BOOTIES on DPNs
Guage
The size will vary depending on the yarn and the needle size. I generally
use something larger than fingering weight, and size (US)4 dpns. But I
tend to knit tight, so you may find US 2 or US 3 a better choice. If they
come out very small, they'll be fine for newborns, a bit larger - for
slightly older babies. Generally the child will grow into them.
For a short Cuff--
Cast on 52 sts distributing them evenly over 3 needles. [I don't like
starting on a purl stitch when working with dpns so I tend to distribute
them 18 - 16 - 18]. Join and work rounds of K1P1 rib (or whatever you
like) for 1 1/2 " (4 cm). (or more if you are using a decorative, lacy
edging instead of ribbing).
Next row: *K1, K2tog. Repeat 16 times and K the last stitch in the round.
You should now have 34 stitches. Continue rounds in stockinette stitch for
1 3/4 " (4.5 cm). If you use a lacy pattern that's not meant to be turned
over, like a ribbed cuff, work the stockinette section here for less rows,
perhaps an inch.
Instep--
Distribute the stitches so that you have 12 -10-12. The instep is knit back
and forth from the stitches on the middle needle. K12 on the first needle.
K10 on next needle. Leave the last 12 sts alone. Turn the work and P10.
Next row: K4, K2tog, K4. Turn. Work 13 rows of stockinette stitch ending
on a purl row. Break off yarn, leaving 9 stitches on the needle.
Foot--
If you want to make the booties in two or more colors, change here.
Starting where the instep flap joins the12 sts on the first needle, pick up
and k14 along the lengh of the instep. K9 across the top. Using the
remaining needle, pick up and k14 down the left side of the instep flap and
k12 to to back of the foot. You should have 61 sts. (If you are using a
stitch pattern that calls for an even muliple or won't otherwise fit on 61
stitches, you can fudge a bit, picking up extra stitches on the sides of
the instep, just remember to go back to 61 stitches at the end of the
patterned section) Redistribute these among the three needles at this
point. Work 13 rows for the side of the bootie foot. You can work this in
seed stitch, moss stitch, berry stitch... or some other small textured
stitch patterns.
Rounds 14 and 15 make a turning ridge. Round 14: P. Round 15: K.
Sole--
Row 1: K1, K2tog, K25, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K25, K2tog, K1 - (4 decs).
Row 2: K26 K2tog, K1, K2tog, K26 (2 dec.)
Row 3: K1, K2tog, K22, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K22, K2tog, K1 - (4 decs).
Row 4: K23 K2tog, K1, K2tog, K23 (2 dec.)
Row 5: K1, K2tog, K19, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K19, K2tog, K1 - (4 decs).
Row 6: K20 K2tog, K1, K2tog, K20 (2 dec.)
Row 7: K1, K2tog, K16, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K16, K2tog, K1 - (4 decs).
You should have 39 stitches. Distribute these between two needles along
the length of the foot. Work Kitchener (Grafting) stitch to join the sole
of the bootie. Break off yarn and weave in ends.
Happy Holidays to all
Gail Pietrzyk
pietrzyk@pobox.upenn.edu
Return to pattern list