Versatile, easy to knit, adaptable wrist warmers, a wardrobe staple for today and tomorrow, that enable activity without removal. Named after the earthworm, with a segmented body that belongs to the phylum Annelida, they are sexy in their simplicity and usability.

Easy for walkers, the elderly, dog owners, drivers (and cold steering wheels), those with dexterity issues, the young, etc!

As a Londoner with very little space in my flat for superfluous items, I’m always on the prowl for multipurpose accessories. And post the COVID-19 era, my hands need to be accessible for hand sanitizer and, of course, electronics. I’ve knit several mitts and fingerless gloves, but I still needed to frequently take them on and off to “do things.” Ultimately, I wanted something that would extend my sleeves, allow easy utilization of hand sanitizer/electronics/typing/knitting and enable me to tuck my fingers from the cold for walking outdoors (without stretching out of shape). I came up with this simple design that is useful and stylish.

This easy to knit design is a combination of twisted rib and knit sections, which allows for the warmer to be scrunched down, without bulk, and out of the way when not needed; appearing to be an extension of my sleeves. This design also allows me to scrunch them, rather than remove them when I want to sanitize my hands. And with the rib at both ends and middle, I can snuggle/fold my fingers away from the cold when I’m walking.

MEASUREMENTS | Will stretch to fit most hand sizes up to 10 cm around, approximately a woman’s size large. Size can be accustomed by adjusting gauge and/or stitch count.

YARN | Any Fingering weight (or Lace weight held double) 40-50g; a great stash buster

NEEDLES | US 2.5 / 3 mm DPNs or two 8” (20 cm) circular needles for small circumference knitting, or size required to obtain gauge

GAUGE | 27-32 sts and 36 rows = 4 “/10 cm gently blocked stockinette in round. Gauge is not crucial for this project; however, variations in gauge will affect finished measurements and yardage required.

NOTIONS | stitch marker, tapestry needle

SKILLS | knit, purl, twisted knit, tubular cast on (optional) and stretchy cast on and off.

Worth mentioning too, that Petra Peinze has a hood of a similar design (free too) that is a total workhorse for usability: the loop knallerbse (cowl) by Petra Peinze.