Knitting & Crochet
Knitted cosy mukluks
Women's mukluks
Photography by Carol Kaplan
Image by: Women's mukluks<br />Photography by Carol Kaplan
Knitting & Crochet
Knitted cosy mukluks
This story was originally titled "Make Your Own Mukluks" in the February 2009 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!
Have you made these mukluks? Want to show them off? Upload a photo or video of your beautiful craft in the comments section below.
Mukluks are worked in the round. The pattern is written for women's shoe size 5; larger sizes follow in brackets. If there is only one figure, it applies to all sizes. Standard abbreviations are used. Recommended for experienced knitters.
Sizes 23 (23.5, 24, 25, 25.5, 26)cm/9 (9-1/4, 9-1/2, 9-3/4, 10, 10-1/4)ins foot length, corresponding to women's shoe sizes 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
You need:
3 skeins (113 g) Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted-weight 85 per cent wool/15 per cent mohair yarn, Main Colour (MC) No. M06 Deep Charcoal
1 ball (50 g) each Brown Sheep Nature Spun sport-weight pure wool yarn, Contrast Colour 1 (CC1) No. 110 Blueberry; Contrast Colour 2 (CC2) No. 207 Alpine Violet; Contrast Colour 3 (CC3) No. N65 Sapphire; and Contrast Colour 4 (CC4) No. 205 Regal Purple (find a list of retailers at brownsheep.com)
Set of five 5 mm double-pointed needles (DPN) or whichever needles you require to produce the tension given below
One long 10 mm (or larger) needle
9 cm/3-1/2 ins square of sturdy corrugated cardboard
Stitch markers
Stitch holder
Tapestry needle
Darning or embroidery needle 1 pair of slipper soles (available online from fibertrends.com; click on Other Products) sized to fit (optional)
Sewing needle and sturdy thread to match soles (optional)
Tension:
18 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm/4 ins before felting in stocking stitch worked in round using MC and DPN; 18 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4 ins after felting. Work to exact tension with specified yarn to obtain satisfactory results. To save time, take time to check tension.
To make:
With MC and DPN, cast on 70 sts. Place marker and, being careful not to twist sts, join in rnd, dividing sts as evenly as possible between 3 DPN.
To shape leg:
Moving marker up as you complete each rnd, [purl 1 rnd, knit 1 rnd] 6 times.
Next rnd: Purl.
Next 2 rnds: Knit. Work from beg measures 4.5 cm/1-3/4 ins.
Eyelet rnd: K2, [yo, k2tog, k4] to last 2 sts, yo, k2tog.
Next 4 rnds: Knit.
* Dec rnd: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Next 7 rnds: Knit.
Rep from * 6 times more, then rep dec rnd once more. 54 sts now on needles.
Next rnd: Knit to last 14 sts, slip last 14 sts onto new DPN, move marker, slip first 14 sts of next rnd onto same DPN for heel (28 sts now on needle), leaving rem 26 sts on separate DPN for instep.
Page 1 of 3 -- On page 2, learn how to make the heel and foot of the mukluk boot
To shape heel:
Work garter st (knit every row) back and forth on 28 heel sts until heel from beg measures 4.5 cm/1-3/4 ins, ending with right side facing for next row.
To turn heel:
Work short rows as foll:
Row 1 ( right side): Knit to last 9 sts, ssk, wrap next st, turn.
Row 2: Knit to last 9 sts, k2tog, wrap next st, turn (each wrapped st is 7th st in from one end), turn.
**Row 3: Knit to st before previous wrapped st, ssk (wrapped st tog with st before it), wrap next st, turn.
Row 4: Knit to st before previous wrapped st, k2tog (wrapped st tog with st before it), wrap next st, turn.
Next: Rep from ** 5 times more (last wrapped st is edge st at each side).
Row 15: Knit to last 2 sts, ssk (last wrapped st tog with st before it), turn.
Row 16: Knit to last 2 sts, k2tog (last wrapped st tog with st before it), turn, thus ending with right side facing for next row. 12 sts now on needle.
To shape gusset:
Rnd 1 ( right side): Knit first 6 heel sts, place marker (rnds now beg at heel centre), k6 rem heel sts, pick up and knit 11 sts along selvage of heel, knit across 26 instep sts, pick up and knit 11 sts along rem selvage of heel, and knit first 6 heel sts, ending at marker. 60 sts now on needles. Divide sts: 18 sts on first needle, 24 sts (for instep) on second needle and 18 sts on third needle.
***Rnd 2: Knit to last 2 sts on first needle, k2tog, k24 across instep, ssk (first 2 sts on third needle) and knit to end of rnd. 58 sts now on needles.
Rnd 3: Knit.
Rep from *** 6 times more. 46 sts now on needles.
To shape foot: Work 29 (31, 33, 35, 37, 39) rnds even in St st. Foot measures 12.5 (13.5, 14.5, 15, 16, 17)cm/5 (5-1/4, 5-3/4, 6, 6-1/4, 6-3/4)ins from last dec rnd of gusset.
To begin toe:
Rnd 1: K8, k2tog, place marker, k3, place marker, ssk, k16, k2tog, place marker, k3, place marker, ssk and k8. 42 sts now on needles.
Rnds 2 and 3: Knit.
Rnd 4: K7, k2tog, k3, ssk, k14, k2tog, k3, ssk, k7. 38 sts now on needles.
Rnd 5: Knit.
Rnd 6: K6, k2tog, k3, ssk, k12, k2tog, k3, ssk, k6. 34 sts now on needles.
Rnd 7: K5, k2tog, k3, ssk, k10, k2tog, k3, ssk (5 sts rem unworked; do not knit). 30 sts now on needles.
Slip 5 unworked sts from end of last rnd and first 5 sts of next rnd onto one DPN for sole, slip 5 sts at each end onto separate DPN for foot sides, slip rem 10 sts onto st holder for top (yarn end now at beg of needle with sts for sole).
To finish toe:
Work back and forth on 10 sts for sole, joining to foot sides, as foll:
Row 1 ( right side): Knit to last st on needle, ssk last st tog with 1 st from side, turn.
Row 2: Purl to last st on needle, p2tog (last st with first st from side), turn.
Rep last 2 rows 4 times more to incorporate all side sts. 10 sts now on sole needle; slip 10 top sts onto separate DPN. Thread yarn end through tapestry needle, then, holding DPNs together, graft tog sts for top and sole across toe; fasten off and weave in ends.
Page 2 of 3 -- Learn what finishing touches to put on your mukluks on page 3.
To felt:
Note: Felted fabric will be smooth and firm, and stitches will not be visible.
Machine wash in hot wash/cold rinse, adding soap and towel or pair of jeans for friction; check often during cycle, and remove mukluks when desired size, or fill one side of double laundry tub with hot soapy water and the other with cold water and ice cubes; wearing rubber gloves, alternately agitate and rub mukluks in hot water, then plunge into ice water, and remove mukluks when desired size. Rinse thoroughly, then stuff with small towels to shape. With long knitting needle, poke open eyelet holes. Let dry.
Twisted Cord (makes 2):
Cut one 275 cm/108-1/4 ins strand each from CC2, CC3 and CC4; hold strands tog and loop midpoint over doorknob to anchor. Holding each group of 3 strands in one hand, tightly twist each group, separately, until it begins to kink. Bring together in one hand and allow groups to twist around each other counterclockwise; between thumb and fingers, smooth tog down length. Knot cut ends tog; slip cord off doorknob.
Tassel (makes 4):
Wind CC2, CC3 and CC4, one colour at a time, 17 times each, up and down around cardboard; thread tapestry needle with short length of yarn and slip under all strands at top edge, then knot to create tassel "head." Approx 13 mm (1/2 in) down, tightly wind yarn ends around strands and knot. Cut loops at tassel bottom, trimming even.
Beg and ending at centre back, thread twisted cord in and out through eyelets around one mukluk, then, with ends even, loosely tie close to back. With tapestry needle, thread each cord end through top of one tassel; at desired cord length, tie large knot to secure tassel, then trim cord.
With darning needle and CC3, cross-stitch at 3 to 4 cm (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 ins) intervals around each cuff. Flipping motif for right and left mukluks, stitch flower as shown in photo, 4 cm (1-1/2 ins) down from cord on outside of each leg. With CC1, work French knots for flower centre. With CC2, satin-stitch inner petals; with CC3, satin-stitch outer petals. With CC4, satinstitch leaves and stem-stitch stems.
If adding soles: With sewing needle and thread, blanket-stitch each sole in place; with darning needle and CC3, cross-stitch along top edge.
Designer's Tip: To make pink mukluks shown, use No. M102 Orchid Thistle for MC; No. 205 Regal Purple (CC1); No. 880 Charcoal (CC2); No. 110 Blueberry (CC3); and No. N65 Sapphire (CC4).
Read more:
• Knit a Newfoundland pullover
• Guide to organic and eco-friendly yarns
• Basic crocheted socks
Check out:
• Make + Do: The Craft Blog
• CanadianLiving.com Knitting
• CanadianLiving.com Sewing
Page 3 of 3 -- On page one, find what materials you will need to make your own mukluks
Adapted from
FolkStyle: Innovative Designs to Knit Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More (Interweave Press, 2007, softcover, $31.95) by Mags Kandis
.
Have you made these mukluks? Want to show them off? Upload a photo or video of your beautiful craft in the comments section below.
Mukluks are worked in the round. The pattern is written for women's shoe size 5; larger sizes follow in brackets. If there is only one figure, it applies to all sizes. Standard abbreviations are used. Recommended for experienced knitters.
Sizes 23 (23.5, 24, 25, 25.5, 26)cm/9 (9-1/4, 9-1/2, 9-3/4, 10, 10-1/4)ins foot length, corresponding to women's shoe sizes 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
You need:
3 skeins (113 g) Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted-weight 85 per cent wool/15 per cent mohair yarn, Main Colour (MC) No. M06 Deep Charcoal
1 ball (50 g) each Brown Sheep Nature Spun sport-weight pure wool yarn, Contrast Colour 1 (CC1) No. 110 Blueberry; Contrast Colour 2 (CC2) No. 207 Alpine Violet; Contrast Colour 3 (CC3) No. N65 Sapphire; and Contrast Colour 4 (CC4) No. 205 Regal Purple (find a list of retailers at brownsheep.com)
Set of five 5 mm double-pointed needles (DPN) or whichever needles you require to produce the tension given below
One long 10 mm (or larger) needle
9 cm/3-1/2 ins square of sturdy corrugated cardboard
Stitch markers
Stitch holder
Tapestry needle
Darning or embroidery needle 1 pair of slipper soles (available online from fibertrends.com; click on Other Products) sized to fit (optional)
Sewing needle and sturdy thread to match soles (optional)
Tension:
18 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm/4 ins before felting in stocking stitch worked in round using MC and DPN; 18 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4 ins after felting. Work to exact tension with specified yarn to obtain satisfactory results. To save time, take time to check tension.
To make:
With MC and DPN, cast on 70 sts. Place marker and, being careful not to twist sts, join in rnd, dividing sts as evenly as possible between 3 DPN.
To shape leg:
Moving marker up as you complete each rnd, [purl 1 rnd, knit 1 rnd] 6 times.
Next rnd: Purl.
Next 2 rnds: Knit. Work from beg measures 4.5 cm/1-3/4 ins.
Eyelet rnd: K2, [yo, k2tog, k4] to last 2 sts, yo, k2tog.
Next 4 rnds: Knit.
* Dec rnd: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Next 7 rnds: Knit.
Rep from * 6 times more, then rep dec rnd once more. 54 sts now on needles.
Next rnd: Knit to last 14 sts, slip last 14 sts onto new DPN, move marker, slip first 14 sts of next rnd onto same DPN for heel (28 sts now on needle), leaving rem 26 sts on separate DPN for instep.
Page 1 of 3 -- On page 2, learn how to make the heel and foot of the mukluk boot
To shape heel:
Work garter st (knit every row) back and forth on 28 heel sts until heel from beg measures 4.5 cm/1-3/4 ins, ending with right side facing for next row.
To turn heel:
Work short rows as foll:
Row 1 ( right side): Knit to last 9 sts, ssk, wrap next st, turn.
Row 2: Knit to last 9 sts, k2tog, wrap next st, turn (each wrapped st is 7th st in from one end), turn.
**Row 3: Knit to st before previous wrapped st, ssk (wrapped st tog with st before it), wrap next st, turn.
Row 4: Knit to st before previous wrapped st, k2tog (wrapped st tog with st before it), wrap next st, turn.
Next: Rep from ** 5 times more (last wrapped st is edge st at each side).
Row 15: Knit to last 2 sts, ssk (last wrapped st tog with st before it), turn.
Row 16: Knit to last 2 sts, k2tog (last wrapped st tog with st before it), turn, thus ending with right side facing for next row. 12 sts now on needle.
To shape gusset:
Rnd 1 ( right side): Knit first 6 heel sts, place marker (rnds now beg at heel centre), k6 rem heel sts, pick up and knit 11 sts along selvage of heel, knit across 26 instep sts, pick up and knit 11 sts along rem selvage of heel, and knit first 6 heel sts, ending at marker. 60 sts now on needles. Divide sts: 18 sts on first needle, 24 sts (for instep) on second needle and 18 sts on third needle.
***Rnd 2: Knit to last 2 sts on first needle, k2tog, k24 across instep, ssk (first 2 sts on third needle) and knit to end of rnd. 58 sts now on needles.
Rnd 3: Knit.
Rep from *** 6 times more. 46 sts now on needles.
To shape foot: Work 29 (31, 33, 35, 37, 39) rnds even in St st. Foot measures 12.5 (13.5, 14.5, 15, 16, 17)cm/5 (5-1/4, 5-3/4, 6, 6-1/4, 6-3/4)ins from last dec rnd of gusset.
To begin toe:
Rnd 1: K8, k2tog, place marker, k3, place marker, ssk, k16, k2tog, place marker, k3, place marker, ssk and k8. 42 sts now on needles.
Rnds 2 and 3: Knit.
Rnd 4: K7, k2tog, k3, ssk, k14, k2tog, k3, ssk, k7. 38 sts now on needles.
Rnd 5: Knit.
Rnd 6: K6, k2tog, k3, ssk, k12, k2tog, k3, ssk, k6. 34 sts now on needles.
Rnd 7: K5, k2tog, k3, ssk, k10, k2tog, k3, ssk (5 sts rem unworked; do not knit). 30 sts now on needles.
Slip 5 unworked sts from end of last rnd and first 5 sts of next rnd onto one DPN for sole, slip 5 sts at each end onto separate DPN for foot sides, slip rem 10 sts onto st holder for top (yarn end now at beg of needle with sts for sole).
To finish toe:
Work back and forth on 10 sts for sole, joining to foot sides, as foll:
Row 1 ( right side): Knit to last st on needle, ssk last st tog with 1 st from side, turn.
Row 2: Purl to last st on needle, p2tog (last st with first st from side), turn.
Rep last 2 rows 4 times more to incorporate all side sts. 10 sts now on sole needle; slip 10 top sts onto separate DPN. Thread yarn end through tapestry needle, then, holding DPNs together, graft tog sts for top and sole across toe; fasten off and weave in ends.
Page 2 of 3 -- Learn what finishing touches to put on your mukluks on page 3.
To felt:
Note: Felted fabric will be smooth and firm, and stitches will not be visible.
Machine wash in hot wash/cold rinse, adding soap and towel or pair of jeans for friction; check often during cycle, and remove mukluks when desired size, or fill one side of double laundry tub with hot soapy water and the other with cold water and ice cubes; wearing rubber gloves, alternately agitate and rub mukluks in hot water, then plunge into ice water, and remove mukluks when desired size. Rinse thoroughly, then stuff with small towels to shape. With long knitting needle, poke open eyelet holes. Let dry.
Twisted Cord (makes 2):
Cut one 275 cm/108-1/4 ins strand each from CC2, CC3 and CC4; hold strands tog and loop midpoint over doorknob to anchor. Holding each group of 3 strands in one hand, tightly twist each group, separately, until it begins to kink. Bring together in one hand and allow groups to twist around each other counterclockwise; between thumb and fingers, smooth tog down length. Knot cut ends tog; slip cord off doorknob.
Tassel (makes 4):
Wind CC2, CC3 and CC4, one colour at a time, 17 times each, up and down around cardboard; thread tapestry needle with short length of yarn and slip under all strands at top edge, then knot to create tassel "head." Approx 13 mm (1/2 in) down, tightly wind yarn ends around strands and knot. Cut loops at tassel bottom, trimming even.
Beg and ending at centre back, thread twisted cord in and out through eyelets around one mukluk, then, with ends even, loosely tie close to back. With tapestry needle, thread each cord end through top of one tassel; at desired cord length, tie large knot to secure tassel, then trim cord.
With darning needle and CC3, cross-stitch at 3 to 4 cm (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 ins) intervals around each cuff. Flipping motif for right and left mukluks, stitch flower as shown in photo, 4 cm (1-1/2 ins) down from cord on outside of each leg. With CC1, work French knots for flower centre. With CC2, satin-stitch inner petals; with CC3, satin-stitch outer petals. With CC4, satinstitch leaves and stem-stitch stems.
If adding soles: With sewing needle and thread, blanket-stitch each sole in place; with darning needle and CC3, cross-stitch along top edge.
Designer's Tip: To make pink mukluks shown, use No. M102 Orchid Thistle for MC; No. 205 Regal Purple (CC1); No. 880 Charcoal (CC2); No. 110 Blueberry (CC3); and No. N65 Sapphire (CC4).
Read more:
• Knit a Newfoundland pullover
• Guide to organic and eco-friendly yarns
• Basic crocheted socks
Check out:
• Make + Do: The Craft Blog
• CanadianLiving.com Knitting
• CanadianLiving.com Sewing
Page 3 of 3 -- On page one, find what materials you will need to make your own mukluks
Adapted from
FolkStyle: Innovative Designs to Knit Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More (Interweave Press, 2007, softcover, $31.95) by Mags Kandis
.
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