Maya - 3ply baby shoes or slippers

Maya 3ply Baby Shoes or Slippers by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Maya is a pair of knitted baby shoes or slippers designed for infants from newborn through 9 months old. The pattern provides four graduated sizes to fit foot lengths ranging from 7cm (2¾ inches) for newborns to 10cm (4 inches) for 9-month-old babies. These are practical, wearable garments that combine comfort with a charming design suitable for gift-giving or personal use.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Maya pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. Garter stitch forms the primary fabric structure, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible surface that is both durable and forgiving for beginners to intermediate knitters. The pattern incorporates make 1 (M1) increases to shape the shoe structure, achieved by picking up the loop lying before the next stitch, placing it on the left-hand needle, and knitting into the back of the loop. Slip stitches and pass slipped stitch over (psso) techniques are used for decreasing and shaping. The design features two i-cord bars that serve both functional and decorative purposes, likely providing closure or embellishment to the finished shoes.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The foundation stitch, created by knitting every row on both right and wrong sides, providing texture and elasticity
• Knit stitch (K): The basic stitch used throughout the pattern
• Make 1 (M1): An increase method for shaping the shoe
• Slip stitch (sl): Used in combination with other techniques for decreasing
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso): A decrease technique for shaping
• I-cord: A tubular knitted cord created on double-pointed needles, used for the two decorative and functional bars

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 ball (100g) of Patons Big Baby 3ply yarn, which provides 560 meters per ball. The 3ply weight offers a delicate, fine texture ideal for baby garments. Actual yardage requirements may vary slightly depending on individual knitting tension and yarn characteristics.

Needles: A pair of 3.00mm knitting needles (UK size 11, US size 3) forms the primary tool for constructing the shoes. Additionally, two 3.00mm double-pointed needles are required for knitting the i-cord bars. A wool needle is needed for sewing seams and finishing the garment.

Tension and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a tension of 31 stitches and 60 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over garter stitch using 3.00mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for producing shoes that fit properly across the four available sizes. The cast-on stitch count varies by size: 41 stitches for newborn (0 months), 47 stitches for 3 months, 53 stitches for 6 months, and 61 stitches for 9 months, allowing the pattern to scale appropriately for growing feet.

Difficulty Level

Despite being categorized as an intermediate project, the pattern rating is listed as easy, making Maya an accessible design for knitters developing their skills. The straightforward garter stitch construction and basic shaping techniques make this an ideal project for those progressing beyond simple scarves or blankets while not yet ready for complex colorwork or advanced stitch patterns.