Retro Chenille Tree Cuff Boots: Free Knit Pattern
Retro Chenille Tree Cuff Boots: Free Knit Pattern
Introduction
These little booties are made for tiny feet that deserve something a bit special. Knit in plush lilac chenille, they are soft, squishy, and warm, with a folded basketweave cuff that gives them a cozy, retro feel. The stylized Christmas tree on the front is built from three stacked triangles of the same yarn, so it stays subtle and sweet rather than loud. They are quick to make, gentle on the hands, and perfect as a first bootie project or a handmade gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky weight chenille yarn (approx. 100–120 yds per 100 g), 100% polyester. Color A (lilac): 150 yds. Color B (lilac, for appliqués): small amount, or use the same yarn.
- Needles: 5.0 mm (US 8) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Stitch holder or spare needle, tapestry needle, scissors, pins for tacking the cuff.
- Finished size: To fit toddler shoe size 4–6 (approx. 4.5 in / 11.5 cm foot length, 2.5 in / 6.5 cm width, 4 in / 10 cm height including cuff).
Abbreviations
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side (the outside of the bootie)
- WS: wrong side (the inside of the bootie)
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st st: stockinette stitch (knit on RS rows, purl on WS rows)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (a left-leaning decrease)
- k2tog: knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
- p2tog: purl two stitches together
- p3tog: purl three stitches together
Gauge
16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Knit a small swatch, block it gently, and measure a 4-inch section; adjust needle size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Chenille sheds and slips, so use a slightly blunt tapestry needle for seaming and weave ends in firmly.
- Count stitches after every decrease row; the instep and toe shaping rely on exact counts.
- Keep your basketweave tension relaxed so the folded cuff stays soft and does not pull tight.
- Make both booties at the same time or note your row counts so the pair matches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bootie (make 2)
Cast on 36 sts with A.
Work in basketweave pattern:
R1 (RS): [k4, p4] to last 4 sts, k4.
R2: [p4, k4] to last 4 sts, p4.
R3: [k4, p4] to last 4 sts, k4.
R4: [p4, k4] to last 4 sts, p4.
R5: [p4, k4] to last 4 sts, p4.
R6: [k4, p4] to last 4 sts, k4.
R7: [p4, k4] to last 4 sts, p4.
R8: [k4, p4] to last 4 sts, k4.
Rows 9–16: Repeat R1–R8 once more (16 rows total).
Change to stockinette stitch (st st) and work even for 8 rows.
Shape Foot
Next row (RS): k18, turn. Work on these 18 sts for instep:
Row 1 (WS): p18.
Row 2: k17, ssk (17 sts).
Row 3: p16, p2tog (16 sts).
Row 4: k15, ssk (15 sts).
Row 5: p14, p2tog (14 sts).
Row 6: k13, ssk (13 sts).
Row 7: p12, p2tog (12 sts).
Row 8: k11, ssk (11 sts).
Row 9: p10, p2tog (10 sts).
Row 10: k9, ssk (9 sts).
Row 11: p8, p2tog (8 sts).
Row 12: k7, ssk (7 sts).
Row 13: p6, p2tog (6 sts).
Row 14: k5, ssk (5 sts).
Row 15: p4, p2tog (4 sts).
Row 16: k3, ssk (3 sts).
Row 17: p2, p2tog (2 sts).
Row 18: k1, ssk (1 st).
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Slip instep sts to a holder.
With RS facing, pick up and knit 9 sts along right side of instep, knit the 1 instep st, pick up and knit 9 sts along left side of instep, then knit the remaining 18 sts from the back needle (37 sts).
Next row (WS): purl.
Shape Toe
Row 1 (RS): k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (35 sts).
Row 2: purl.
Rows 3–10: Repeat Rows 1–2 four more times (27 sts).
Next row (RS): k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (25 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (23 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (21 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (19 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (17 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (15 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (13 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (11 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (9 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (7 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (5 sts).
Next row: purl.
Next row: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (3 sts).
Next row: p3tog (1 st).
Break yarn, pull through last st. Sew sole seam.
Cuff
With RS facing, pick up and knit 36 sts evenly around top edge of bootie.
Work in basketweave pattern as for leg for 16 rows (R1–R8, then R1–R8 again).
Bind off loosely in pattern. Fold cuff in half to WS and tack in place.
Tree Appliqué (make 3 triangles per bootie)
With B, cast on 5 sts.
Row 1: k5.
Row 2: p5.
Row 3: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1 (3 sts).
Row 4: p3.
Row 5: k1, ssk, k1 (2 sts).
Row 6: p2.
Row 7: k2tog (1 st).
Break yarn, pull through last st.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the sole seam on each bootie with the tail, using a flat seam so it stays comfortable. Sew one triangle to the front of each bootie at the base of the cuff, stacking three triangles with the smallest at the top and overlapping slightly to form the tree shape. Weave in all ends firmly, especially in chenille. Block lightly by misting and shaping with your hands; do not press the chenille flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use a contrasting soft green chenille for the tree triangles if you want the design to pop.
- Add a tiny crochet chain or embroidered star at the top of the tree for extra charm.
- For a warmer bootie, work the foot in a slightly tighter gauge or add a thin fleece lining tacked inside.
