I know you’re thinking, “Well, Jess, you think you’re so crafty, you could just knit some tall socks.” And to that I say, “I may knit some crazy things, but I will never, not ever, ever knit a pair of socks. Ever. Like even if I’ve been barefoot in Antarctica for 21 years.”
I just don’t see the point. They’re so tedious. And then the glorious finished product gets hidden in a shoe, relegated to soaking up your foot sweat all day.
Enter the perfect solution: the boot topper.
The great thing about a boot topper is that it gives the illusion of the I-snowshoed-to-work-today vibe without all the bulk of an actual Eskimo sock. I whipped up several pairs of these as Christmas gifts this year and found I could crank one out for every two episodes of Breaking Bad I watched. Not such a bad pace for an awesome DIY gift.
It’s super easy (and surprisingly cozy) to make your own little calf Snuggies. I used worsted weight wool and size 7 double pointed needles for these boot toppers, but really, you can use any yarn you want as long as you adjust the needle size accordingly. I find it pretty fun to knit the basic tube and then add some variety in the stitches at the top (the part that sticks out of the boot). These boot toppers aren’t super tapered because we tend to be a family of pretty thin chicken calves. But if your calves are on the larger side, just add a few extra stitches once you’ve completed the bottom ribbing.
Basic Knit Boot Topper Pattern:
Worsted Weight Wool (although you can use anything that makes your legs smile)
Size 7 DPNs
Yarn Needle to sew in ends
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Cast on 44 stitches.
Ribbing: K2 P2 and continue this ribbing until you’re happy with its length
Body: Knit in the round until piece measures about 6″
(If you have larger calves, increase four stitches, dispersed evenly on the first full knit row.)
Top: K2 P2 and continue this ribbing until you’re happy with its length
(Or make up your own fancy design for the top)
Bind off all stitches, weave in the ends, pull on some comfy leggins and hit the road–or a mural of a road.
I love these boot toppers because they’re a super easy accessory that can look completely different based on the yarn and stitches you choose. Try a seed stitch. Or ribbing throughout. Or straight up garter stitch goodness. You really can’t go wrong.
Thanks to my ever-stylish sister, Mich, for modeling. You’re really a natural calf model.
kim says
is anyone aware of a crochet pattern for this-if so and it isn’t much trouble maybe send me a link to it-I know it shouldn’t be difficult to convert just that I am a newbie
thanks
Vanessa says
I’m a very novice knitter and am trying my hand at knitting in the round. Did/do you use 3 or 4 needles? I just tried with 4 and ended up with a huge jumbled mess.
Jessa says
Vanessa, the stitches should be dispersed across 3 needles. You will always have one needle free that you’re knitting with. E.g., if you have 12 stitches on each of the three, or needles A, B, C, then needle D will be the one you knit with and will take the place of needle A when you’re done with the row. Then needle A will become the one you knit with and replace needle B when the row is complete. Check out YouTube vids if you’re still confused!
Terresa says
I’m with you . . . love the look, hate the bulk. But I don’t know how to knit!!! Can you suggest a book or site so I can learn and make these??? Thanks!
Valery says
I love this tutorial, I’ve not mastered the art of knitting yet though. Do you think this could be done with crochet? Thanks for this tutorial
Amy says
Just a big THANK YOU for the free pattern! You are so generous to share! : )
Conny Mc says
How many balls would you need for this project?
Victoria says
What a great tutorial. I love that look but it always feel so bulky, will have to try this soon!
Make and Do Girl says
I totally agree. These will leave your ankles feeling fancy free.
makingmade says
Ahhhh, this is such a cute tutorial. I love the whole photo shoot that goes with it, especially the sidewalk chalk idea. Yay!
Make and Do Girl says
Thanks Jeanne! The sidewalk chalk was a happy accident. It happened to be outside the restaurant my sister and I were having brunch at. Maybe a sidewalk chalk mural can be one of the next things you make? 🙂
Shalet says
These are so cute!
Mom says
I have 1 seed stitch boot topper here. I need some yarn to finish boot topper #2!
Lauren says
I will be making these!!
Make and Do Girl says
Yay! Send me a pic when you do!
Michelle says
LOVE my boot toppers! Thanks for the pattern, maybe I’ll make some myself.
PS – told you that weird mural would be cool. Totally worth the wierd looks from the homeless dudes.
Make and Do Girl says
I look pretty weird in that pic too, so I guess it all came together 🙂