This free Slip Slope Boot Toppers pattern closely follows my original Slip Slope Scarf design (also free). That scarf introduced short rowing with my all-time favorite type of ribbing: slip stitches crocheted into the back loop.

Short row slip stitch ribbing is great for boot cuffs! They’re warm and soft. They’re even stretchy enough to wear like spats on the outside of half boots.

Crocheted boot toppers make trendy last-minute gifts that are also very useful. (More about them in issue #66 of my newsletter.)

Skill Level: Intermediate. The slip stitch is an elementary crochet stitch, and I find that crocheting short rows with them is a breeze. However, short rows are considered an Intermediate skill. In addition, the stitch gauge for the Slip Slope Boot Toppers is looser than you were probably taught to use when you first learned how to crochet the slip stitch.

If you’re totally new to slip stitch crochet, I recommend starting with the free Eva’s Ribs Scarf. Also see: “Slip Stitch Crochet FAQ in My Classes” at my blog.

After following this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to crochet stylish and stretchy slip stitch boot toppers the fun way!
• How to crochet short rows.
• How to use a hook-led stitch gauge.

I’ve used only a few pattern abbreviations, and provide International English equivalents for American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms. These equivalents are in brackets { }.

Substituting a yarn: The best fibers for this project add stretchy bounce because of their wool or acrylic content. Cotton yarn is just not the same for this. Long color changes in a self-striping yarn, or subtle tonal shades of a hand dyed yarn, work great! Choose a yarn that recommends a crochet hook size range from US H/8/5mm-J/10/6mm.