The Lily Pad Leap Frog Booties: A Free Knitting Pattern for Textured, Heirloom-Quality Baby Booties

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• ssk = slip slip knit
• yo = yarn over
• m1 = make one (increase)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• MC = Main Color (Forest Green)
• CC = Contrast Color (Light Green)

Sole (Make 2)

With MC, cast on 6 (8) sts.

• Row 1 (WS): Purl.
• Row 2 (RS): K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. [8 (10) sts]
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. [10 (12) sts]
• Row 5: Purl.
• Row 6: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. [12 (14) sts]
• Work even: Work in stockinette (knit RS, purl WS) for 10 (12) rows.
• Next row (RS): K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [10 (12) sts]
• Next row: Purl.
• Repeat last 2 rows once more. [8 (10) sts]
• Next row (RS): K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [6 (8) sts]
• Bind off purlwise on WS. Weave in ends.

Body (Make 2)

With RS facing, using CC, pick up and knit 28 (32) sts evenly around the sole edge. Join to work in the round on DPNs or magic loop. Place marker for beginning of round.

• Round 1: Purl all sts.
• Round 2: Knit all sts.
• Round 3: *K2tog, yo; repeat from * around. (Creates eyelet row for turning)
• Round 4: Knit all sts.
• Round 5: Purl all sts.
• Rounds 6-9: Knit all sts.
• Round 10: *K2tog, yo; repeat from * around. (Second eyelet row)
• Rounds 11-12: Knit all sts.
• Round 13: Purl all sts.
• Round 14: Knit all sts.

Shape Toe

• Round 15: *K6 (7), k2tog; repeat from * around. [24 (28) sts]
• Round 16: Knit.
• Round 17: *K5 (6), k2tog; repeat from * around. [20 (24) sts]
• Round 18: Knit.
• Round 19: *K4 (5), k2tog; repeat from * around. [16 (20) sts]
• Round 20: Knit.
• Round 21: *K3 (4), k2tog; repeat from * around. [12 (16) sts]
• Round 22: Knit.
• Round 23: *K2 (3), k2tog; repeat from * around. [8 (12) sts]
• For 3-6 month size only: Round 24: Knit. Round 25: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around. [9 sts]
• Finish: Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing

• Cuff: Fold the top edge down along the first eyelet row to create a cuff. Sew the cuff in place on the inside.
• Eyes: Using black yarn, embroider two French knots for eyes on the toe area (about 1 inch from the tip). Add a small white French knot for a highlight.
• Weave in ends: Weave in all remaining yarn ends.

Lily Pad Embellishment (Optional)

With MC, cast on 3 sts. Knit 1 row. Next row: K1, m1, k1, m1, k1. [5 sts] Knit 3 rows. Next row: K1, m1, k3, m1, k1. [7 sts]