Friday, April 2, 2010

Mini Muk Luks ~ Crochet-Along ~ Part I


Hi and welcome to Wind Rose Fiber Studio. I know I have a few new guests joining in on this crochet-along and I'm very happy you're here!

If you have just discovered this post, we are going to be making these cute Mini Muk Luks together. I like to call these my Mini Muks. They are designed like traditional knitted muk luks which are usually knee high. These have the same great style, but are a little shorter, about mid calf. That's why they are Mini Muks.

As we work on this project together, I hope you will feel free to comment, ask questions, make suggestions and tell me to speed up or slow down. Whatever you need. This pattern is for you. Let's get started!

Mini Muks ~ Part I
Here's what you need to get started:

Two skeins of yarn: I like to choose one with some texture or pattern and then a second skein that is solid. They should be medium to worsted in weight (about a 4). Stay away from any yarn that is too light or too bulky. You also want to choose yarn that has some durability. We want our Mini Muks to last.

I searched through my stash and found this pretty tweed by Cascade. It's 90% Highland Peruvian Wool and 10% Tweed. I love the little bits of color and the texture they add. My second color is this denim blue by Patons made from Merino. The two yarns are just about the same weight and the colors look nice together so I'm all set.

Scissors, a Large Eyed Needle for finishing, and a size K(10.5) or 6.50mm Crochet Hook complete what we need to start our project. A little later on we'll look into some fabric or leather to reinforce the soles of our Mini Muks and keep them from becoming slip and slides.

Abbreviations:
beg - beginning
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
st/sts - stitch/stitches
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
2 dc tog - two double crochet together
3 dc tog - three double crochet together
cl - cluster
sp - space
YO - yarn over


*Note: From now on I'll be referring to the textured or accent yarn, in my case the wine color, as Yarn A (You need approx 125 yds). The solid color, or in my case the denim blue, will be Yarn B (You need approx 225 yds). In the sample picture above, the green yarn is Yarn A and the natural is Yarn B.

**Note: To work
2 dc tog - YO, insert hook through st, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through first two loops on hook, YO and insert hook through same stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through first two loops on hook, YO and pull through three remaining loops.

***Note: To work
3 dc tog (cluster) -
YO, insert hook through st, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through first two loops on hook, (YO and insert hook through same stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through first two loops on hook) twice, YO and pull through four remaining loops.
The Pattern begins by making Six Squares as follows:

With Yarn A, ch 3
Row 1: 2 dc tog in 3rd st from hook, ch 3, (3 dc tog in same space, ch 3) 5 times, join with sl st to top of beg cl. Total of 6 cl.
Row 2: sl st in 1st ch 3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc tog, ch 3, 3 dc tog in same sp, ch 3, (in next ch 3 space, 3 dc tog, ch3, 3 dc tog, ch 3) 5 times. join with sl st to top of beg. cl. Total of 12 cl.
Row 3: ch 1, 3 sc in same st, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp, sc in next cl, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp,
sc in next cl, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp, (3 sc in next cl, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp, sc in next cluster, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp, sc in next cluster, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in 1st sc. finish off weaving in all loose ends.



So you can see we have kind of a soft square. The clusters that have 3 sc are the four corners. These squares make up really fast, but after you make two, it's a good time to check the size. My squares are 4.25" x 4.25". This works just fine for my legs. To see if your squares are a good size for you, hold the corners of two squares together around your lower calf just above your ankle. See the pictures below. If the corners meet comfortably without being too loose or too tight, you're in good shape. If your squares are too small, you can make them a little bigger by working row 3 in hdc or dc. You can also switch to a heavier yarn. If they are too loose, you may want to use a smaller crochet hook or a slightly lighter yarn.


That's all for today. I think it took me longer to write this than it will take you to make 6 squares! I'll be back in just a day or two to carry on. This is one of those patterns that may be harder to explain than to crochet. That's why pictures are so great. I may even end up taking a little video. Have a great weekend!

Mini Muk Luks - Part I Companion Video

Related Posts:
Mini Muk Luks ~ Crochet-Along ~ Part I
Mini Muk Luks ~ Crochet-Along ~ Part II Mini Muk Luks ~ Crochet-Along ~ Part III Mini Muk Luks ~ Crochet-Along ~ Part IV Mini Muk Luks ~ Crochet-Along ~ Part V

Follow-up article

52 comments:

jmk said...

I've got my 6 variegated squares done - ends woven in and everything! :-) - and I'm looking forward to Part II!

Jenn said...

Yea! I just finished Part II. Phew! That was a toughy to write!

Unknown said...

Wow this is great, i really would love to try this pattern with you. I've always had trouble following a crochet pattern but i think i might brave it and see how i go lol
Thankyou so much for putting this up xoxo
karen

Jenn said...

Hi Karen,

I'm so happy you're joining us! I'm trying to write the pattern as clearly as I can, but if you have any questions please ask. I love to hear from people and it probably means I could explain something better for everyone.

~ Jenn

thecrochetboutique said...

The muks are adorable, I just found you today :). Please make a video and place it on you tube, these are so precious that many crafters would love a video. Thanks bunches, and happy crocheting!

Anonymous said...

A male friend of mine want me to make him socks/slippers for Christmas and these would be perfect. Any suggestions on how to make them bigger to fit a man's foot? Bigger hook and maybe bulky yarn? I don't want it to look super bulky....

Jenn said...

A larger hook and bulkier weight yarn are both good ideas. It would really help if you knew the length of his foot. Maybe measure a shoe while he's not looking. :D

diane said...

I have all the squares and triangles done. Looking at the next step I do not see that we are using the extra yarn we had measured on the triangles. Do we join with other yarn and not what we measured off. I do not see any mention of this in the pattern so am assuming we use extra yarn. Never did a pattern such as this so want to make sure Iam doing it right.These are Xmas gifts,.

Thanking you in advance Diane

Jenn said...

Hi Diane,

You'll use the extra yarn when you attach the triangles to the squares in Part III. This is just a technique that I use to cut down on the number of loose ends to sew in later.

You're right though, I talk about attaching the triangles and squares, but I don't specifically mention that you will be using the extra yarn to do so. I'll have to add a sentence in there somewhere.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy the rest of the pattern!

Anonymous said...

These are the cutest thing I've seen in awhile! I made your baby cozy last week for my son who is due in Jan. The directions were so easy to follow! I made a pair of mini muks for my daughter whose 8-used a size G hook and it worked perfectly! Now if I could just figure out how to make a pair for my 2 year old and newborn! Any chance you'll put more of your patterns online like this????

Stephanie said...

I just made myself a pair, it was so fun! Instead of sewing on a leather sole, I only crocheted to row 5 of the bottom, then glued the muks onto some old orthopedic shoes I had - now they have sturdy soles with the look of the muk luk. I plan to make another pair for my 5-yr-old, using smaller yarn and hook. This is such a great pattern!

Jenn said...

Thanks so much for your comments! I'm thrilled you like the pattern. This one was a bear to write, but I'm so glad I did.

It's great to read that people are having success scaling the pattern up or down to fit different sizes. I do think they would make crazy cute baby boots. It would require shrinking the pattern quite a bit.

I try to post several free patterns a year. Some are probably more interesting than others. I enjoy sharing with the community though, so I will try to keep it up! :D

Judy said...

I just found this pattern tonight and am excited to try it. Your instructions look quite thorough and the pictures are marvelous!

Unknown said...

These boots are the cutest ever!
I've been searching Ravelry for a nice pattern for slippers, and being that I have ALWAYS wanted a pair of Muk Luks, I fell in love with this pattern at first sight!
So being that I JUST now found this CAL, I want to get started right away! Please save this post for me as I am WAY behind :-)

rhonda rogalski said...

I would love to felt these. How would you increase the size during the crocheting so they would be large enough to felt?

Thanks,
Rhonda

Jenn said...

Hi, I promise that this CAL isn't going anywhere! I check for comments a few times a week, so I'm here if you need any help along the way.

They would probably be awesome felted. I'd love to see the finished product! I would just use a nice worsted weight wool and a large crochet hook, maybe a P.

Since this pattern is pretty involved, I'd recommend making one of the squares and felting it as a test run. You might measure it before and after to help you gauge how much it will felt.

I wish I had more time on my hands right now. I't try felting a pair myself!

Erin said...

These are horribly cute, but I have a question. If I make the two squares for the leg part bigger (I used dcs for the third round), do I need to make the square for the toe bigger?

Jenn said...

Hi Erin,

If you wear a shoe size 8 or above, go ahead and make the toe square bigger too. I think you'll appreciate the extra room. :D

Anonymous said...

These are the mosy amazing things ever! i want to make a pair for myself but i have big feet. im a size 10 so would i just use a bigger needle, like previous comments have suggested?

Jenn said...

Hi, Thanks so much for your comment. The most challenging part of this pattern is probably the sizing. I want everyone to be able to make the size that's right for them.

The easiest way to make them larger is just what you noted. Use a larger hook and maybe a heavier weight yarn. Be careful not to over adjust. You'll be surprised how big a difference just a heavier yarn will make.

Another suggestion for increasing the size of your finished muk luks is to make your squares a little larger. In row three, instead of single crochets, work half double or double crochets. That will help provide you with the extra toe wiggling room you need. :D

Anonymous said...

WOW these as expressed by everyone else are AWESOME! But I have a problem. I don't see the directions for HOW to make the triangles! It goes from the squares (pt 1) to attaching the triangles (pt 2) Am I missing it? I'm not exactly a newbie but not real experienced either. Please help I'm dying to make these little beauties. Kerri(late to the party) in Texas

Jenn said...

Hi Kerri,

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you're enjoying the pattern so far. The triangles are crocheted right onto the squares. It will help to read through all of part II before you begin. The actual directions for the triangles are in the middle of the post. If you still have any questions. I'm here. :D

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much. I realized my mistake after reading through it again(with my mothers help)she's a lifetime crochetenista! I really shouldn't be alloud to think after 5pm. It's just not good for anybody. My mom adores the patten as well, it's the gift that keeps on giving!

WrethaOffGrid said...

I love these, I am trying to crochet them, I am not quite a beginner anymore, but still have trouble with written patterns (even with your great pix!), I am more a visual learner, would you please please please please please please please do a video tutorial for these??? I would love to make a pair by the time fall and winter arrive, please please please with sugar on top... :)

Wretha

WrethaOffGrid said...

Just to give you a little more incentive (for me), I live 100% off grid, in winter it gets pretty cold, especially after dark, we don't try very hard to keep the cabin warm, we just dress warmly, I would love to have these made before it gets cold again to keep my tootsies warm.

If you don't have time to do a video, could you maybe draw up one of those visual stitch drawings? I'm not sure what they are called, but it essentially is a visual drawing of the individual stitches. A video would be so much better though, please?????

I would also do a write up about this pattern (and hopefully a video) on my blog and another one I write for that gets lots of readers, it would draw in a lot of people to your site.

Thanks so much!
Wretha

Jenn said...

Hi Wretha,

I very much appreciate what it means to be a profoundly visual learner. I lean that way myself and I've even taught my youngest son at home for the last 2 1/2 years because he is very much a visual kid and school systems don't always recognize how critical it can be to teach to this style.

In short, you're pushing all the right buttons. I actually used to make more videos, but then when I started to teach in addition to running my business, I just ran out of time. I've got a fairly long holiday that is going to have me away from my studio for most of June. When I get back, I've already committed myself to two custom projects. I will do my level best to get a Muk Luk video made this summer. It will probably be July before I can manage it with my calendar.

So what I'm saying in my very wordy way is that I hear you and YES! I will make a video. I may just need a little time to make it happen.

All the best, Jenn

WrethaOffGrid said...

Oh thank you thank you thank you! I so look forward to your video on this. I do understand what it means to be busy then get more heaped upon your plate. :)

I appreciate the time you are going to take to make the video, I can't wait to make these mini muk luks.

I also appreciate the quick reply.

Wretha

chasitypellerin said...

I wasted half a day trying to make a pair of slippers that fell off my feet! The pattern was all wrong, and after going down a whole size, they still fell off my feet. The are sooooo cute!!! I can't wait to make them. Thank you so much for your time and detication in the making of this blog. I bought a cheap pair at Walmart(similar VERY cheap version) and they are lousy. Although they are VERY warm. My husband loved them, so I think these will be a great christmas present for him, and me too!! Thanks again, and God Bless.

Chasity- Can't wait to start in NH

Dani Jo said...

Hi, I just have a question, would there be a way to make these just a little bit long, I want them to go higher up on my legs cuz I usually wear capri type sweats at home and I think that would work better. I am a beginner crocheter, but I've been knitting for a while so I am catching on pretty quick. I just want these so bad because my fav slippers finally wore out after 3 years. I need something on my feet when I am running around my barracks for training too. If there is anything you can do I would really really appreciate it. Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

hi im stefanie i was wondering if you had a pattern where the squares were solid instead of wiht the clusters email me back wiht it if you have one thank you

stefanie_marie85@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

is there anyway you could email me the instructions for the tall ones the ones in turquoise and brown would make a lovely gift for my mother shes full blooded indian and would totally love them my email is tammie.hoxsey@yahoo.com if you could please email i would really appreciate it thank you in advance

Anonymous said...

do you just make 2 more squares with 4 triangles to make them knee high boots instead of calf high please let me know. thank you my name is tammie

Rag Doll Design said...

Lovely looking pair of Muks! Another project for my to do list I think... Somewhere after the baby blanket, circular afghan, socks, scarf and amigurimi that I'm already in the middle of... I think it's time to learn to say no lol
Will def let you know how they come out.... Thinking of making them tall though as that's more my style

Anonymous said...

Absolutely awesome! Love everything about this. Great instructions, great video, great pictures. It's perfect for someone who doesn't catch on quick. Thank you. Starting tonight

Tara said...

Hi, this is a really cool and amazing pattern! :D I want to make this for my friend who is going to Canada, and her ankle/foot is about the same size as mine, but the square isn't big enough to fit around mine. The biggest hook I have other than N is K. I have bulkier yarn that is 20% wool, but would it last as long as worsted weight? I've tried replacing the sc with hdc and dc, but it still isn't big enough. Any suggestions? thanks :)

Jenn said...

Hi, I would try the bulky yarn with your size K hook. You could also cary two strands of the worsted weight. That should up the size a bit. ~ Jenn

Unknown said...

I love these! My 4-year-old daughter absolutely adores them. I'm adapting this pattern for her little feetsies. Using some baby yarn and a G hook gave me perfectly sized rounds! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Love the pattern, so excited to try. Do you turn at the end of each round? Thanks

Anonymous said...

so what size shoe do these fit using the hook you use?

notcookin' said...

So excited to start these today!!! :D

Anonymous said...

are these for adults or children?

Jenn said...

This pattern is written for adults.

Chelly said...

With a video?!?! You are awesome! Thanks for all the work you put into this. Can't wait to get started. Will make excellent birthday gifts.

A.B. said...

Wow, this pattern is just beautiful and so nice of you to write up!

I am working on it right now, and I have the middle of the squares done(the part you have with the textured yarn). However, the circle in the middle of mine, the hole that is, seems rather large...
I am using size 4 yarn and a J(6.00mm) hook.

Scandi Enterprises said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the video! My daughter and I tried following the written instructions and could not for the life of us figure out what we were doing wrong. Then we noticed the video, thank you, we could not have figured it out otherwise. You saved us!

Monalj6 said...

I am making a pair of theses for myself , love the pattern, but I would like to make them the taller ones but can't find the instructions for them, again love the pattern !!

Marcia said...

*Please* post a PDF of the entire pattern. It would take me way too long to C&P everything into a Word doc and then edit it. I'd love to make these, but I don't sit and crochet at the computer - I need a printed pattern.

Marcia

Cindi said...

Thank you so much for this awesome pattern! I have an old house with wood floors. Can you say COLD! in Iowa winters? I have to have slippers that keep my ankles warm but are comfortable over a plate in my ankle. This pattern is just what I was looking for!

RJ said...

Hi, I just finished making these for my 9yr old....had gr8 time Thanks for the prestty pattern and simple guidelines....looking forward to make more of your patterns.

Alix said...

I love this pattern so much!! I have made several for my family and friends as gifts. I was wondering if you would allow me to sell them? I would defiantly credit you and your website. If not, that's okay, I didn't want to start making them using your pattern to sell if it was not okay with you.

Happy Crocheting!!
Alix

Jenn said...

Hi Alix, Sure, you may sell them if you wish and thanks for asking. Stay tuned because I'm writing the pattern for the taller version and I'm including different sizes for both patterns. Cheers, Jenn

Unknown said...

How do I make them taller instead of short like these?