Materials & tools you'll need

Naturally dyed wool skeins (the sample uses black walnut, concord grapes, and black beans tea as dye sources) · Worsted weight yarn such as Briggs & Little Regal wool, approximately 120 yards · 5mm crochet hook · Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Step 1 — Prepare your yarn and chain the foundation

Unwind your naturally dyed, worsted weight wool from the skein and set aside approximately 120 yards for the project. Using your 5mm hook, make a slip knot and chain 50 stitches to form the foundation row.

Step 2 — Work the first hdc row

Half double crochet (hdc) into the third chain from the hook to create your first stitch, then continue in half double crochet across the rest of the chain until you've worked all 49 remaining stitches. Chain 1 and turn to begin row 2.

Step 3 — Begin the faux rib pattern

For this row, half double crochet into the back loop only for every stitch across, except for the first and last stitch of the row. For those two edge stitches, work through the whole stitch as normal rather than just the back loop — this keeps the edges neat and creates the faux rib stitch pattern once repeated over several rows.

Step 4 — Continue the faux rib pattern

Repeat the back-loop-only half double crochet pattern from Step 3 for every row, always working the first and last stitch through the whole stitch. Continue until your piece measures approximately 14 inches in length, adjusting shorter or longer as needed for a comfortable calf fit.

Step 5 — Join and check the fit

Continue crocheting back and forth in the back-loop-only pattern until the fabric is long enough to wrap all the way around your calf, finishing on the same side as your working yarn tail. Try the leg warmer on for size, and if you need a bit more room, keep crocheting additional rows until it fits comfortably.

Step 6 — Finish and block

Weave in any loose ends and secure the yarn tail. Blocking is optional but recommended for a neater finished look — soak the leg warmers in cold water, gently reshape them to size, and lay them flat to dry. Repeat the entire pattern to make a matching second leg warmer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the faux rib stitch in this hand-dyed leg warmers pattern?
The faux rib stitch is created by working half double crochet in the back loop only across most of each row, while working the first and last stitch of the row through the whole stitch. This combination produces a ribbed, textured fabric that looks polished on both sides.

Can I adjust the size of these hand-dyed leg warmers?
Yes, you can adjust the length by adding or removing rows, and adjust the circumference by adding or removing stitches to the foundation chain, until the leg warmers fit comfortably around your calf.

Can I use a different naturally dyed colour combination for these leg warmers?
Yes, this pattern works well with any naturally dyed worsted weight wool. Swapping in a different dye source will change the finished color, and combining a couple of naturally dyed skeins can give the leg warmers a subtle gradient effect.

How do I care for hand-dyed wool leg warmers after they're finished?
Hand wash naturally dyed wool in cold water to help the color stay put, gently reshape the leg warmers, and lay them flat to dry rather than hanging or machine drying them, which can stretch or felt the wool.

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