Saartje's bootees - advice needed on yarn and sizing

#1

I want to make a pair of the gorgeous Saartje bootees -
http://members.home.nl/tdpj/Patronen/Bootees/Saartjes%20bootees.pdf

  • but using Double Knit yarn rather than 4ply. Actually, I’ve just knit one bootee but I’m not totally pleased with it. I thought that by making the smallest size using the thicker yarn, it would work out fine… just a little bigger, suitable for a baby to about 3 months.

The length seems pretty good. However, the bootee looks TOO big in the front of the foot, quite rounded and wide as if it would be a very sloppy fit across the front. Has anyone made them in DK yarn (ie a gauge, in stocking stitch, of 22 st per 10cm) and if so, are there some adjustments I should make so the bootee shape is better?

I’ve never done them in 4ply so perhaps this rounded unformed shape to the front is how it should be? Hope not! A young baby’s foot is rather narrow, not up to the chubby stage yet, so perhaps this rounded shape might better suit an older baby?

#2

They look pretty rounded in the picture so maybe that is how they’re supposed to be?

#3

mine (and pics of others I’ve seen) all come out with that bulbous rounded toe, even the smallest size. here are pics of the 2 pairs of smallest size I made so far:

I used Cashsoft DK which yarndex says is 22 st/4 in for these:

I used Zara for these - yarndex says it’s 23 st/4 in.:

edited to add: I haven’t seen pics yet but I was told by the dad of the 1.5 month old boy I made the blue/brown ones for that they fit him perfectly.

#4

They are so cute, Jodi, and I love your choice of colours.

I’m encouraged that your yarn thickness was similar to mine, so I think what I’ll do is try knitting on a smaller needle. What size needles did you use?

Thanks!

#5

:aww: thank you miss_molly :hug: :heart: . I did both of these on size US 3.

#6

Excellent, you’ve solved my problem! :cheering:
Because 4.00 (our sizing, which I think is a 6 in US sizing) is the needle size always recommended for Double Knit yarn, that is the size I used for the bootees. Obviously a big mistake! So now I’ll try using size 3.25… equivalent to your 3.00.

I hope mine turn out as cute as yours. So once again, a BIG thank you!

#7

aw I’m sure yours will turn out just fine! :heart:

#8

I just finished my first bootee and seamed it all up. :woohoo: Now I just need to know the technique to make the button loop with the strings hanging from the edge of the straps. Help Please.

#9

I thought the pattern directed a crochet chain? Pulling loops through like Navajo plying. Google for tutes