Materials
- Yarn: DK/light‑worsted weight (≈ 100 yds total), soft cotton or acrylic
- Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) DPNs or circulars (Magic Loop)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, optional button (¾–1″)
Gauge
- ~22 sts × 30 rows = 4″ in stockinette
- Not critical—adjust needle size to fit snugly
Size
- Fits newborn to ~6 months (3½–4″ foot). Adjust cast-on for larger size (see Notes).
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- kfb = knit front and back (inc)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
Pattern Overview
- Sole – Garter-knitted rectangle
- Upper – Short-row toe shaping
- Gusset & Instep Top – Combined seamless shaping
- Apron & Cuff – Garter knit flap with strap
- Finishing – Weave in ends, optional button
1. Sole
- CO 26 sts.
- Rows 1–14: Knit every row (garter stitch), creating a cushy sole approx. 3¾″.
- Leave remaining sts live; do not bind off.
2. Upper (Toe Shaping with Short Rows)
- Row 1 (RS): Knit across 18 sts, turn.
- Row 2–3: Purl back to start.
- Row 4: Knit across 22 sts, turn.
- Row 5–6: Purl to start.
- Row 7 (RS): Knit across all 26 sts; mark this as beg of round (BOR).
3. Gusset & Instep (In the Round)
- Pick up and knit 8 sts along one long edge of sole (heel side).
- Place marker – now 34 sts total.
- Rnd 1–4: Knit all sts.
- Rnd 5 (Gusset Decrease): K to 3 sts before heel pick‑up, k2tog, k1; knit around.
- Rnd 6: Knit all.
- Repeat Rounds 5–6 until 30 sts remain.
4. Apron & Cuff
Apron Flap:
- Work back and forth over first 12 sts (instep) while other sts held on a stitch holder.
- Row 1: Knit 12.
- Rows 2–4: Knit.
- Row 5 (Buttonhole): K4, bind off 2 sts, knit to end.
- Row 6: Knit, casting on 2 sts over buttonhole gap.
- Rows 7–9: Knit 12 sts.
- Bind off.
Cuff:
- Return held heel sts (18 sts total).
- Join flap’s right side edge to heel by working across right half of flap edge and heel sts in garter.
- Place marker to start round.
- Rnd 1–6: Knit all sts.
- Rnd 7 (Strap): On right side, knit first 6 sts, cast on 14 sts (strap), knit to end.
- Rnd 8–9: Knit all.
5. Finishing
- Optional: Sew a button through buttonhole of the apron flap.
- Weave in all yarn ends.
- Shape gently with light steaming or blocking.
🎨 Variations & Tips
- Fit adjustments: For larger feet, increase CO by 2 sts and add short‑row wraps to extend toe.
- Decorations: Embroider small hearts on the apron or add tiny pompom at toe.
- Color play: Use contrast yarn for cuff or strap for a classic Mary-Jane look.
- Non-button option: Leave strap long to tie in a bow instead.
Video tutorial
📝 Quick Summary
- Garter-knit sole (26 sts × 14 rows).
- Short-row toe shaping, then pick up along sole edges.
- Seamlessly knit in the round, shaping gusset.
- Knit apron flap back-and-forth with buttonhole.
- Rejoin heel, add cuff and strap rounds.
- Finish with button, weave ends, block.
