Yuki Felted Boots

Yuki Felted Boots by Wendi Gratz

What is Being Made

The Yuki Felted Boots are a pair of knitted and felted boots designed for indoor or outdoor wear. These adorable boots are constructed using a unique two-strand knitting technique and finished with a felting process that creates a durable, textured fabric. The boots feature an open sole design, making them ideal candidates for custom outdoor soling options. Available in three sizes to fit women's shoe sizes 6 through 11, these boots combine functional design with charming aesthetic appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Yuki Felted Boots employ several key knitting techniques to achieve their finished structure. The primary technique involves holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together throughout the knitting process, which creates a thicker fabric suitable for felting. The pattern utilizes circular needles (16" size) for seamless construction. The boot cuff features 16 rings or eyelets that serve both functional and decorative purposes, allowing for lacing customization. After knitting is complete, the entire boot undergoes a felting process that transforms the knitted fabric into a dense, felted material. This felting technique shrinks and compacts the stitches, creating a more structured and durable final product.

Stitches and Construction Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are referenced in the pattern (including BO for bind off), the pattern employs standard knitting stitches combined with eyelet placement for the lacing rings. The gauge before felting is 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches. However, the felting process significantly alters these measurements, with the felted gauge measuring 3.75 by 3.5 inches. This dimensional change is a critical aspect of the pattern, as the exact final boot size is controlled and refined through the felting process rather than precise stitch counts alone. The sole of the boot is intentionally not knitted, allowing crafters to attach separate felt and sole materials during finishing.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Yuki Felted Boots are knitted using worsted weight yarn, with the sample shown in Shepherd's wool. The pattern requires 250 yards of yarn in the size shown, with 2 skeins recommended for the sample project displayed in Lilac. Additional materials needed for completion include a 16-inch circular needle, stitch holders, stitch markers, a sewing needle and thread for assembly, a piece of felt for the sole, laces for threading through the eyelets, and materials for optional outdoor soling. The use of Shepherd's wool provides excellent felting properties, as this fiber type responds beautifully to the wet felting process that transforms the knitted fabric into the finished boot material.

Sizing Information

The Yuki Felted Boots are available in three sizes based on foot length rather than traditional shoe sizing. Small fits women's shoe sizes 6-7 with a foot length of 9" to 9¾". Medium accommodates women's sizes 8-9 with a foot length of 9¾" to 10½". Large fits women's sizes 10-11 with a foot length of 10½" to 11¼". Since the exact final size is controlled by the felting process, crafters should note that individual felting results may vary slightly, making foot length measurement the most reliable sizing guide for this project.