How to Crochet a Leg Warmer and Boot Cuff with Drawstring

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Start the foundation

Make a slip knot and chain 3 — do not join these chains into a ring. In the fourth chain from the hook, work a foundation double crochet to create a solid, stable base stitch for the leg warmer. A foundation double crochet combines a chain and a double crochet into a single stitch, producing a base row that is more elastic and even than a standard starting chain. In the next chain along, work a half double crochet — yarn over, insert the hook into the chain, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops. The combination of these two starting stitches sets up the structure of the first round before you continue around in half double crochet. Count your starting stitches carefully before moving on.

Step 2 — Work the first round

Continue around the starting chain, working one half double crochet into each chain space until you have completed the first round. The half double crochet is worked by yarning over, inserting the hook into the stitch, yarning over again and pulling up a loop, then yarning over one final time and pulling through all three loops on the hook. This stitch produces a fabric that is slightly taller and more flexible than single crochet, which makes it well suited for leg warmers and boot cuffs that need to stretch over the leg or boot opening. Once you reach the end of the first round, join with a slip stitch to close the round neatly.

Step 3 — Build the top portion with increasing rounds

Continue working in half double crochet, adding one extra half double crochet increase in the last stitch of each round. Work 6 more rounds in this way, always placing the increase at the end of the round to keep the shaping consistent and the seam line aligned. The increases add gradual width to the top of the leg warmer, allowing it to sit comfortably over a wider calf or boot top without pulling or bunching. Keep a tally of your rounds as you work so you can match both leg warmers to exactly the same height and width. When all 7 rounds (including the first) are complete, fasten off by cutting the yarn and pulling the tail through the final loop, then weave in all loose ends using the tapestry needle.

Step 4 — Repeat for the second leg warmer

Create a new slip knot with the second ball of yarn and repeat Steps 1 through 3 to make the matching leg warmer. Working from a fresh ball of yarn ensures both pieces have the same tension and yarn quantity. Use your round tally from the first leg warmer as a guide so the two pieces are identical in height and circumference. Fasten off and weave in all ends once the second leg warmer is complete. Set both pieces aside while you prepare the drawstring.

Step 5 — Make the drawstring

To create the drawstring, make a slip knot and chain 100 stitches — adjust the chain length up or down depending on the circumference of your leg warmers and how much length you want for the bow. Once the chain is complete, join with a slip stitch to form a closed loop, then tie a firm knot at the join point and weave in the ends using the tapestry needle so the join is neat and secure. The chained drawstring is lightweight and flexible, which allows it to thread smoothly through the eyelets of the leg warmer without adding bulk. Make a second drawstring in the same way for the other leg warmer.

Step 6 — Thread the drawstring and finish

Fold each leg warmer so the back seam sits at the centre back and the front faces forward. Thread the drawstring up and down through the eyelets along one side of the leg warmer, working evenly all the way around until you return to the starting point. Take care to distribute the drawstring evenly as you go so it does not bunch or pull the fabric to one side. Once threaded, tie a bow at the centre back to secure the drawstring in place. Adjust the tension of the bow to achieve your preferred fit — pulling it tighter gathers the top edge inward for a snugger feel, while loosening it allows the cuff to sit more relaxed. Repeat for the second leg warmer. Both pieces are now complete and ready to wear.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to crochet a leg warmer and boot cuff with drawstring?
You will need two 50g balls of yarn — one per leg warmer — and a 4mm crochet hook. If you find the 4mm hook difficult to work with for your chosen yarn, a 4.5mm hook is a suitable alternative. You will also need scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

How do I make the drawstring for the boot cuff?
To make the drawstring, create a slip knot and chain 100 stitches, then join with a slip stitch to form a closed loop. Tie a knot at the end of the chain and weave in the ends to neaten the join. Fold each leg warmer so the back seam sits at the centre back, then weave the drawstring up and down through the eyelets along one side until you return to the starting point. Tie a bow at the centre back to secure the drawstring and adjust the tension to your preferred fit.

How do I adjust the size of the leg warmer to fit different leg or boot circumferences?
The number of stitches in the foundation chain and the number of increasing rounds both affect the final circumference of the leg warmer. To make a wider cuff, add more stitches to the starting chain or work additional increasing rounds before the straight rounds. To make a narrower cuff, reduce the starting chain or skip one or two of the increasing rounds. The drawstring also provides a second point of adjustment — tightening or loosening the bow changes how snugly the cuff sits on the leg or over the boot.

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