How To Build a Baby Bootie

Since the Christine's Stay-On Baby Booties came out different colors, I decided to knit a third and see which it matched so at least I'd have a pair.  When I finished the third, I looked at the remaining yarn and thought I just might be able to squeeze out a fourth - so I gave it a try.  

I also received many comments about the baby booties and one reader - Ruthie - mentioned that she had difficulty with this pattern.  Perhaps a pic-tutorial would help?

First step - and this is very important - use a set of 5 dpns.  Magic Loop, two circs, or 4 dpns will not work well for this pattern.  I'm not saying it's impossible, only that it won't work as well.

Using size 2 dpns, cast on 10 sts and knit 36 rows (18 ridges)

Using 3 more dpns, pick up 18 sts along the side of the bootie, 10 sts along the bottom, 18 sts along the other side.  Total 56 sts

Purl 4 rounds

Knit 4 rounds (very hard to see here)

Purl 4 rounds

Knit 4 rounds (again, very hard to see here)

Purl 4 rounds

Using short rows, knit across the front 10 sts following the pattern and knitting the 10th st on the needle with the 1st stitch on the side needle.  Purl across the front 10 sts following the pattern and purling the 10th sts on the needle with the 1st st on the opposite side needle.  Repeat until 40 sts remain.  End on a purl row.

Knit three rounds.  TIP:  When you knit the first round (40 sts) pick up a st in the gap between the front and the side of the bootie and k2tog to close the gap.  Do the same thing on the gap when you come around to the beginning.  This will close it up nicely.

Then knit the eyelet round:  Knit 2, YO, K2Tog.  

 
Knit 22 rounds for leg.  Bind off loosely.  Weave in loose ends.

 

Take a piece of 8.5 x 11 paper and fold it into quarters so it is approximately 2.75 inches long.  Roll it up and insert it into the baby bootie to help it retain its shape.

Using a crochet hook, make a single chain rope approximately 12-14 inches (or use a ribbon).  Lace this through the eyelet holes to finish your baby bootie. 

Ta-Da!  I now have four finished Baby Booties - and even with the differences in color due to the subtle variegation, I think I can put them together in such a way as to have two matching pairs.

OK - now are you casting on for a pair of Christine's Stay-On Baby Booties?

          

Comments

[Sara]

Oh Wow! Thanks for the pictures! I had always ignored the pattern as I thought it too "fiddly", but seeing the construction in action makes me want to give it a try!

[Lorette]

Very cool tutorial! OK, I might just have to try a pair, I have a colleague having a baby soon. I'm off to dig in the stash...

[Lydia]

Thanks! I've been looking at this pattern for a while and added it to my queue after your last post. I think this will make it travel higher on my list.

[Ruthie]

Mega-thanks!! Now this pattern makes sense. Guess I'm a visual learner...and I didn't even know it!! LOL Yes, I WILL be casting on since my 2nd grandchild is due to be born around Aug. 25th! (Can't wait...I love being a grandmother! LOL)