (P2, K6) to last 2, P2
Row 9: (K2, P6) to last 2, K2
Row 10: (P2, K6) to last 2, P2
Row 11: (K2, P1BF, P1, P1BF, P1, P1BF, P1,) to last 2, K2 (total = 154 sts)
Row 12: (P2, K9) to last 2 sts, P2
Row 13: (K2, P9) to last 2 sts, K2
Row 14: bind off in pattern
Sew the edges together and enjoy! 

VARIATIONS: 
This is such a simple pattern that the possibilities for variation are limited only by your imagination. Try adding buttons instead of sewing the edges up, or how about adding a contrast colour for the increased/flared sections? You could also make the flare longer and leave a thumb hole when sewing the edge together. These make great leg warmers for kids too!

10 comments

  1. These are so cute and girly! LOVE them!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Danielle - I love them too - already wondering what other yarn I have in my stash for more :D
      xxxxxx

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  2. Very cute and very practical for cool evenings in short sleeves :)

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  3. Those are so pretty! I love how being a knitter means never having cold wrists.

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  4. Love the pattern , Im adding them to my todo list as havent mastered dpns yet.. Thank you.x

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  5. Very cute! Thanks for sharing the pattern.

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  6. A great way to improvise w/what was available! These turned out cute in that variegation.

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  7. Thanks for the pattern..I'll add them to my list and I'm gonna try to make matching leg warmers...my list just keeps growing..Loved the f/o cowl!

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  8. Very cute, love the ruffles on the end!

    ReplyDelete

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