How to Knit a Boot Cuff

I wanted to make something that would be easy to make, yet warm during this winter season, yet fashionable. When I came across LewisKnits post about how to make boot cuffs, I thought these would be the perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe! No woman wears thick wool socks over skinny jeans and under boots, so these are a great deception.

First, if you consider yourself a small or medium, cast on 48 stitches. Large or extra large should cast on 52 stitches. Not sure how to cast on stitches? I did a video in a previous post showing how to do just that!

And yes, that's a fuzzy blanket in the background. All knitting requires being under a warm, fuzzy blanket. It's the rules.

Next, knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches for 10 rows. So, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, etc. until the end of the row, turn the needle around, and start again for 10 rows.

After the 10 rows are completed, knit 14 rows. Knit until the end of the needle, turn it around, and do it all over again for 14 rows.

Once those 14 rows are completed, do the knit 2, purl 2 for 10 rows again. WARNING: if you stop paying attention to what's supposed to be a knit and what's supposed to be a purl, it'll be hard to fix. Trust me on this one.

Once you've completed the 10 rows, bind off the stitches. Again, if you're not sure how to bind off stitches, see my video here.

Finally, you can either weave the ends together with yarn or sew them together.

And there you have it kids! Your very own boot cuffs!

TOTAL COSTS: Varies on brand/material of yarn
Mine cost $6.99 from Lion Brand Yarn

TOTAL AMOUNT OF TIME: About 2 hours, 45 minutes per cuff (about 5 1/2 hours for both)
However, this includes the time it took for me to try and fix my massive mistake that is thankfully covered up by the boot!

EASY-PEASY SCALE (1 super easy - 5 very difficult): 3 out of 5
The knitting isn't hard, it's just concentrating enough to remember when to knit and when to purl. If you don't have distractions, though, you should be fine!

Beginning Knitters - Headband/Cowl

Do you have knitting needles? Do you have yarn? Then you can totally make this headband/cowl, perfect for winter! You might think you can't, or you might be hesitant to try, but this is the perfect starter project, I assure you. I found this post on CraftsNob, part of a 3-part knitting series. Check out her Part 1 and Part 2 series, if you like, or endure my silly tutorial videos below.

Step 1 - Cast on 20 stitches

If you don't know how to cast on, here's a quick tutorial:

Step 2 - Knit 43 rows or 14 inches. Not sure how to knit? Sure you do!

This is just knitting one row, turning the needles around, and knitting the row again. Back and forth, you'll do this for about 3 hours so be sure to pop in your favorite movie or podcasts! You'll do this until you've reached 14" long or can see 43 rows.

Step 3 - Cast off and either have a really big pot holder or look to Step 4!

Note that at this point, you can tie the ends into knots and cut off the strings or sew them into the edge.

Step 4 - Bring the two small ends together, take a piece of yarn, and weave the yarn through, either with an embroidery needle or with your fingers. I didn't have a needle so I just made a hole and pushed the yarn through the hole all the way down. See the original post for a clearer example, as she uses contrary colors and mine is all white :-/

Step 5 - Cinch the yarn and tie a knot

Step 6 - Wrap the yarn around the knot or cut off the strings

Step 7 - Wear!

 

TOTAL COSTS: $5.99 for 1 skein from Lion Brand

TOTAL AMOUNT OF TIME: 3 hours, 13 minutes
3 minutes to cast on 20 stitches
3 hours to knit 14"/43 rows
3 minutes to cast off 20 stitches
5 minutes to sew two sides together
2 minutes to loop yarn around and tie off

EASY-PEASY SCALE (1 super easy - 5 very difficult): 2 if you've knit before, 4 if you haven't
But trust me, this would make a lovely Christmas gift for those of you that actually experience winter as it should be (75 and sunny is not winter California!).