Using this pattern by Yarn Thrower (also copied below), I whipped up these in about four hours per pair:
The bang / buck ratio on this project is incredible - one skein of Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly (baby sport) in Fresh Green will yield booties for all my friends' children AND grandchildren!
Word to the wise - if this is your first time making booties in the round, the stitchmarker is essential. Here's the pattern as printed on Pickin and Throwin:
Using DK or sport weight yarn and size 5 DPNs,
Cuff:
- Cast-on 36 stitches.
- Joining to work in the round, *K2P2* for 20 rounds.
- Knit 1 round.
- *K2tog, YO, K1* and repeat until end of round. (This forms eyelets for inserting a tie.)
- Knit 2 rounds.
- Next round (set up round): K22, M1, turn.
- Next row (purl short row): Slip 1 as to purl, P8, M1, turn.
- Next row (knit short row): Slip 1 as to purl, K8, M1, turn.
- Work these two rows until there are a total of 52 stitches. Do not turn work after the M1 of the final purl row.
- Slip next stitch onto right needle, bring yarn to opposite side of work, then return the slipped stitch to the left needle. (This is "wrapping" the stitch.) Now turn work.
- Knit to end of round (which will be the back of the bootie).
- Knit one round, knitting wrapped stitch along with its wrap.
- Knit seven rounds.
- Purl one round.
- Knit one round.
- *P4, P2tog, P14, P2tog, P4* twice.
- *K2tog, K20, K2tog* twice.
- *P3, P2tog, P12, P2tog, P3* twice.
- *K2tog, K16, K2tog* twice.
- *P2, P2tog, P10, P2tog, P2* twice.
- *K2tog, K12, K2tog* twice. (28 stitches)
- Place first 14 stitches of round on one dpn; place the rest of the stitches on a second dpn. Work a three needle bind-off.
- Cut yarn.
- Weave in ends and ribbon ties