The Cherry Blossom Kisses Baby Booties: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Design

Abbreviations:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• yo = yarn over
• m1 = make one (increase)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Special Stitch: Cherry Blossom Stitch (worked over a multiple of 4 sts + 1)

This stitch pattern creates the delicate, petal-like texture on the cuff. Practice it on a swatch if you are new to lace knitting.

• Row 1 (RS): *k1, yo, k1, yo, k1*; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: *k2tog, k1, ssk*; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Cuff (worked in the round)

Begin by creating the ruffled cuff that gives these booties their signature look.

1. With CC, cast on 32 [36] sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Knit 4 rounds.
3. Switch to MC. Knit 2 rounds.
4. Work Cherry Blossom Stitch pattern in the round as follows:
   • Round 1: *k1, yo, k1, yo, k1*; repeat from * to end. (48 [54] sts)
   • Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   • Round 3: *k2tog, k1, ssk*; repeat from * to end. (32 [36] sts)
   • Round 4: Knit all stitches.
5. Repeat these 4 rounds once more.
6. Knit 2 rounds with MC.

Foot (worked flat for heel)

Now you will shape the heel by working back and forth on half the stitches.

1. Knit 16 [18] sts, turn. Place remaining 16 [18] sts on a holder for the instep.
2. Work back and forth on these 16 [18] sts for the heel:
   • Row 1 (WS): Slip 1 purlwise, purl to end.
   • Row 2 (RS): *Slip 1 knitwise, k1*; repeat from * to end.
3. Repeat these 2 rows for 12 [14] rows total, ending with a WS row.

Heel Turn

This technique creates a rounded heel that fits the baby's foot comfortably.

1. Row 1 (RS): Slip 1, k9 [10], ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p4 [5], p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Slip 1, k5 [6], ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Slip 1, p6 [7], p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Continue in this manner until all heel stitches have been worked. You will have 10 [12] sts remaining.

Gusset

The gusset shapes the instep and connects the heel to the foot.

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 8 [9] sts along the left side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the 16 [18] instep sts from holder.
3. Pick up and knit 8 [9] sts along the right side of the heel flap.
4. Knit across the 10 [12] heel sts. (42 [48] sts)
5. Knit 1 round even.

Decrease Round

Reduce stitches to shape the foot.

1. Knit to last 2 sts before instep, k2tog.
2. Knit across instep sts.
3. Ssk, knit to end of round. (40 [46] sts)
4. Knit 1 round even.
5. Repeat these 2 rounds until 32 [36] sts remain.

Foot Length

Knit even until the foot measures 2.5 [3] inches from the heel, or desired length. For a perfect fit, measure the baby's foot from heel to toe and subtract about 0.5 inches for the toe shaping.

Toe

Shape the toe with decreases.

1. Round 1: *k6 [7], k2tog*; repeat from * to end. (28 [32] sts)
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Round 3: *k5 [6], k2tog*; repeat from * to end. (24 [28] sts)
4. Round 4: Knit.
5. Continue decreasing in this manner (knitting one fewer stitch between decreases each round) until 12 [16]

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