Guess what! April is free pattern month! I know, because I just made it up.

I like the idea behind Baby Legs, but I prefer handmade and thought I could make something for Sam that suited him perfectly. This is what I came up with. They’ll keep your baby warm and make diaper changes a snap!

You are welcome to make these for the babies in your life or for charity. Please do not sell them or redistribute this pattern without permission.

Yarn:
Union Center Knits Whatnot Sport
(Joni doesn’t have any in stock right now. You may substitute 200-250 yards of any sport-weight sock yarn.)

Needles:
US 3 (3.25mm) DPNs

You will also need a tapestry needle for weaving in the yarn ends.

Gauge:
Unstretched, about 8 stitches per inch in 2×2 ribbing

Pattern:
Loosely cast on 48 stitches. I like to use a cable cast on because it is attractive and stretchy, but you should use your favorite method. Distribute the stitches over four needles, 12 on each, and work in the round.

Ribbing: *k2, p2* repeat to end

Keep working in k2 p2 ribbing until work measure one inch from beginning.

Eyelet round: *k2, yo, p2tog* repeat to end

How to work a yarn over between a knit and a purl: bring the yarn forward between your needles, as you would for a knit YO, and keep wrapping it all the way around the righthand needle and between them again so it is back in place for purling. It seems like too many wraps but once you’ve executed that p2tog you will see a perfect yarn over between stitches!

Work in ribbing for 13 inches more, or until leggin’ is desired length. Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in ends.

Make drawstring:
Cast on two stitches and knit across. *Do not turn needle. Slide stitches over and knit across.* Repeat until i-cord is 20 inches, or to desired length. Tie off and weave through eyelet round.

One leggin’ is complete!

Now make a second to match. (You could certainly do two at once if that is your thing! But I don’t think it is important for them to be truly identical, and you can always count rows to even them up if you make them one at a time.)

These will fit from birth to about two years, longer if your toddler has skinny legs like Sammy! Just fold up the bottom and tighten the drawstring for younger babies.

Please let me know if anything is unclear. I will do my best to answer any questions. And if you make these, send pictures!