Knitting Patterns

Moss Stitch Wrist Warmers Free Knit Pattern

IngredientGrid: Fiber Blends, Wool Guides & Yarn Elements • November 09, 2026

Introduction

These Moss Stitch Wrist Warmers are the perfect first-in-the-round project for anyone who has just learned to knit and purl. Worked as simple straight tubes in squishy super bulky lilac yarn, they knit up in an evening or two and feel like a warm hug on chilly hands. The bumpy moss stitch texture gives them a cozy, handmade look, while the wide finger opening keeps your fingers free for texting, sipping tea, or typing. A single crochet squiggle coiled around each wrist adds a playful finishing touch that makes these teen-sized warmers feel extra special.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6) yarn, approx. 90-100 yd / 82-91 m total. Lilac (A): approx. 80-90 yd / 73-82 m. Small amount of lilac or contrasting lilac (B): approx. 8-10 yd / 7-9 m for the crochet squiggle appliqué.
Knitting needles: 8.0 mm (US 11) 16 in / 40 cm circular needle for magic loop, or a set of 8.0 mm (US 11) double-pointed needles.
Crochet hook: 6.0 mm (US J-10) for the squiggle appliqué.
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, pins for placing the squiggle.
Finished size: To fit teen hand circumference 6.5-7.5 in / 16.5-19 cm. Finished tube circumference approx. 6.75 in / 17 cm unstretched (stretches to approx. 8 in / 20 cm); length approx. 7 in / 18 cm from wrist to finger opening.

Abbreviations

CO: cast on — make the starting loops on your needle.
k: knit stitch.
p: purl stitch.
st(s): stitch(es).
rnd(s): round(s) — one full pass around the tube.
pm: place marker.
rep: repeat.
BO: bind off — finish the stitches so they don't unravel.
WS: wrong side (the inside of the warmer).
ch: chain (crochet).
sc: single crochet.

Gauge

10 sts x 16 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in moss stitch in the round, unstretched, after blocking. To check, knit a small swatch in the round in moss stitch, block it lightly, and count your stitches and rounds over 4 in / 10 cm before starting.

Tips Before You Start

Moss stitch in the round alternates a plain knit round with a k1, p1 round — keep track of which round you're on, because the texture only looks right when the rounds alternate.
Join your cast-on stitches carefully without twisting; a twisted join can't be fixed later and will ruin the tube.
Bind off loosely in pattern so the finger opening stays wide and comfortable — if your bind-off is tight, use a needle one size larger.
Don't block the crochet squiggle flat; it should keep its natural coil so it looks like a rope spiral on the wrist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes: Worked in the round as a straight tube, no thumb gusset. Moss stitch in the round = R1 knit, R2 [k1, p1] to end; repeat R1-R2. Slip marker as needed. Both warmers are identical — make two.

Wrist Cuff (Yarn A)

Using the 8.0 mm needle, CO 18 sts. Join in the round without twisting, pm.

Rnds 1-4: [k1, p1] ribbing (18 sts).

Hand Tube (Yarn A)

Rnd 5: knit (18 sts).

Rnd 6: [k1, p1] to end (18 sts).

Rnds 7-24: rep Rnds 5-6 nine times (18 sts). Piece measures approx. 6.5 in / 16.5 cm from the cast-on edge.

Finger Opening Edging (Yarn A)

Next rnd: BO all 18 sts loosely in pattern (knit the knit sts, purl the purl sts). Fasten off, leaving a 6 in / 15 cm tail. Weave in the tail on the WS.

Squiggle Appliqué (Yarn B) — make 2

With the 6.0 mm hook and yarn B, ch 22.

Row 1: working into the back bump of the ch, 3 sc in the 2nd ch from hook, [3 sc in next ch] to end (63 sc). Fasten off, leaving a 10 in / 25 cm tail. The squiggle will coil naturally; do not block it flat.

Assembly and Finishing

Pin one squiggle in a loose spiral around the wrist area of each warmer, approx. 0.75-1 in / 2-2.5 cm above the cast-on edge, overlapping the ends slightly. Using matching yarn and the tapestry needle, tack the squiggle to the warmer at 6-8 points along its length, catching only the front layer of the warmer so the inside stays smooth. Weave in all ends. Lightly steam-block the warmers to approx. 6.75 in / 17 cm circumference, but do not press the moss stitch flat. Make the second warmer identical.

Pro Tips and Variations

Swap yarn B for a contrasting lilac or a metallic thread for a pop of color on the squiggle.
Add a few extra rounds to the hand tube for a longer, slouchier warmer that covers more of the hand.
Work the squiggle in a soft cream or pale pink for a two-tone look that shows off the spiral.

Also Check Out: We think you'd love this beautiful pattern on our sister site: The Driftwood & Linen Hand Towel: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Kitchen Essential