Neon Stripe Double Knit Leggings Free Knitting Pattern

Introduction

These Neon Stripe Double Knit Leggings are a bright, minimalist little knit for toddlers aged 1 to 4 years, and they are a wonderful first double knitting project worked in the round. Two slim tubular legs in solid charcoal are broken up by three narrow neon yellow stripes near the lower leg, then joined into one garment under a soft ribbed waistband. Because the fabric is double knit, it has two smooth stockinette faces and a squishy, reversible thickness that feels warm but never bulky. The result is a simple, modern pair of leggings that looks just as good with a plain bodysuit as it does peeking out under a dress.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight, 100% merino. Main color (MC, Charcoal): 200 (250, 300) yds. Contrast color (CC, Neon Yellow): 50 (60, 70) yds.
• Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) circular needle, 80 cm long, and a set of 5 double-pointed needles in the same size, or the size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers (including one removable marker for the beginning of round), stitch holders or waste yarn, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Finished size: To fit 1-2 (2-3, 3-4) years. Waist 46 (50, 54) cm, hip 56 (60, 64) cm, inseam 22 (26, 30) cm.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• MC: main color (Charcoal).
• CC: contrast color (Neon Yellow).
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• Sl 1 wyif: slip 1 stitch purlwise with the yarn held in front of the work.
• Sl 1 wyib: slip 1 stitch purlwise with the yarn held in back of the work.
• M1L: make 1 left-leaning increase (lift the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop).
• M1R: make 1 right-leaning increase (lift the bar between stitches and knit it through the front loop).
• Inc: increase.
• St(s): stitch(es).
• Rnd(s): round(s).
• Rep: repeat.

Gauge

22 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm in double knitting (each layer works out to 11 sts per 10 cm). Knit a small swatch in the round in pattern, then measure it flat without stretching; if you have more stitches than 22 per 10 cm, go up a needle size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Double knitting means every stitch on your needle is worked as a pair: one knit stitch for the front layer and one slipped stitch for the back layer. Keep both yarns in front for the slip rounds and both in back for the purl rounds, and untwist them every few stitches.
• Use a removable marker for the beginning of round so it can travel up the leg as you work; a fixed ring marker can get trapped between the two layers.
• Work the increases with the main color only, and remember that each increase adds one stitch to each layer, so the stitch count grows by two per increase round.
• When you change colors, carry the unused yarn loosely up the inside of the tube and give it a gentle tug every few rounds so the stripes stay even and the fabric does not pucker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Leg (make 2)

With MC and Judy's Magic Cast On, CO 60 (64, 68) sts (30 (32, 34) sts per side). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Rnd 1 (setup): *K1, sl 1 wyif; rep from * to end (60 (64, 68) sts).

Rnd 2: *Sl 1 wyib, P1; rep from * to end (60 (64, 68) sts).

Rnds 3-4 (4, 6): Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts).

Change to CC.

Rnds 5-6: Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts).

Change to MC.

Rnds 7-12 (12, 14): Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts).

Change to CC.

Rnds 13-14: Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts).

Change to MC.

Rnds 15-20 (20, 22): Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts).

Change to CC.

Rnds 21-22: Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts).

Change to MC.

Rnds 23-26 (26, 28): Rep Rnds 1-2 (60 (64, 68) sts). Piece measures approx 6 (6, 8) cm.

Inc rnd: K1, M1L, work in pattern to last st, M1R, K1 (62 (66, 70) sts).

Rnds 2-6 (6, 7): Work even in pattern (62 (66, 70) sts).

Rep the inc rnd every 6 (6, 8) rnds 4 (5, 6) times total, working increased sts into pattern (68 (74, 80) sts).

Work even in pattern until leg measures 22 (26, 30) cm from cast on, ending with a WS round. Place sts on holder. Rep for second leg.

Waistband

With MC and circular needle, knit across 34 (37, 40) sts of first leg (front), then knit across 34 (37, 40) sts of second leg (back) (68 (74, 80) sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 1-8: *K1, P1; rep from * to end (68 (74, 80) sts). Work measures 2.5 cm.

Bind off in rib.

Cuffs (make 2)

With CC and double-pointed needles, pick up and knit 60 (64, 68) sts around leg opening.

Rnds 1-6: *K1, P1; rep from * to end (60 (64, 68) sts). Work measures 2 cm.

Bind off in rib. Rep for second leg.

Assembly and Finishing

There are no seams to sew: the legs are joined at the waistband and the cuffs are picked up directly around each leg opening. Weave in all ends on the inside of the garment, taking care not to pull the double knit fabric tight. Block lightly to the measurements given (waist 46 (50, 54) cm, hip 56 (60, 64) cm, inseam 22 (26, 30) cm), pinning flat and allowing to dry fully before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the neon yellow for any bright contrast color, or work the stripes in a soft pastel for a more subtle look.
• For a longer fit, add extra even rounds in MC above the last stripe before starting the increases.
• Work the waistband a little taller (3-4 cm) and thread a thin elastic through it for extra hold on very active toddlers.