About This Pattern
This is a small project, sized for one quiet evening. Two sleeves, folded and seamed, become warmers for cold hands. Each one starts as a simple chain, then rows of double and half double crochet. The back loop only stitches give it a soft ridge. It needs worsted yarn, a steady hook, and time to seam two edges by hand. Nothing fussy. Just rows, then a fold, then a seam up each arm.
In the basket
Yarn
Hook
Tools
Gauge
Abbreviations
- hdc
- half double crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- blo
- back loops only
Easy crochet arm warmers you can finish in an afternoon
The Sleeve Body
Begin with a slip knot and chain to your desired sleeve length plus one.
The maker chained 100 + 1.
- Round 1Work one double crochet (DC) in the second chain from hook and across. Chain one and turn.
- Round 2Work one half double crochet (HDC) in the back loop only (BLO) across. Chain one and turn.
- Round 3Work one double crochet (DC) BLO across. Chain one and turn. Continue alternating Row 2 and Row 3 until your piece measures the desired width (maker: 28 rows for 14").Repeat for both sleeves.
Seaming and Edging
Fold the sleeve wrong side out and align the edges.
Leave 35 stitches (about 10–10.5") open for the top armhole.
Slip stitch both edges together from the wrist up to the marked point.
For edging, slip stitch along the armhole and single crochet evenly around the wrist edge for a neat finish.
Fasten off and weave in all ends, then turn the sleeve right side out.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check you have enough worsted yarn for two sleeves, each 31 inches long.
- Count out your chain of 100 plus 1 before row one.
- Place a stitch marker at 35 stitches up from the wrist, before you seam.
Minutes per piece
- The Sleeve Body about 1.5 to 2 hours, because 28 rows take patience with BLO stitches
- Seaming and edging about 45 minutes, because two edges and a wrist edge need even slip stitches
Other yarns that work
- Acrylic worsted weight, same as the original Keeps the size and stitch count as written, with a similar light drape.
- Wool blend worsted weight Adds warmth and a bit more stretch, but may need a half size smaller hook for the same gauge.
Where it ends up
- Wear them under a coat sleeve for extra warmth on cold walks.
- Pull them on at home over a long sleeve shirt while reading.
- Pair them with fingerless gloves for desk work in a cool room.
Joining up
- Step 1 Lay both sleeves right side out and align the open top edges.
- Step 2 Attach yarn to one top edge and slip stitch through both sleeves to join across the back/shoulder area.
- Step 3 Fasten off and weave in remaining ends.
Small notes
- Keep your H-8 hook steady through the BLO rows, since loose tension shows in the ridge line.
- Mark the 35 open stitches before you seam, so the armhole stays the right size.
- Seam from the wrist up, not the other way, to keep the fold even on both sleeves.
Little questions
Can I make these in one evening?
Yes, most crocheters finish one sleeve in under two hours. Both sleeves and the seaming fit into one longer sitting.
Why alternate HDC and DC rows?
The pattern alternates row 2 and row 3 to build the 14 inch width over 28 rows. It keeps the fabric even and gives a soft ribbed look from the BLO stitches.
What if my gauge runs tighter or looser?
Check your row count against the 14 inch width before stopping. Add or remove a few rows to match, since the chain length sets the arm circumference.
How do I know where to leave the armhole open?
Leave 35 stitches, about 10 to 10.5 inches, unseamed at the top. Mark that point first, so you seam the rest from the wrist up with confidence.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/crochet-arm-warmers-free-pattern-easy-you-can-make-in-an-afternoon/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
