Handmade gifts are so special. Nowadays it’s probably harder to find the time to put something together, or maybe there are just more “things” out there to buy. When it comes to babies, I’m a tried-and-true registry shopper – especially for those paranoid first-timer parents addicted to thebump.com. (Been there, buuh-leeve me.) But I love adding a little personal touch, too. Maybe not a total necessity. But a little something you’d actually want to hold on to.
These Henry Moccasins are a perfect example. Little knit moccasins are probably not something you’ll find on a registry, but they make an absolutely adorable baby gift.
Try it for yourself and see.
(Or if you don’t knit and don’t plan to learn anytime soon, come take a look around my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rabbitxrabbit.)
S I Z E:
0-6 Months (3.75 inches)
M A T E R I A L S:
Worsted weight yarn
Ribbon, leather cord, or other material for laces
US 4 (3.5mm) straight needles, or other size necessary for 5 sts/in gauge
Yarn needle
Scissors
P A T T E R N (Same for both feet):
Sole:
Cast on 26 sts.
Row 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9: Sl 1 k-wise, knit to end.
Row 2: Sl 1 k-wise, m1, k11, pm, m1, k1, m1, k1, m1, pm, k11, m1, k1. (31 sts)
Row 4: Sl 1 k-wise, k1, m1, k11, m1, k2, m1, k3, m1, k11, m1, k2. (36sts)
Row 6: Sl 1 k-wise, k2, m1, k11, m1, k4, m1, k4, m1, k11, m1, k3. (41 sts)
Row 8: Sl 1 k-wise, k3, m1, k11, m1, k5, m1, k6, m1, k11, m1, k4. (46 sts)
Row 10: Sl 1 k-wise, k4, m1, k11, m1, k7, m1, k7, m1, k11, m1, k5. (51 sts)
Row 11: Sl 1 k-wise, knit to end.
Row 12, 14, 16, 18: Sl 1 p-wise, purl to end of row.
Row 13, 15, 17: Sl 1 k-wise, knit to end of row.
Toe and Top of Foot:
Row 19: Sl 1 k-wise, k28, ssk, turn.
Row 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34: Sl 1 p-wise, p7, p2tog, turn.
Row 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33: Sl 1 k-wise, k7, ssk, turn.
Row 35: Sl 1 k-wise, k4, m1, knit to end of the row. (36 sts)
Row 36: Sl 1 p-wise, purl to end of the row.
Make 12 eyelets for the laces:
Row 37: Sl 1 k-wise, *yo, k2tog, k1* to last 2 sts, yo, k2. (37 sts)
Row 38: Sl 1 p-wise, purl to end of the row.
BO in pattern.
Cuff:
Cast on 16 sts.
Garter stitch until piece is approximately 6.5 inches in length, bind off.
Constructing the Moccasin:
Using bind-off’s tails or additional yarn, attach cuff to top of foot at Row 38 (above eyelets). Then turn piece inside out and sew up edges from the bottom of the foot to the top of the cuff. Roll cuff down.
To help train the bootie into the correct shape, I like to stuff the foot with a sock or other small piece of material. Then apply a little splash of water, gently work the yarn into the right shape, and let it air dry.
Use contrasting yarn bits to embellish the toe using duplicate stitches. I’m fond of geometric designs like diamonds and arrows, but have fun adding your own style.
Thread your shoelace (e.g., ribbon, leather string, i-cord) through the eyelet holes and tie a little bow.
And voilà! There you have it! If you have any questions, let me know and I’ll do my best to help. Happy knitting!
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