Locust Tree Welly Warmers
Wren Couture Designs
These welly warmers are worked two different ways. The cable portion of the cuff is worked flat, then seamed together using the tail from the long-tail cast on. The stitches for the ribbing are then picked up using the working yarn along the slip-stitch edge and worked in the round. The button tab is added on in the same manner, picking up stitches from the top slip-stitch edge, and covers the joining seam. Buttons are for show only. Size: One size fits most wide-width calves. Fits a 17" diameter calf nicely. Techniques Used: Long-tail cast on, cable stitches, working flat, working in the round, picking up stitches, Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn bind off.
Materials:
230 yards, Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool, 100% wool, aran weight, 465 yards/227g. Shown ir Natural US size 6 (4.0mm) 40" (100cm) circular needle or double pointed needles CableNeedle TapestryNeedle 4- 1.5" (3.75cm) wooden buttons; shown in cedar Optional stitch marker Gauge: (k2, p1 rib) 3" = 24 sts in 2x1 rib pattern, relaxed
Abbreviations:
CO - cast on RS: right side WS: wrong side sts - stitchs k- knit p-purl wyif - with yarn in front of the work C6B - slip 3 stitches onto cable needle, hold behind the work. Knit next 3 stitches, knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle C6F - slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle, hold in front of the work. Knit next 3 stitches, knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle
Welly Warmer "Body":
CO 24 sts: I used a long-tail cast on, but any cast on you prefer is fine. Just be sure to leave a long enough tail for seaming once you have completed 20 cable rows in total. Begin working off of chart. The most "messy" slip-stitch edge should be on the same side the working yarn is coming from and cast on tail should be on the opposite side. Do not fasten off or cut working yarn. Using tail from cast on, join cast on stitches and active stitches using a tapestry needle. I modified the kitchener stitch to join the work and cast-off live stitches simultaneously. The seam does not have to be pretty, as the join will be hidden by the button flap. Using the working yarn, pick up, but do not knit, 66 stitches around the cuff using the slip-stitch edge stitches. Place marker (optional) Work in a 2x1 (k2, p1) rib pattern until the ribbing measures 3.25" (about 25 rounds). Cast-off using a stretchy cast-off. I prefer a loose Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn bind-off. Fasten off.
Button Flap:
Pick up but do not knit 8 stitches, 4 stitches on either side of the joining seam, using the slipstiches on the top of the warmer. Turn. Row 1 (RS): purl Row 2 (WS): purl Row 3: p2, k4, p2 Row 4: purl Repeat rows 3-4 until the flap reaches the outside edge stiches of the cable closeted to the ribbing, ending after working row 4. Next row (RS): purl Cast off and using cast off tail, join along picked up ribbing stitches. Attach buttons and weave in ends.
KEY Knit on RS/purl on WS - purl on RS/Knit on WS - wyif, slip purlwise >K-C6F -C6B
