THE ABSOLUTELY EASIEST BOOTIE PATTERN YOU CAN FIND. I mass produced these when I adopted my three girls. They still wear them as slippers and request them every year, but they are a little larger now. This makes a bootie that is 3 1/2 inches long without stretching and will fit any newborn baby. It will stretch until foot is about 6 1/2 inches long so it can be worn for a long time.

Cast on 5 to 8 inches of stitches (cuff length will vary from 1/2 to 2 inches depending on cast on) work in garter stitch until unstretched length of bootie is 2 inches, Bind off stitches at beginning of next 2 rows leaving 4 inches of stitches in center. Continue garter stitch until unstretched length is 3 1/2 inches, k2 tog across next row, knit 1 row even, k 2 tog across next row, thread yarn through stitches and tie off tightly, sew seam up to edge of cuff and finish off. Gather center back 1/3 of stitches and tie off. Sew cast on edges together using your favorite seam. I use what I call the "baseball" stitch because it was once used on those older leather baseballs. Pass yarn or narrow ribbon under garter "bumps" at level of cuff and use to tie on booties. Turn cuff down. Directions for the baseball stitch follow.

The first stitch is taken from the inside of the bootie to the outside. The second one is also taken from the inside to the outside. In fact, all stitches are made putting the needle from the inside to the outside. .















This gives the seam the characteristic criss crossed look of a baseball.















But magically the edges are turned in and the sewing yarn disappears when it is tightened and nothing shows but a closed seam even when sewn with contrasting thread.

Finally back on line after moving. Lots of problems getting reconnected to the internet but they are almost solved now. Still waiting for one wireless connector and then will have a completely wireles network in the house. In the meantime I have a wire running across the dining room and into my bedroom taped to the carpet with duct tape. Now its time for some serious knitting.