purlJam

# MODERN ENVELOPE BABY BOOTIES

A contemporary take on classic baby booties, these quick-knit booties feature a streamlined envelope construction that's both stylish and functional. Worked flat and seamed with minimal finishing, they're perfect for beginner knitters looking to create a thoughtful handmade gift.

**Size:** 0-6 months  
**Finished Measurements:** Approximately 4" (10 cm) foot length, 4.5" (11.5 cm) ankle circumference

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 50 yards (46 m) worsted weight yarn  
*Sample shown uses a soft washable merino or acrylic/cotton blend suitable for babies*

**Needles:** US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles (worked flat), or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch, blocked

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **CO** = cast on
- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **kfb** = knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- **pm** = place marker
- **sm** = slip marker

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## PATTERN NOTES

- **Construction:** Each bootie is worked flat from the ankle down, then seamed. The foot is shaped using simple decreases for a comfortable fit.

- **Seaming:** A mattress stitch seam at the back of the ankle and along the sole creates a nearly invisible finish.

- **Customization:** For a longer cuff, work additional rows in the cuff section. For a larger size (6-12 months), cast on 28 stitches and work foot approximately 4.5" long.

- **Yarn Choice:** Choose soft, washable yarn appropriate for babies. Avoid wool that may irritate sensitive skin unless it's labeled superwash and baby-safe.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CUFF

**CO 24 sts.**

*[Math check: 24 sts ÷ 18 sts per 4" = 5.33" circumference before seaming]*

**Rows 1-6:** Knit all stitches (garter stitch, creates 3 garter ridges).

**Row 7 (RS):** Knit.

**Row 8 (WS):** Purl.

**Rows 9-16:** Repeat Rows 7-8 four more times (8 rows total of stockinette stitch, ending with a WS row).

*You should have 14 rows total from cast on.*

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### FOOT SHAPING

**Row 17 (RS - Increase Row):** K1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. **(26 sts)**

*[Math check: 24 + 2 increases = 26 sts ✓]*

**Row 18 (WS):** Purl.

**Row 19 (RS):** Knit.

**Row 20 (WS):** Purl.

**Rows 21-28:** Continue in stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) for 8 more rows.

*You should have 12 rows of stockinette after the increase row.*

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### TOE SHAPING

**Row 29 (RS - Decrease Row):** K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. **(22 sts)**

*[Math check: 26 - 4 decreases = 22 sts ✓]*

**Row 30 (WS):** Purl.

**Row 31 (RS - Decrease Row):** K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. **(18 sts)**

*[Math check: 22 - 4 decreases = 18 sts ✓]*

**Row 32 (WS):** Purl.

**Row 33 (RS - Decrease Row):** K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. **(14 sts)**

*[Math check: 18 - 4 decreases = 14 sts ✓]*

**Row 34 (WS):** Purl.

**Row 35 (RS - Final Decrease Row):** K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. **(10 sts)**

*[Math check: 14 - 4 decreases = 10 sts ✓]*

**Bind off all stitches purlwise on WS.**

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in cast-on tail.**

2. **Seam back of ankle:** With RS facing you, fold bootie so that cast-on edges meet. Using mattress stitch and working from cuff down to where foot shaping begins (approximately first 16 rows), seam the back of the ankle closed.

3. **Seam sole:** Continue seaming from the bottom of the ankle down to the toe, creating the sole seam. The bound-off edge forms the toe. Make sure the seam is smooth and flat for baby's comfort.

4. **Weave in remaining ends** securely, as baby items need to withstand frequent washing.

5. **Block gently** if desired by dampening and shaping to finished measurements. Lay flat to dry.

6. **Make second bootie** using same instructions.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Lay flat to dry. If using machine-washable yarn, place in a mesh laundry bag and wash on gentle cycle.

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Consistent tension:** Try to maintain even tension throughout for the best appearance and fit.

- **Stitch count checkpoints:** Count your stitches after each decrease row to catch errors early.

- **Seaming:** Take your time with the mattress stitch seam. A neat seam makes a professional-looking bootie.

- **Test the fit:** Baby feet are tiny! These booties may look small but should fit a newborn to 6-month-old. If in doubt, check measurements against a baby shoe sizing chart.

- **Make it yours:** Consider adding a small ribbon bow, button embellishment, or embroidered detail after completion for extra charm.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters | © 2024**

*Enjoy creating these sweet booties! They make wonderful gifts and quick satisfying projects.*