Cutie Booties

Aren't these booties just the cutest little things? Our upstairs neighbours just had a baby so I made these as part of a care package that Wes and I gave them. I adapted the pattern from one that's worked flat - they're a little fiddly to work in the round but not having to sew them up at the end is a great feeling!

 

Feel free to make as many of these for yourself or as gifts or donations, but please don't sell them for profit.

DIFFICULTY

Advanced. See notes for easier variation.

SIZE

For ages 0-3[3-6] months.

GAUGE

22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm (4") measured over stockinette stitch.

YARN

We Are Knitters 100% cotton, pictured in light yellow. 1 ball.

Cotton yarn is good for summer booties, but can be substituted for any heavier yarn for cooler weather as long as the gauge is correct. Make sure to use soft baby yarn that won't irritate their skin.

RECOMMENDED NEEDLES

4mm/US 6 needles. Double pointed or on long circular needles for the magic loop method.

NOTES

See Knitty's standard list for abbreviations and techniques. This pattern was adapted for knitting in the round from Claire Compton's Baby Bootees.

I hate sewing, and am happy to go to all lengths to avoid it. However, the magic loop CO used in the pattern can be a little daunting the first time you work it. For an easier version, just use the DPN setup and finishing instructions.

The pattern is for solid coloured booties. To make stripy ones, attach a second ball of yarn in a different colour at the start of a round, and carry the other yarn up with you. Switch colours as desired, but don't switch colours between Row 14 of the Shape toes section and Row 1 of the cuff.

PATTERN (Make two)

Setup - for DPNs

CO 30[36] sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Divide sts evenly amongst 3 needles.
Row 1: K all sts.

Setup - for magic loop

CO and Row 1: Using Judy's magic cast on, CO and work 30[36] sts. (Use DPN setup as an easier CO alternative).

Shape toes - Worked in the round

Row 2: K2, M1L, K12[15], M1R, K2, M1L, K12[15], M1R, K2. 34[40] sts.
Row 3: K all sts.
Row 4: K2, M1L, K14[17], M1R, K2, M1L, K14[17], M1R, K2. 38[44] sts.
Row 5: K all sts.
Row 6: K2, M1L, K16[19], M1R, K2, M1L, K16[19], M1R, K2. 42[48] sts.
Rows 7-13: K all sts.
Row 14: K14[17], (K2tog) 3 times, K2, (SSK) 3 times, K14[17]. 36[42] sts.

Shape top - Worked back and forth across the middle stitches

For DPNs: Redistribute sts with 10[13] on the first needle, 16 on the second needle and 10[13] on the third.
Row 1 [RS]: K21[24], SSK and turn work.
Row 2 [WS]: P7, P2tog and turn work.
Row 3 [RS]: K7, SSK and turn work.
Row 4 [WS]: P7, P2tog and turn work.
Row 5 [RS]: K7, SSK and turn work.
Row 6 [WS]: P7, P2tog and turn work.
Row 7 [RS]: K7, SSK, K to end of round. 29[35] sts.

Cuff - Worked in the round

For DPNs: Redistribute sts with 9[11] on the first needle, 11[13] on the second needle and 9[11] on the third.
Row 1: K10[13], K2tog, K to end of round. 28[34] sts.
Rows 2-8: K all sts
BO all sts.

Finishing

Sew in ends. If you used the DPN setup, turn the booties inside out and sew the CO sts closed to form the soles.