Garter Stitch Knitted Baby Booties

Instructions

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1. 1Cast onLeaving a long tail (about 40 cm) for seaming the sole later, cast on 39/43/49 sts. The whole bootie is worked in garter stitch, so every row is knitted. Row 1: knit.
2. 2Sole increasesIncreases are made at the heel ends and at the exact center (toe). Row 2: k1, M1, k18/20/23, M1, k1, M1, k18/20/23, M1, k1 (43/47/53 sts). Row 3 and all following odd rows: knit. Row 4: k2, M1, k18/20/23, M1, k3, M1, k18/20/23, M1, k2 (47/51/57 sts). Row 6: k3, M1, k18/20/23, M1, k5, M1, k18/20/23, M1, k3 (51/55/61 sts).
3. 3SidesStarting with row 7, knit 8/10/12 more rows without shaping. This forms the side wall of the bootie. Placing markers on either side of the center 9 sts makes the toe easier to count: there are 21/23/26 sts on each side and 9 in the middle.
4. 4Toe (instep)You now work over the center 9 sts, using up one side stitch on every row. Row 1: k21/23/26, k8, ssk, turn. Row 2: sl1, k7, k2tog, turn. Row 3: sl1, k7, ssk, turn. Repeat rows 2 and 3 for a total of 24/26/30 rows, ending with a k2tog row. Then: sl1, k8, knit to end of row (27/29/31 sts).
5. 5Cuff (rib)Work k1, p1 rib over the odd number of sts. Row 1: *k1, p1* to last st, k1. Row 2: *p1, k1* to last st, p1. Repeat these two rows until the cuff measures 4/4.5/5 cm. Bind off loosely in rib; the cuff must not squeeze the ankle.
6. 6SeamingFold the bootie in half with the wrong side out. Using the long cast-on tail, sew the cast-on edge (sole seam) from toe to heel, then continue up the heel and the back of the cuff. Sewing through the small bumps at the edge of each garter ridge keeps the seam flat and comfortable.
7. 7FinishingTurn the bootie right side out and weave the ends into the seams; leave no knots that could rub against baby's skin. Knit the second bootie the same way. Lightly dampen and let dry flat, shaping with your hands.