This will officially be my last crochet post for a while. All of the crocheting that I did for Christmas gifts actually hurt my hand and my wrist. If I crochet very much right now, my wrist starts to pop and my thumb aches. I’m incredibly disappointed about this, since I was loving keeping my hands busy. After a break, I may try an ergonomic crochet hook. If anyone reading has experienced this, I’d love tips on continuing the craft without screwing up my right hand.
I feel like I need some quick and satisfying projects for the new year – ones that are a little less intense than the crocheted gifts I’ve made lately. I think it’ll be a fun January.
I didn’t plan to take an entire week off from blogging, but that’s what happened. It was a wonderful week. My husband has been off for an extended Christmas break since the 23rd. School has been out. And, my sister and her husband took a train all the way from Seattle to visit with us this week. I haven’t seen my sister, Ashley, since this summer, and it had been two entire years since we’d seen her husband Ryan. The kids were thrilled to spend time with them – especially with their one and only uncle who they loved but couldn’t quite remember before this week.
I gave crocheted gifts to them both – an earflap hat for Ashley, and a basket-weave crocheted neck warmer for Ryan. I didn’t get photos of either. I actually didn’t get photos of much, which happens every time they visit, and is too bad for remembering things.
Remember how I learned to use my sewing machine to sew on buttons when I made Jacob’s pj shirt? Ryan had a red flannel shirt that he felt was a little too Santa-y with its white buttons. So they bought brown buttons, and I redid his shirt. I sewed on 11 buttons, plus I made 3 new buttonholes. He wanted the collar to be a button-down one, and making that happen was as simple as making two new buttonholes and adding two buttons. It was a quick project, and the shirt makes him happier now.
But enough about my holidays for now. I have a project for you, don’t I? Crocheted boot cuffs!
Even with an injured hand, these were quick to make.
I’m not going to explain the basics of how to crochet in this post. Recently, another blog called CraftyMinx ran a really good crochet school that I’ll point you to if you need to learn how to create all the stitches. Sorry for being lazy on that part! But if you do know the basics of crocheting stitches, these should be fun and easy for you to whip up. If not, go take some lessons on CraftyMinx and hurry back here to make some boot cuffs with me.
Here’s a photo of of boot cuff by itself. You can see that it doesn’t go down very far. It goes down just far enough to hug your leg and stay on and hidden underneath your boots – whether they are short like my mom’s or tall like mine. My mom wore hers all day, and they continued to stay on and look great the whole time!
My pattern alternates between single crochet and double crochet for the body of the cuff. If you want it to be extra warm, you could do all single crochet for more rows. I wanted to balance between warmth and speed of creating them, so I opted to alternate so that it’s not too airy (like all double crochet might be) and doesn’t take too long (like all single crochet can).
Here is a quick list of the abbreviations I’ll use below. Everything is American crochet.
- SC = Single Crochet
- DC = Double Crochet
- CH = Chain
- SL = Slip Stitch
- FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet
- SC2Tog = Single Crochet 2 stitches together (a decrease)
Crocheted Boot Cuff Pattern:
(follow twice to create both cuffs)
Yarn: Worsted Weight. I used Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn!” brand.
Hook: I-9/5.50mm
Chain 11
SC in second chain from the hook and remaining, for a total of 10 SC. Chain 1, turn.
For the next 29 rows, SC in back loop only, ch 1, turn. I have a tutorial on how to do this at this link.
***At this point, wrap it around your leg and be sure that it fits. Depending on your leg size, and if this is for a short boot or a tall boot, you might need to add more rows or take out one.***
Lay current row on top of first row, and slip stitch together.
Chain 1
Turn inside out, so that the join is hidden inside the cuff.
Create 30 evenly spaced SC around the cuff (***If you did more or less than 30 rows to make the cuff fit your leg, create that number of SC for this step***)
Slip stitch to first SC in row
Chain 1, turn
SC in each stitch, sl, ch 2, turn
DC in each stitch, sl, ch 1, turn
SC in each stitch, sl, ch 2, turn
DC in each stitch, sl, ch 1, turn
SC in each stitch, sl, ch 2, turn
DC in each stitch, sl
Ch 2, alternate between fpdc and SC, repeat
Sl, ch 1, sc2tog entire row
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
If you make some, I’d love to hear about it and see links to your creations in the comments. Also, if you find any mistakes, please let me know and I’ll fix it.
Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! I’ll see you in 2012.
Yay! I love boot cuffs. I can’t wait to make some of these to wear. Thanks for the pattern.
I’d love for you to link up and share: http://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/2011/12/pinteresting-link-party-week-twenty.html
Glad you like it, and thanks for the invite to your link party.
I have tendinitis in both wrists/hands and have had carpal tunnel & ganglion cysts in my right hand– it gets especially bad in the winter, due to the cold and the increased volume/speed of christmas crafting! I’ve found a few things that work well for me. Keeping my hands warm is important, so either working in a particularly warm room or wearing fingerless gloves while I work keeps the aches away. Also, I’ve had to be more choosey about which yarns I’ll work with– synthetics and plant fibers have very little give to them and are much harder on my hands, so I only knit with animal fibers. Finally, I have to keep away from super tiny and super bulky yarns– they’re just harder to work with. I can knit pretty comfortably between worsted and bulky, but stay away from anything smaller than sport weight and only use super bulky yarn for smaller projects (no blankets out of either)! When my hands are already hurting but I still want to knit, I work in front of the tv– I knit during commercial breaks and then watch during the show, so I’m regularly giving my hands a break.
Best of luck!
Cysts sound painful. I had no idea that the type of yarn made a difference in the strain on your hand (like wool vs. acrylic). That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the tips!
The type of hook you use also has an effect. Metal steals the heat from your hands, whereas wood and bamboo don’t. My pain was reduced loads when I switched
Thanks for the pattern! 
Thanks for the tip!
I would absolutely encourage you to invest in an ergOnomic handle. I found one that is adjustable to various sizes of hooks.
I agree with keeping your hands warm, choosing carefully the yarn you use, taking breaks. I also used a TENS unit in December when my gifts were piling up on me. It helped decrease the inflammation and reduced the pain. I actually put it on my arm, wrapped it a tensor bandage and kept on crocheting!
You may want to talk to a kinesiologist about further exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles. Good luck!!
Thank you so much for your advice! The exercises to strengthen the muscles sounds like a very good idea once the injury has healed. I keep thinking of all the guitarists who use their hands much more than I did crocheting, and they’re still able to tour and stuff. I think I just have weak hands.
That’s hilarious that you kept on crocheting with a TENS unit going! I hope you let it rest once your project was done.
Love the cuff! I really like your boots too! I have to agree with Emma, sticking to wool or wool blends will be easier on your hands. I would also try some acupressure for the hand pain or see a chiropractor, mine works wonders for me
Oh, I wish that someone around my town did acupressure. I had that done once and it was amazingly helpful.
What does this part “DC in each stitch, SC in each stitch, sl, ch 1, turn” mean?
Won’t that look messy?
Thank you so much for catching my copy and paste error! The “SC in each stitch” in that line was not supposed to be there. I’ve corrected the pattern now. Oops!
EN, THANK YOU FOR REPLYING AND MAKING THE ADJUSTMENT.
THAT’S MUCH “GOODER” 【 THE GRAMMAR OF THIS NEW USEAGE IS ACCORDING TO MICHAEL BACHMAN, BWA-HA-HA…..
I’m so embarrassed that I messed that up! I typed it up on my iPhone as I was making them, so I’d like to blame autocorrect if that made any sense.
But it was all me. Thanks again for catching it before too many people visited the post.
LOVE this pattern, thanks so much for sharing and all the best with recovery of your hand…..you seem to have a repetitive stress injury. When it heals and you start to crochet again, try to make sure to take breaks and to stretch your hand now and then…..and do drop my blog for some great crochet patterns, and a fun linky party starting up again next Sunday. all the best!
Thanks! I’ve been to your blog before and it’s great. I believe it was your crochet projects that I was admiring. I’ll head over for your linky party. Thanks!
Love this pattern and the boots. They look comfortable. I have had carpal tunnel surgery and have trouble with pain in the good hand now. I use a paraffin hand dip. You can get them for under $40 and they work great. My husband has arthritis in his hands so he uses it too and it seems to help him. Keep crafting beautiful things and thanks for sharing.
So… double checking…the first part that you crochet is actually the TOP of the cuff that shows?
Sorry for my late reply. Yes, the first part is the cuff that shows.
Hi, thanks for the great pattern! I just added it to the Ravelry database so hopefully others will find it and try it out. Can’t wait to finish my project and try them out.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-boot-cuffs
Thanks so much for doing that for me! I’d thought I probably should, but I never got around to it.
No problem, it’s kind of fun being the first project.
I’ve been wearing mine a lot, too, since we have had terrible snowy weather. I love the way they extend my snow boots for warmth and water resistance.
Thank you for this wonderful pattern, I found it ad I realised that I had the same color worsted weight yarn, so I made some, took one day to complete both in between school and homework! I am wearing them now, they are so comfortable! I hope your hand gets better, I can’t give much advice because I don’t have much experience with that pain, but i’m thinking of you.
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that you made them and you like them. I haven’t done a lot of pattern writing, so it’s nice to know it’s working out for everyone. I’m definitely itching to make some more stuff, but my wrist keeps clicking. I think I’ll try again in February with a brace. It’s just too fun of a hobby to give up!
Hi! thanks for the pattern and I´m totally in love with my boot cuffs!!!. I just did one little adjustment: I used a thinner yarn for the part that goes inside the boot so it has an easier fit. Thanks again! I hope I´ll make more in other colors!. Here are some pics: http://tejelaarana.blogspot.com/2012/02/satisfaccion-inmediata-garantizada.html
Love your post- I don’t crochet or knit but I would love to know the brand/where you got your boots – Thanks Bo Mayo
They’re my mom’s. And they’re Uggs, though they don’t look like it. They’re apparently super comfy!
I do have an ergonomic crochet hook and it’s the only way I can continue crocheting! Still have to take frequent breaks but at least I did not have to give up the hobby totally! Highly recommend them~ I bought mine in a kit with interchangeable heads and I love it!
Definitely definitely get the ergo handle! It hss made all the differencr in my being able to crochet without any pain. When I first started crocheting again after a 20 year break, I made one project and couldn’t straighten my fingers without pain. Went to walmart and saw the handle, but also bought 4 different types of topical pain relievers. Used the handle and didn’t even need the pain stuff!!!
I need to try that. I’m still a bit afraid to do it again!
Thanks for the pattern!
I am a Pilates instructor and recommend doing private lessons with a certified instructor, maybe in a Physical therapy office(insurance should cover it). Also check out my sister’s blog for carpal tunnel and neck pain.
Go to our website http://www.fuerzapilates.com and click on the link for Pilates Geek blog. There are 2 parts with exercise and stretching. All of those have saved me from agonizing pain due to my hand being crushed and my love of crocheting.
You should maybe try crocheting with a Clover hook.
Just wanted to thank you for the awesome pattern, I have made several pairs for myself and also for christmas presents. I know the pattern by heart! Thanks again!!
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, just something to go over the top of the boot. Thanks so much for the pattern!
Love the pattern, and thanks for sharing. Made them in about 90 minutes each with leftover yarn. For tall boots, I made the cuff 36 rows.
Hello! I am an admin from http://www.theyarnbox.com. I would LOVe it if you would come link this pattern, and any other free crochet patterns you have.
I cam across your site when looking for boot cuffs to recommend to a fan from my personal blog http://www.stitch11.com. I love this! Thank you so much for sharing this for free!
Hope to see you in the yarn box!
Loved your pattern- made 4 pair of these for Christmas Presents the Gran daughters loved them.
Love the boot cuff pattern. Looking to make these for my neice! I have also experienced symptoms, I took a couples weeks break and also let my chiropractor give me accupunture treatments to my thumb. It got better. The pain in my thumh shot up to my shoulder and neck, it was an awful pain. Take care.
Love this cuff pattern. I too am having symptoms from crocheting. I can deal with the thumb joint pain but have developed “tennis elbow” in my nondominant hand, which is much more painful for me. WebMD says I need to take a break for 2-3 weeks – oh no! Anyway, thanks for the pattern and hope you are doing better!
Hi there, Thank you for sharing this pattern, I can’t wait to start this tomorrow. I just wanted some clarity on your instructions.
In your directions here, you have a sl (slip stitch) at the end of each row, then you either chain 1 or 2, is that correct? I’, a bit confused on why there is a SL in each row. I take that this portion of your pattern is for the portion below the fitted top part of the boot cuff.
Your instructions from above:
SC in each stitch, sl, ch 2, turn ( i interpret this as Single Crochet for this row, Slip stitch at the end of the row, chain 2 and turn?)
DC in each stitch, sl, ch 1, turn
SC in each stitch, sl, ch 2, turn
DC in each stitch, sl, ch 1, turn
SC in each stitch, sl, ch 2, turn
DC in each stitch, sl
The DL at the end of each row is to connect the two sides of the cuff. This pattern is continuous, and does not require you to whip stitch the two ends, Hope that helps
Meant to type SL, not DL.
Sarah, for your wrist and hands, I suggest you make bread. I found that the push-pull of kneeding and the warm dough under your hands is very nice movement when my aches act up. Thank you for your patterns, and I do hope you are feeling better by now.
Oh my gosh!! i loved this pattern and i just finished making a set and im planning to make more! but instead of staying one solid color throughout the whole project, i changed from a natural color on the top to a hot pink on the bottom.
Hi there, I’m going to make these cuffs but also wondering where you got your amazing boots.
The boots are Uggs from 2012…not sure if they still sell them.
Hi Sarah, hope your wrist is feeling better. My daughter asked me the other day to make boot cuffs for her and my granddaughter. I had no clue what she was talking about, so I went searching and found yours. I have one part that I do not clearly understand. Ch 2, alternate between fpdc and sc, repeat. I have done the fpdc on other project.
Thanks
Well, I can attest to a great method of crocheting with a compromised right thumb and index finger. I also love to crochet and after making several “All Shawls” back to back my right thumb and index finger swelled. I was told to stop crocheting for approx. 3 months. ( Doctors orders) This was really a hardship. It has been a year now. No more swelling/ pain…I discovered a secret to crochet. I went to the Home Depot and picked up several wooden Balls, Several sizes in fact. I proceeded to drill holes in the center to fit my different size crochet hooks ! I Pick balls around 2-l/2″ to 3″ that fit comfortably in the ball part of your hand and wrap your fingers around it so it is comfortable. Put your hook in the center drilled hold and ” thats it” no more problems with thumbs swelling and pain.! Crocheting has not been so easy and comfortable. Try it, it works. CAROL from Rosemont, Ontario
I looked up several patterns for Free Patterns for Boot Cuffs & a lot of them has a video & I can’t stay on the computer that long. Could you possible tell me how to be able tocopy the paterns off on paper & still get the picture & Instructions. Thank Linda