How to Knit Sweater Boots

With a bit of wool yarn, a pair of old sturdy shoes and a heavy-duty leather needle, you can knit sweater boots. Sweater boots are warm and cozy, perfect for indoor wear all winter long. But keep in mind that they are not particularly weatherproof, so you should avoid trekking through the ice and snow in your knit sweater boots.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Double-point knitting needles, size 7 or a size to achieve gauge Aran or heavy worsted weight wool yarn Hand sewing needles made for leather Sturdy upholstery thread in a color to match your yarn Stitch marker Strong scissors An old pair of sturdy or orthopedic style shoes in your size Stitch holder

How to Knit Sweater Boots

1. Knit a gauge swatch. You are aiming for 19 stitches to 4 inches, knit in the round to produce a size 8 1/2 woman's sweater boot. You may opt for bulkier yarn and larger needles to create a larger hand-knit sweater boot.

2. Cast on 48 stitches. Work in a knit 2, purl 2 rib pattern for approximately 4 inches to 6 inches, as desired.

3. Place 24 stitches onto a holder. Working back and forth on the remaining 24 stitches, Knit 2, *slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1 repeat from* to end of row. Purl all stitches on the wrong side of your work. Repeat last 2 rows until heel measures 2 1/2 inches. Bind off the heel flap.

4. Pick up and knit 18 stitches along side edge of heel. Place a marker and knit 24 stitches from the stitch holder. Place a marker and pick up and knit 18 stitches along other side of heel for a total of 60 stitches.

5. Knit 1, slip, slip, knit, knit to maker. Work in rib pattern to the next marker. Knit to last 3 stitches, knit two together, knit 1. On row 2, purl to the marker, work in ribbing until the next marker and purl to the end of the row. Repeat the last 2 rows until 24 stitches remain on your needle.

6. Work the remaining 24 stitches back and forth in the ribbed pattern as set until the instep measures 6 inches. Knit 1, slip, slip, knit and knit to last 3 stitches, knit 2 together, knit 1. Purl 1 row. Repeat last 2 rows until 12 stitches remain on the needle. Bind off these stitches.

7. Cut away any excess leather or material from your shoes to allow easy sewing access while working on your sweater boot. Using a leather needle and strong thread, hand stitch your knit sweater boot top to the shoe base, sewing through the remaining leather or fabric. Be sure your seams are secure. Repeat all steps for the remaining sweater boot.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase your yarn and needle size, and knit and felt your sweater boots for a more durable and sturdy option. Add cables or patterns if you prefer.