How to make boot cuffs that stretch to fit better

[Former_Member]

Please post your ideas for how to make boot cuffs that stretch to fit all sizes of calves. Some ideas I know of:

- Knit, don't crochet. Crochet doesn't have much stretch or resilience.

- Knit with vertical ribs.

- Use acrylic, wool, or wool/acrylic blended yarns.

- Look for yarns with an elastic thread. I've heard that it's possible to knit an elastic thread into any yarn, but I've also heard this is not easy.

[GrammaLeas]

I have only crocheted my bootcuffs and they seem to have quite a bit of stretch. I believe it depends on the size of hook you use and the thickness of the yarn.

[Former_Member]

I have had luck with crocheting them, acrylic yarn.

[Googenheimers]

I prefer crochet for mine, but I use a ribbed stitch for the top. I think there are a lot of stitches in both knit and crochet that give more or less stretch depending on which way they are pulled, so it's a matter of using/creating a pattern where the stretch goes in the right direction.

As well I tried some for my nieces which had an adorable ribbon tie that went through at the very top like a drawstring and that worked really well.

[GoneLoopyCrochet]

I use a J hook and do crochet mine. Most say mine are too stretchy except the last review ironically lol. I probably need to revise mine to use a smaller hook. So I say larger looser stitches makes for stretch and give.

[LadyDylana]

I crochet or knit my boot cuffs, start with a rib and it will always be stretchy, whether a crochet rib or knit rib, see 2 examples here:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/115412590/boot-cuffs-crochet-women-ladies-teens?ref=shop_home_active...

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/169649412/boot-cuffs-knit-pink-women-ladies-teens?ref=shop_home_acti...

[CalCoastCreations]

WOW the bootkchas are just amazing :)

[HectanoogaPatterns]

Crochet your boot cuffs from side to side with the rib stitch. They will be extremely stretchy!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174681340/crochet-boot-cuffs-tall-or-rolled-down?ref=shop_home_active_1...

[Former_Member]

I have had good luck crocheting them and I use acrylic yarn.

[Former_Member]

i knit mine and use a stretchy bind off method for making them stretchy. tops and bottoms are both ribbed

[Former_Member]

We only crochet & use a rib stitch to help give them stretch. We use acrylic yarn, but hope to start offering wool items this coming Fall/Winter!

[SerendiptyCrochet207]

I crochet my boot cuffs using acrylic yarn and ribbing on the top. I usually give the size stretched and unstretched in my listing. I haven't heard of any problems yet.

[Former_Member]

I'm in the knitting camp here

https://www.etsy.com/listing/178466104/boot-cuffs-toppers-hand-knit-chunky?ref=related-3
https://www.etsy.com/listing/166204825/boot-cuffs-toppers-hand-knitted-custom?ref=shop_home_active_1...

:-)

[SeaStarCraftBoutique]

I also find that using a yarn that is a blend will help make the boot cuffs a little more stretchy. Also if I make the tops of the boot cuffs with a cable pattern and finish the bottoms of the cuffs with a cable pattern - this helps with stretch

[Former_Member]

I crochet mine as well.

[NickelCreekStitches]

I crochet mine with the rib stitch. But a personal question I have is how do you reshape them after they've been stretched from wearing?

[Former_Member]

I knit mine and yes they stretch.

[Former_Member]

I usually knit mine. Rib stitch top and bottom, cables in the middle. I use a stretch bind off. Wool is my go to for cuffs and leg warmers. Getting ready to make more getting ready for fall season.

[Former_Member]

I crochet with an I hook and start with post stitches. That gives alot of stretch.

[Knitrhapsody]

To get mine to stretch (knitted), I always do some type of rib stitch for both the top and bottom with a nice looser pattern in the middle. I love the look of cables, but its hard to get them to stretch when your knitting .

[Former_Member]

I offer custom sizes. Mine are crocheted in a round so I know the stretchy-ness is limited. I had more orders in 2012 than 2013. I wasn't sure they would be a hit in 2014.

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/109728500/tan-scalloped-boot-cuffs?ref=shop_home_active_3

[AccessoriesByYvette]

I use two different stitches, both crocheted. One customer told me they were too big....but her leg was only 10.25" around at the widest part of the calf. I revised my pattern and they fit her well. Both styles that I make fit an average size calf....13-16".

[Former_Member]

I crochet mine with a ribbed cuff on top then finish with half double crochet and front post and back post crochet on the finishing row. Example here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119578883/oatmeal-boot-cuffs-crochet-boot-topper?ref=shop_home_active_2...

[homestead1981]

I crochet my boot cuffs with acrylic yarn and rib stitch the bottom half by crocheting in the back loop then top it off with a regular stitch this seems to give it some stretch.