The Buntzen Baby Booties: A Cozy Cable Knit Free Pattern
Cozy Cable Knit Baby Booties: The Buntzen Pattern
Wrap tiny toes in the luxurious texture of these cable-knit baby booties, featuring a modern, heirloom-quality design. This free pattern creates a snug, fold-over cuff that keeps little feet warm and stylish. Perfect for beginners looking to try cables, these booties work up quickly and make an unforgettable handmade baby gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in a soft, heathered oatmeal color (approx 100 yards). Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Oatmeal.
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (or circular needle for magic loop)
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
- Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch markers
Sizes
0-6 months (6-12 months). Instructions for larger size are in parentheses.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- C4F: Cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
- C4B: Cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
- K2tog: Knit two together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
- M1: Make one (increase)
- BO: Bind off
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cuff (make 2)
CO 32 (36) stitches. Distribute evenly on DPNs. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
- Round 1-4: *K2, P2* repeat around.
- Round 5: *C4F, P2, C4B, P2* repeat around.
- Round 6-8: *K4, P2* repeat around.
Repeat Rounds 5-8 until cuff measures 2.5 (3) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a Round 8.
Foot
Next Round: K all stitches.
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 1.5 (2) inches.
Heel Flap
Work back and forth on half the stitches (16 (18) stitches) for heel flap.
- Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1 purlwise, K1* repeat to end.
- Row 2 (WS): Slip 1 purlwise, P to end.
Repeat these 2 rows for 12 (14) rows total.
Turn Heel
- Row 1 (RS): K10 (11), SSK, K1, turn.
- Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P5 (6), P2tog, P1, turn.
- Row 3: Slip 1, K6 (7), SSK, K1, turn.
- Row 4: Slip 1, P7 (8), P2tog, P1, turn.
Continue until all stitches are worked, ending with a WS row. You should have 10 (12) stitches.
Gusset
With RS facing, pick up and knit 8 (9) stitches along left side of heel flap. Knit across instep stitches (16 (18) stitches). Pick up and knit 8 (9) stitches along right side of heel flap. Knit half of heel stitches to center of heel (mark new beginning of round). Total stitches: 42 (48).
Decrease Round
- Round 1: K to last 3 stitches of first half of sole, K2tog, K1; knit instep stitches; K1, SSK, K to end.
- Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat these 2 rounds until 32 (36) stitches remain.
Toe
Knit even for 1 (1.5) inches.
Shape Toe
- Round 1: *K6 (7), K2tog* repeat around (28 (32) stitches).
- Round 2: Knit.
- Round 3: *K5 (6), K2tog* repeat around (24 (28) stitches).
- Round 4: Knit.
Continue decreasing in this pattern (every other round) until 12 (16) stitches remain.
Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in ends.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Fold cuff down for a cozy look. Repeat for second bootie.
Your Buntzen Baby Booties are complete! These make a thoughtful, handmade gift that will be treasured for years. The cable pattern adds just the right amount of texture without being too complicated for a confident beginner.
