Looking for a charming and practical project for a baby shower gift or for your own precious bundle? These delightful knitted baby booties are not only incredibly cute but also surprisingly simple to make! Featuring a ribbed cuff, a classic rounded toe, and adorable flower embellishments, these booties will keep tiny feet warm and stylish.
This pattern is designed for beginners comfortable with basic knitting stitches and is easily customizable with different colors and embellishments.
Yarn:
- DK (Double Knit) or Light Worsted Weight yarn in two contrasting colors (e.g., pink and white, or yellow and white as shown in the picture). I recommend a soft, washable baby-friendly yarn like acrylic or a cotton blend.
Needles:
- 3.5 mm (US 4) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a small circular needle if you prefer magic loop for small circumference knitting.
Notions:
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Small decorative buttons or beads for the flower centers (optional)
- Small amount of ribbon for ties (optional, as seen in the yellow booties)
- Crochet hook (for the ruffled edge, if desired)
Gauge:
- 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch (adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge)
Size:
- Newborn to 3 months (adjust for larger sizes by adding more stitches in multiples of 4 and more rows for length)
Abbreviations:
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- PM: Place Marker
- SM: Slip Marker
Pattern Instructions:
Bottom of the Bootie (Sole and Sides)
- CO 28 stitches in your Main Color (e.g., pink or yellow).
- Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 2 (RS): K1, Make 1 Left (M1L), K12, M1L, K2, M1L, K12, M1L, K1 (32 stitches)
- Row 3: Purl all stitches.
- Row 4: K1, M1L, K14, M1L, K2, M1L, K14, M1L, K1 (36 stitches)
- Row 5: Purl all stitches.
- Row 6: K1, M1L, K16, M1L, K2, M1L, K16, M1L, K1 (40 stitches)
- Row 7: Purl all stitches.
- Work in Garter Stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows (or until the sole is the desired length, about 1 inch / 2.5 cm). This will create the base of the bootie and a slight ruffle.
Instep (Top of the Foot)
- Change to Contrast Color (e.g., white).
- Knit 2 rows in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
- Next Row (RS): K14, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K14 (34 stitches).
- Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Next Row (RS): K12, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K12 (30 stitches).
- Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
Ankle Cuff
- Change back to Main Color.
- Knit 2 rows in stockinette stitch.
- Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 rib for 10-12 rows (or to desired cuff height). This will create a stretchy, neat cuff.
- Optional Eyelet Row for Ribbon (if desired for ties like the yellow booties): On the last row of ribbing, after working a few stitches, K2tog, YO (yarn over) across the row. This creates small holes for threading ribbon.
- Change to Contrast Color.
- Knit 2 rows in stockinette stitch.
Ruffled Top Edge (Optional, as seen in the picture)
To create the ruffled edge, you can use a crochet hook to create a shell border or a picot bind-off.
Crochet Shell Border:
- With your Contrast Color and a crochet hook, insert the hook into the first stitch on your knitting needle.
- Chain 3, DC 2 into the same stitch, skip 2 stitches, slip stitch into the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around the top edge of the bootie. Fasten off.
Bind Off:
- Bind off all stitches loosely in the Contrast Color.
Video tutorial
Finishing:
- Seam: Fold the bootie in half lengthwise and carefully sew the sole and back seam together using your tapestry needle. Weave in all loose ends.
- Embellishments:
- Knitted Flowers: You can knit small flowers separately and sew them on. A simple knitted flower can be made by casting on 5 stitches, knitting 2 rows, then knitting into the front and back of each stitch, binding off. Gather the center with a thread.
- Crochet Flowers: Alternatively, crochet a small flower and attach it.
- Buttons/Beads: Sew a small button or bead in the center of each flower.
- Ribbon Ties: If you made an eyelet row, thread a thin ribbon through the holes and tie a bow.
And there you have it! Adorable, cozy, and handmade baby booties perfect for gifting or for your little one. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and add your own personal touch.
Happy knitting!
