I started knitting up these baby booties (http://www.lindaslists.net/babyboots.htm). To me, it seems that they are way too small. Has anyone made these and know that they would fit?
I just did this a week ago. They’re really cute! The pattern works great in either baby yarn or worsted weight. Of course, dummy me forgot to write it down or bookmark the pattern. I did mine on a circular needle because I’m too lazy to seam the back. If you do it that way, you still have to seam the bottoms. The bottoms look long, but part of that forms the sole of the bootie.
My pattern came from a different source, but the pattern was identical. I cast on the same number of stitches. I think a number 4 needle would be okay for a premie. My pattern was for a newborn and used a #7 needle. One thing I would suggest is to use a sock bind off for the top. This will make it easier to get the booties on and off. You knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, then pass the first knitted stitch and the yo over the second knitted stitch. Then you have the one stitch on your right needle, yo, k1, pass the first stitch and yo over the second. I think you get what I mean. This makes the edge super stretchy.
I’m a knitter who doesn’t like to follow a pattern. I don’t like having to keep track of rows. I prefer to measure. You will knit the garter stitch bottom on these for one inch. You will switch to stockinette stitch and do the decreases for one inch. The garter stitch top will be one inch. You can use a k1, p1 rib for the top if you prefer. This is a miniaturized version of a pattern for adult booties called Alma’s dorm boots.
As a guide to size, I can tell you that for a 1-5 lb. baby, 1-2" is a good length; for a 3-5lb. baby, 2 1/2-3"; and for a 5-7lb. baby, about 3". I’ve made tons of booties for newborns and they do seem tiny until you see them next to those tiny feet.
I tend to knit loosely and usually go down one needle size for the gauge to be right. I used a number 7 needle for this. My dimensions were: height 3 inches, width at widest point 3 1/2. Hope this helps. If anyone is interested, this might be a great pattern if you knit matching slippers for the new mom. Alma’s dorm boots pattern is at: http://www.needlebeetle.com/free/boots.htm
Sorry, I did mine on circulars with magic loop. The 3 1/2 width was only on one side. If you’re doing this flat with straight needles, the entire width would be 7 inches.
Thanks for the input everyone.