Answering the question, “Do you think the pattern could easily be sized down for children?” Yes, with worsted weight yarn arriving from Knit Picks, I revisited the project, and modified the pattern to a Jr. size, making a perfect fit for the model, age 5, with options for older children desiring longer leg warmers .
Photo: Jr. Plaited Leg Warmers and Hat Set is knit in Knit Picks Brava Worsted; 100% Premium Acrylic; color 26135 Cotton Candy .
Leg Warmers finished size: flat 6”, stretches to 11” circumference; height 9”; 145yds/66g
Hat finished size: flat 12”, stretches to 20” circumference, height 7”; 110yds/50g

The Plaited Leg Warmers and Hat Set works well in an acrylic blend. This is a great project for working with worsted weight yarn and cables. The plaiting looks really complicated, but it’s made with series of cable 6 front, and cable 6 back. The leg warmers and hat are worked from the bottom up. The leg warmers are knit with loose cuffs to be worn with tights, over jeans, or with boots. The hat is also knit with loose fit, but not quite a slouch. The pattern is available with a knit 1, purl 1 rib, or a knit 2, purl 2 rib option. I like the look of both, and the choice will be yours. The Jr. Plaited Leg Warmers and Hat Set can be knit in a weekend or two, and makes a great gift or accessory.

Finished size:
leg warmers: flat 6”, stretches to 11”circumference; height 9 to 12”
hat: flat 12”, stretches to 20”circumference; height 7”

Gauge: size US #7, #8 needles 4.5 stitches =1”
Check the gauge! Check for squishiness and elasticity in the fabric/leg warmer.

Materials: Yarn: Acrylic blend; worsted weight
Two skeins are needed to knit the set of leg warmers and hat.

The pattern pdf will print to 3 pages, you may want to print front & back.