These cosy Farran baby booties are knitted with garter stitch on the soles for extra cushiness. Knitting a taller ankle section gives ample overlap with trousers or leggings for warmth.

These booties are perfect for pre-walkers. The name is inspired by the nature walks my family takes in Farran Wood.

Materials for largest size

153 yards (1x50-gram ball) Nua sport weight yarn or equivalent weight yarn

3.5mm (20cm length) double-pointed (DPN) knitting needles

Gauge: 28sts x 40rows per 10x10cm (4x4in)

Sizes: Preemie (0-12 months, 12-18 months pictured above)

Pattern

  • • CO 18 (28, 38) with 3.5mm DPNs and join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist.
  • • K1 P1 for 4 (4, 5) rows.
  • • Knit all for 20 (35, 50) rows.
  • • Kfb, Knit 10 (18, 26), kfb, Knit 6 (8, 10).
  • • Place the first 14 (22, 30) stitches on a stitch holder, then work the remaining 4 (6, 8) sts (this will be the front of the bootie).
  • • Work back and forth in stockinette (knit RS, purl WS) with just the centre section of stitches for 16 (24, 32) rows.
  • • Place the stockinette front section stitches on a different stitch holder and return the previously held stitches to the DPNs. Work back and forth in garter stitch (knit all stitches) as follows:
  • • K all stitches for 4 (5, 6) rows.
  • • K2tog, K 7 (12, 17), K2tog, K 7 (12, 17).
  • • Knit all for 1 row.
  • • K2tog, K 6 (11, 16), K2tog, K 6 (11, 16).
  • • Knit all for 1 row.
  • • K2tog, K 5 (10, 15), K2tog, K 5 (10, 15).
  • • Knit all for 1 row.
  • • K2tog, K 4 (9, 14), K2tog, K 4 (9, 14).
  • • Knit all for 1 row.
  • • K2tog, K 3 (8, 13), K2tog, K 3 (8, 13).
  • • Knit all for 1 row.
  • • K2tog, K 2 (7, 12), K2tog, K 2 (7, 12).
  • • Knit all for 1 row.
  • • Use three-needle bind off.
  • • Return to the centre section, which is a flap at the moment, and use the kitchener stitch to seam it between the garter stitch rolls.
  • • Weave in ends. Gently block.

  • GLOSSARY

    CO = Cast on. K = knit. P = Purl. K2tog = Knit two together. Kfb = Knit into front and back of the same stitch.

    Let us know how you’re doing

    We would love to hear from any reader who decides to tackle this project. Let us know how you get on by emailing maria@farmersjournal.ie or by writing to Irish Country Living Knitting, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12 with a picture, or share your progress on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #ICLEvin.