Cozy Canine Booties

Simple, sturdy knitted shoes to protect your dog’s paws from cold, hot pavement, salt, or rough trails. Worked flat in beginner-friendly garter stitch with a stretchy ribbed cuff and drawstring closure. Make four identical booties.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (CYC 4), approx 80 (110, 150) yards total for set of 4 booties (machine-washable acrylic recommended)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles
• Tapestry needle
• 4 lengths of ribbon, cord, or braided yarn scraps, each 14–16" long (for drawstrings)
• Scissors
• Optional: non-slip fabric paint or suede patches for sole grip

Gauge

18 sts and 36 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch, blocked lightly.
Correct gauge is important for fit—adjust needle size if needed.

Sizes

Small (Medium, Large)
To fit paw length approx 2 (2¾, 3½)" and paw width 1½ (2, 2½)".

Finished measurements (unstretched)

• Cuff circumference: 5¼ (6¼, 7)"
• Length (cuff edge to toe tip): 3 (3¾, 4½)"

How to measure your dog
Stand dog on paper. Mark tip of longest nail and back of main pad for length; mark widest part of paw for width. Choose the size whose finished sole is slightly larger than the paw. When in doubt, size up.

Abbreviations (US)

• BO: bind off
• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
• p: purl
• rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (1 st decreased)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

• Booties are worked flat and seamed into a pouch. Garter stitch (knit every row) creates a thick, cushy fabric that does not curl.
• Make 4 identical booties.
• The single seam is positioned under the center of the sole and up the back of the leg so it does not rub the dog’s skin.
• Ribbing + drawstring keep the booties on during walks; check fit after 5 minutes of wear and adjust.
• Inline stitch-count checks are marked with ✓.

Instructions

Cuff

CO 24 (28, 32) sts.

Rib row: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rib row until piece measures 1" from CO edge (approximately 8–9 rows).

Leg / Foot

Switch to garter stitch (knit every row).
Continue even in garter stitch until piece measures 2 (2¾, 3½)" from CO edge.

Toe Shaping

Decrease every row as follows:
Dec row: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (2 sts decreased)

Rep Dec row every row 9 (11, 13) more times—6 sts remain.
[24 – 2 × 9 = 6 ✓; 28 – 2 × 11 = 6 ✓; 32 – 2 × 13 = 6 ✓]

Cut yarn, leaving a 18" tail. Thread tail through the remaining 6 sts, pull tightly to close the toe, and secure with a knot on the WS.

Finishing

1. With WS facing, fold bootie in half lengthwise so the two long side edges meet. Using the long tail (or a new length of yarn), mattress-stitch or whipstitch the side seam from the toe all the way to the cuff edge. Weave in end.
2. Turn RS out. Rotate the bootie so the seam runs down the center of what will be the sole and up the back of the leg.
3. Drawstring: Starting at the front (opposite the seam), use the tapestry needle to weave one 14–16" cord in and out of the ribbing stitches around the cuff, exiting at the starting point. Tie an overhand knot at each end of the cord so it cannot pull out. Repeat for remaining booties.
4. Weave in all remaining ends.
5. Optional grip: apply non-slip fabric paint in a paw-print or dotted pattern on the sole and let dry fully, or sew a thin suede/leather patch to the sole.

To Wear

Slip bootie over paw, pull cuff up the leg, and tie drawstring in a snug (not tight) bow at the front. Check that the dog can walk normally and that circulation is not restricted. Remove after walks; hand- or machine-wash as needed and lay flat to dry.

Enjoy your protected pup!