Tutorial: Two tops into one bag

One thing that was long on my to-knit list was a pair of lounge pants. I finally knit some a few years ago, out of sock yarn. They took forever, and I do like them because they’re really warm and cozy (and used a lot of leftover sock yarn). But I wouldn’t recommend that style as your first ever knit pants experience because it is such a big project.

I recently found the Easy Caron Lounge Around Pants from Yarnspirations, and I think these might be a good option for your first foray into knitting pants.

They’re actually worked flat from the top down, one leg at a time, rather than working in the round. Short rows are used for extra coverage in the back, and the legs are sewn together and to each other at the inseams and crotch area. The pants have an elastic wasitband so there’s a casing knit for that (as part of the leg) so you can sew in the elastic at the end. The elastic is the only special notion you’ll need outside of regular knitting supplies.

Once you get past the shaping at the top this is a pretty mindless knit, and I think you’ll make progress on it faster than you think.

These pants use worsted weight yarn so even though it’s a big project, it won’t feel like it will take forever. The yarn, Caron Simply Soft, is relatively inexpensive and cozy, though of course you can use whatever yarn you like.

The pattern is rated easy in part because it’s worked in a solid color, but it would be fun to add stripes, too, if you’re into that.

This project is available in five sizes, with a hip measurement ranging from 32-34 inches (86.5-91.5 cm) to 58-64 inches (147.5-162.5 cm).

You can get this free pattern from Yarnspirations.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]