by DilysSutherland, (c) 1998
These are knit up in a sock style, but are heavy enough that they are really booties!
**Special Abbreviation: ssk - this is an alternative to the old psso decrease. To ssk, you slip the next two stitches knitwise, then insert the tip of the left hand needle into the front of these two stitches, then knit them together. If you prefer, you could always use the psso decrease instead. (Slip 1, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), but I find the ssk is quicker and neater.
Materials:
one set of 4.5 mm (US 7) dpn's
Worsted weight yarn
Cast on 24 stitches, divided evenly onto 3 needles. Joining roungs, work in k1, p1 ribbing until leg measures 2 1/2". Divide for heel as follows: needle 1: 12 stitches, needles 2 and 3: 6 stitches each.
Heel flap: With WS facing, and working with the 12 stitches on needle 1: sl 1, purl across, turn.
Next row: *sl 1, k1. Repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat these two rows until heel flap measure 1 1/2 ", ending with a purl row.
Turning the heel:
Row 1: k6, place marker, k2, ssk, turn
Row 2: sl 1, purl to 2 stitches past marker, p2tog, turn
Row 3: sl 1, k to 2 st past marker, ssk, turn
Row 4: sl 1, purl to 2 stitches past marker, p2tog, turn
Row 5: sl 1, k to 2 st past marker, ssk, turn
Row 6: sl 1, purl to 2 stitches past marker, p2tog, turn
Row 7: knit (6 stitches)
With RS facing, and using the heel flap needle (needle 1), pick up 8 stitches along the side of the heel flap. With an empty needle, knit across stitches fo next two needles so the 12 instep stitches are now on one needle. (needle 2) With empty needle, (now needle 3), pick up 8 stitches along other side of heel flap, and knit 3 stitches from needle 1. You should now have your stitches distributed as follows: Needle 1 - 11 stitches, needle 2 - 12 stitches, needle 3 - 11 stitches.
Shape instep:
Round 1: knit
Round 2: Knit to last 3 stitches of needle 1, k2tog, k1. Knit across needle 2. On needle 3, k1, ssk, k to end.
Repeat these two rounds until 24 stitches remain. Continue knitting every round until foot measures 2 1/2" from picked up stitches.
Shape Toe:
Round 1: On needle 1, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. On needle 2, k1, ssk, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. On needle 3, k1, ssk, k to end.
Round 2: knit
Repeat these two rounds until 12 stitches remain, then graft two stitches using Kitchener Stitch OR cast off and sew up.
