EASY STEP-BY-STEP CROCHET SHOE | Video tutorial

here’s a detailed step-by-step pattern for making easy baby crochet shoes for beginners. This pattern uses basic crochet stitches and is designed to be simple to follow.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn (soft baby yarn is recommended) in your desired color. You won’t need a lot – scraps are perfect!
• Crochet hook size G/6 (4.0 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Scissors.

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet

Gauge:

• Gauge is not crucial for baby shoes, but for a general idea, aim for approximately 4 single crochet stitches per inch. Consistency in your tension is more important than hitting an exact gauge.

Size:

• This pattern is written for a newborn to 3-month-old baby (approximately 3.5 inches sole length). You can adjust the length of the initial chain to make the sole longer or shorter for different sizes.

Pattern:

Part 1: The Sole (Make 2)

1. Start: Chain 10.
2. Round 1: In the second chain from the hook, single crochet (sc). Sc in the next 7 chains. In the last chain, work 3 sc. Now, working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 7 chains. In the last chain (which is the same as the first chain you worked into), work 2 sc. Slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 20 sc)
   • Explanation: You’re creating an oval shape. The 3 sc at one end and the 2 sc at the other create the rounded ends of the sole.
3. Round 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in the next 7 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. Sc in the next 7 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Sl st to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 26 sc)
   • Explanation: You’re increasing stitches at the rounded ends to make the oval wider.
4. Round 3: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in the next 8 stitches. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * two more times (total of 3 repeats). Sc in the next 8 stitches. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * one more time (total of 2 repeats). Sl st to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 32 sc)
   • Explanation: More increases to continue shaping the sole.
5. Round 4 (Optional for slightly larger sole): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in the next 9 stitches. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * two more times. Sc in the next 9 stitches. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * one more time. Sl st to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 38 sc)
   • Explanation: This round adds a little more length and width. Skip if you want a smaller newborn size.
6. Fasten off the first sole and weave in the ends. Do not fasten off the second sole.

Part 2: The Sides of the Shoe

1. Continue from the second sole: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet (sc) in the back loop only of each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 32 or 38 sc depending on the sole size)
   • Explanation: Working in the back loop only creates a nice ridge that helps form the sides of the shoe.
2. Round 6: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Single crochet (sc) in each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 32 or 38 sc)
3. Round 7: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Single crochet (sc) in each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc of the round to join. (Total: 32 or 38 sc)
   • Explanation: These rounds build up the height of the shoe sides. You can add more rounds here if you want a higher shoe.

Part 3: Shaping the Toe

1. Round 8: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Single crochet (sc) in the next 10 (or 12 if you did the extra sole round) stitches.
   • Explanation: We’re now going to work back and forth to create the toe opening.
2. Row 9: Chain 1, turn. Skip the first stitch. Single crochet (sc) in the next 8 (or 10) stitches.
3. Row 10: Chain 1, turn. Skip the first stitch. Single crochet (sc) in the next 6 (or 8) stitches.
4. Row 11: Chain 1, turn. Skip the first stitch. Single crochet (sc) in the next 4 (or 6) stitches.
5. Row 12: Chain 1, turn. Skip the first stitch. Single crochet (sc) in the next 2 (or 4) stitches.
6. Row 13: Chain 1, turn. Skip the first stitch. Single crochet (sc) in the last stitch. (You should have 1 or 2 stitches left depending on the sole size).
   • Explanation: Each row decreases the number of stitches, creating the rounded shape of the toe.
7. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Part 4: The Ankle Strap (Make 2)

1. Attach yarn: With the right side of the shoe facing you, find the middle back of the shoe. Attach your yarn with a slip stitch.
2. Chain 12. (Adjust the number of chains for a longer or shorter strap).
3. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Part 5: Finishing

1. Sew the strap: On the opposite side of where you attached the strap, find a spot to sew the end of the strap. This will create a loop that can be gently pulled over the ankle to secure the shoe. You can either sew it directly onto the shoe or create a small buttonhole by chaining a few stitches and then slip stitching back. For a beginner-friendly option, simply sew the end of the strap securely to the side of the shoe.
   • Alternative Strap Option (Tie Closure): Instead of making a loop, you can make a longer chain (e.g., chain 20) for the strap and tie it around the baby’s ankle. Attach the strap on both sides of the shoe.
2. Weave in all remaining loose ends using your yarn needle.
3. Repeat all steps to make the second shoe.

Video tutorial

Tips for Beginners:

• Practice your stitches: Before starting the shoes, practice making chains, single crochets, and slip stitches until you feel comfortable with them.
• Count your stitches: It’s easy to lose track of stitches, especially in the early rounds. Counting after each round can prevent mistakes.
• Don’t pull too tight: Keep your tension relaxed and even. Pulling too tightly can make the shoes too small and stiff.
• Use stitch markers: If you’re having trouble identifying the beginning or end of a round, use a stitch marker.
• Take breaks: If you get frustrated, take a break and come back to it later.
• Watch video tutorials: If you find any part of the pattern confusing, search for video tutorials on YouTube for the specific stitch or technique. There are many great visual resources available.