🎀 Materials
- Yarn: DK/light‑worsted weight (approx. 100 yds); cotton or soft acrylic
- Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or size to obtain gauge
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
đź“Ź Gauge
- 22 sts × 28 rows = 4″ in stockinette
- Not critical—adjust needle size for a comfy, squishy fabric
👶 Size Guidance
- Designed for 0–6 months (in‑between 3.5–4″ foot length)
- To size up/down: adjust cast‑on by multiples of 4 sts
🧵 Stitches & Abbreviations (US)
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- ssk = slip–slip–knit
- yo = yarn over
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
🧶 Pattern Overview
- Sole: flat rectangle with short rows shaping
- Foot & Instep: knitting in the round
- Ruffles: layered frills around cuff
- Finishing: weave ends, optional tie
🔢 Instructions
1. Sole (flat, short‑row shaped)
- CO 28 sts
- Row 1 (RS): k across
- Row 2 (WS): k on 6 sts, wrap & turn (W&T)
- Row 3 (RS): k across to 22, W&T
- Row 4 (WS): k across
- Repeat Rows 1–4 two more times to build length (~2¾″), ending WS.
2. Joining in the Round
- With RS facing, pick up 8 sts along one long edge, knit across picked-up sts + all live sts across sole + pickup 8 sts along opposite long edge = 52 sts
- Place marker at beginning of round
3. Foot & Instep (Work in the Round)
- Rounds 1–8: knit all sts
- Round 9 (Toe Shaping):
- K6, k2tog, repeat to last 6 sts, ssk to end — 44 sts
- Rounds 10–11: knit all
- Round 12:
- K5, k2tog; work to last 7 sts, ssk, k5 — 36 sts
- Rounds 13–14: knit
- Round 15: k1, (k2tog) around — 18 sts
- Round 16: knit all
- Cut yarn, leaving long tail, and graft the 18 toe sts using Kitchener stitch.
4. Heel & Ruffle Cuff
- Rejoin yarn at heel edge with RS out, pick up 18 sts
- Rounds 1–4: k all – creates snug cuff
- Ruffle Layer 1 (Rounds 5–6): (k1, yo) repeat around
- Ruffle Layer 2 (Rounds 7–8): (k in yo space twice, yo) around – fuller
- Rounds 9–10: k all to secure ruffles
- Bind off loosely in pattern (k on knits, p on purls edge)
5. Optional Tie
- Chain‑i‑cord or I‑cord: cast on 3 sts, work i‑cord 16″ long, bind off
- Thread through first ruffle layer or through eyelets created during round 5
✨ Finishing Touches
- Weave in all tails securely inside
- Block flat with light steam if needed
- Pair them up – the second bootie is made the same
🔧 Customizations
| Change | Effect |
|---|---|
| More length | One extra repeat of short rows on sole |
| Taller cuff | Work 2 additional knit rounds before ruffles |
| Lace version | Sub ruffles with eyelet bind-off and ribbon tie |
| Colorplay | Try stripe effect: change color every 4 rounds |
| Attachment | Add small pompom or pompom ties at ends |
Video tutorial
đź“ť Quick Summary
- Short‑row sole (28 sts, 3 wedges)
- Pick up edges & knit 8 rounds
- Shape toe in decreasing rounds
- Graft toe, pick up heel stitches
- Knit cuff + 2‑tier ruffle
- Bind off, weave in ends, add tie if desired
