Puff-Top Boot Cuffs
Ribbed bands that peek out of boots, with a row of puffs on top. One of the fastest gifts you can make.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) wool.
- Hook
- H-8 (5 mm)
- Sizes
- Adult, calf 12–15 in. Example: calf 14 in.
- Example gauge
- 14 sts and 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in sc back loop
- Yarn needed
- About 120 yd (110 m) worsted for a pair.
- Stitch multiple
- even rows
US terms. The UK name follows in brackets the first time each stitch appears. Turning chains don’t count as stitches unless a step says so. See US vs UK crochet terms and crochet abbreviations.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stitches (band width) | 5 in × sts per in | 5 × 3.5 = 17.5 → 18; ch 19 | Cast-On Calculator |
| Rows (around the calf) | calf × 0.9 × rows per in, to even | 14 × 0.9 × 4 = 50 rows | By hand |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- H-8 (5 mm)
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Rib swatch.
Instructions
Band
Ch (example: 19). Row 1: Sc (UK dc) in 2nd ch from hook and each ch (18). Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loop only across. Repeat to your row count. Sl st (UK ss) the last row to the foundation chain to make a ring.
Puff top
Rnd 1: Along one edge, ch 1, sc in each row end (50). Join.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, *puff in next st, ch 1, sk (UK miss) next st; rep from *. Join. (25 puffs)
Rnd 3: Sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 2, *puff in ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from *. Join. Fasten off.
Finishing
- Weave in ends.
- Wear with the puffs folded over the top of the boot.
Designer’s notes
- Puff: (yo, insert, pull up a loop) 3 times, yo, pull through all 7 loops, ch 1.
- Measure your calf where the boot ends, not at the widest point.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rows.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Want it on paper? This pattern is in Quick Gifts in an Evening, a printable PDF of 12 patterns with photos and row tallies ($8).
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.