BABY’S CROCHET SHOE | Video tutorial

Crocheting baby shoes is such a rewarding experience. Here’s a detailed pattern to guide you through making a sweet pair of baby booties. This pattern is designed for a newborn to approximately 3-month-old baby (sole length approximately 3.5 inches).

Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn: DK weight yarn in your preferred color(s). A soft, baby-friendly yarn is ideal. You’ll need a small amount.
• Crochet Hook: Size E/4 (3.5 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: To snip yarn.
• Stitch Markers: Optional, but helpful for marking rounds.

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• inc = increase (work 2 sc/hdc/dc in the same stitch)
• dec = decrease (sc2tog, hdc2tog, or dc2tog – crochet two stitches together)
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only

Gauge:

While gauge isn’t critical for baby shoes, aim for approximately 5-6 hdc stitches per inch to achieve the intended size.

Pattern:

Part 1: The Sole

We’ll start by creating the oval-shaped sole of the shoe.

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 11.
2. Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 8 chs, 3 sc in the last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 8 chs, 2 sc in the last ch. (Total: 22 sts)
3. Round 2: Inc in the first st, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the last 2 sts. (Total: 28 sts)
4. Round 3: Sc in the first st, inc in the next st, sc in the next 8 sts, (sc, inc) rep 3 times, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the last st. (Total: 34 sts)
5. Round 4: Sc in the first 2 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the next 8 sts, (sc in the next 2 sts, inc) rep 3 times, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the last 2 sts. (Total: 40 sts)
   • Note: For a slightly larger sole, you can add another increase round, distributing the increases evenly at the toe and heel.

Part 2: The Sides (Upper Part of the Sole)

Now, we’ll work in the back loops only to create a ridge that defines the sole and starts the sides of the shoe.

6. Round 5: Working in BLO, sc in each st around. (Total: 40 sts)

Part 3: Shaping the Upper

We’ll now start shaping the upper part of the shoe, creating the toe area.

7. Round 6: Sc in the first 12 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, dc in the next 8 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, sc in the last 12 sts. (Total: 40 sts)
8. Round 7: Sc in the first 11 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, dc in the next 10 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, sc in the last 11 sts. (Total: 40 sts)
9. Round 8: Sc in the first 10 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, dc in the next 12 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, sc in the last 10 sts. (Total: 40 sts)
10. Round 9: Sc in the first 10 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, dc in the next 14 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the last 10 sts. (Total: 40 sts)
11. Round 10: Sc in the first 10 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, dc in the next 14 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the last 10 sts. (Total: 40 sts)
    • Note: You can adjust the number of rounds here to change the height of the shoe’s upper.

Part 4: Creating the Toe Opening

Now we’ll shape the front opening of the shoe.

12. Round 11: Sc in the first 17 sts. Ch 6 (this will form the strap/opening). Skip the next 6 sts. Sc in the last 17 sts. (Total: 40 sc sts and a ch-6 space)
13. Round 12: Sc in the first 17 sts, sc in each of the 6 ch sts, sc in the last 17 sts. (Total: 40 sts)

Part 5: The Ankle Strap (Optional)

This creates a strap to help keep the shoe on.

14. Round 13: Sl st in the first st. Ch 1, sc in the same st and in the next 16 sts. Ch 10 (or desired length for the strap). Turn your work.
15. Row 14: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each of the next 9 chs, sl st into the next st on the shoe. Fasten off.
    • Alternative Closure: You can also create a button loop on one side and attach a small button on the other side of the opening in Round 12. To make a button loop, simply chain a few stitches (depending on the size of your button) instead of the ch 10 in Round 14, and then sl st back into the shoe.

Part 6: Finishing Touches (Make a Second Shoe)

1. Weave in all loose ends securely using your yarn needle.
2. Repeat the entire pattern to create the second shoe.

Video tutorial

Embellishments (Optional):

• You can add a small crocheted flower, bow, or button to the front or side of the shoe for decoration.
• Change colors between rounds for a striped effect.
• Add a contrasting color for the sole or the top edge.

Tips for Success:

• Keep your tension consistent throughout the project for a neat and even finish.
• Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds, especially in the sole.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the number of stitches or rounds slightly to achieve the desired size, keeping in mind the proportions of the shoe.
• Refer to online resources or video tutorials if you get stuck on any particular stitch or technique.