BreezeBlockers - Three Warmers in One!

BreezeBlockers: Three Warmers in One by ColorJoy by LynnH

Overview

BreezeBlockers is a collection of three knitted warmer patterns designed by Lynn D.T. Hershberger. This downloadable PDF includes instructions for creating pulsewarmers, a cup cozy, and anklewarmers—practical accessories that layer over business footwear or peek from under jeans for stylish winter warmth without requiring shoe removal.

What Is Being Made

• Pulsewarmers: Fitted warmers for the wrist and pulse point area, designed to be worn over or under sleeves
• Cup Cozy: A decorative and functional warmer that insulates beverages while adding style
• Anklewarmers: Leg warmers that button onto footwear, allowing quick on-and-off wear for outdoor excursions without removing shoes

Construction Techniques

All three designs in this collection are knit flat rather than in the round, making them accessible for knitters who prefer working on straight needles. A distinctive construction feature is the i-cord side edgings that are knit on directly during the garment construction rather than sewn on afterward. This integrated approach creates clean, finished edges and adds structural integrity. Buttonholes are built into the i-cord edging itself, eliminating the need for separate buttonhole creation and ensuring buttons align perfectly with the edging design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this collection is a thermal stitch pattern, which provides excellent insulation and texture. This stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 6 stitches per inch before blocking, creating a dense, warm fabric ideal for winter accessories.

Yarn and Materials

BreezeBlockers is designed for DK-weight yarn, rated at approximately 5.5 stitches per inch. Yardage requirements vary by project size: patterns call for 1 to 2 skeins of 50-gram yarn, providing approximately 110 to 144 yards per 50-gram skein. The designer successfully used three different yarn options during pattern testing:

• Mirasol Hacho (shown in pinks)
• Crystal Palace Merino 5 Print (shown in blues and green)
• Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light (not pictured in the pattern)

Needles

The pattern recommends US size 3 (3.25mm) and US size 5 (3.75mm) needles. The designer notes that knitters with typically relaxed or firm tension should adjust needle sizes accordingly to achieve the proper stitch size and correct gauge, ensuring the finished warmers fit as intended.

Difficulty Level

BreezeBlockers is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters. The flat knitting construction, straightforward stitch patterns, and clear integration of buttonholes into the i-cord edging provide an approachable introduction to functional accessory knitting without overwhelming complexity.