Here’s PUFF TOPPERS: a boot topper variation to my cozy hand warmer design, Puff Cuffs. I’m pleasantly surprised at how much use I get out of this DK weight accessory. I find myself gravitating towards leggings and boots for a good chunk of the year, and when there’s a bit of a chill in the air, these toppers are a perfect way to provide a bit of extra warmth at the top of my boots by keeping out chilly winds. They work equally well for mid-calf and ankle boots. Just like their cousin design Puff Cuffs, PUFF TOPPERS offer a great opportunity to practice a tubular cast-on and bind-off for smooth and stretchy edges. The pattern is worked entirely in the round and includes 4 circumferences. Length options are provided for boot topper length (shown) and longer leg warmers as well as guidelines for how much yarn is required to lengthen the piece based on personal preference.

YARN
Knit Picks Swish DK, 100% Superwash Merino, 123 yd / 112 m per 50 g, or similar DK weight yarn. www.knitpicks.com

Sample shown in Size 3, Boot Topper length, colorway Dove Heather, 187 yd / 171 m (76 g) shown on leg with 15” / 38 cm full calf circumference and 11.5” / 29.5 cm leg circumference at top of ankle boots.

YARN ESTIMATE – BOOT TOPPERS
162 (187, 211, 235) yd / 148 (171, 193, 215) m
66 (76, 86, 96) g
2 (2, 2, 2) skeins

YARN ESTIMATE – LEG WARMERS
347 (401, 455, 509) yd / 317 (367, 416, 466) m
141 (163, 185, 207) g
3 (4, 4, 5) skeins

Yarn estimate includes small buffer.

GAUGE & NEEDLES
23 stitches & 40 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in pattern with main needle
US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle in preferred length for small circumference knitting or size needed to get gauge
US 3 / 3.25 mm circular needle in preferred length for small circumference knitting or 1 size smaller than main needle

FINISHED CIRCUMFERENCE
Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4)
9” (10.4”, 11.8”, 13.2”) / 23 (26.5, 30, 33.5) cm

Measure your calf at the top of your boots. Select a size that is 0”-6” / 0-13 cm smaller depending on preferred ease.

FINISHED LENGTH – BOOT TOPPERS
All sizes: 6.5” / 16.5 cm

FINISHED LENGTH – LEG WARMERS
All sizes: 12.3” / 31.2 cm

Your Puff Toppers will bunch up a bit when worn and relax to a slightly shorter length.

Modify overall length by working additional repeats of the pattern before the final ribbing. Each additional repeat requires approximately 8 (9, 10, 11) g of yarn per leg warmer, or 16 (18, 20, 22) g for the pair.

TECHNIQUES
Tubular cast-on, knit, purl, knit 1 below, purl 1 below, tubular bind-off.

This is a written pattern with links to photo and video tutorials.

Share your finished creations on Instagram with #PuffToppers

Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn