Let’s get those little feet cozy with some easy and economical crochet baby shoes. Here’s a detailed pattern for you:
Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn (you won’t need much, scraps work great!)
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
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 in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- BLO: back loop only
Gauge: Gauge isn’t critical for baby shoes, but aim for approximately 4 sc = 1 inch.
Finished Size: This pattern is written for approximately 0-3 months (sole length around 3.5 inches). Adjust hook size or add/subtract rounds to the sole for different sizes.
Pattern:
Part 1: The Sole (Make 2)
- Round 1: Ch 11. In the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 9, 3 sc in the last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc 9, 2 sc in the last ch. Sl st to the first sc to join. (23 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first 9 sts, inc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 9 sts, inc in the last 2 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the first 10 sts, (sc, inc) x 3, sc in the next 10 sts, (sc, inc) x 2. Sl st to the first sc to join. (33 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1. Sc in the first 11 sts, (sc, sc, inc) x 3, sc in the next 11 sts, (sc, sc, inc) x 2. Sl st to the first sc to join. (38 sts)
- To make a slightly larger sole (approx. 3-6 months), you can add one more round: Ch 1. Sc in the first 12 sts, (sc, sc, sc, inc) x 3, sc in the next 12 sts, (sc, sc, sc, inc) x 2. Sl st to the first sc to join. (43 sts)
Part 2: The Sides
- Round 5: Ch 1. Working in BLO only, sc around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (38 sts – or the number of sts from your sole)
- Round 6: Ch 1. Sc around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (38 sts)
- Round 7: Ch 1. Sc in the first 10 sts, hdc in the next 18 sts, sc in the last 10 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (38 sts)
- Round 8: Ch 1. Sc in the first 10 sts, hdc in the next 18 sts, sc in the last 10 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (38 sts)
Part 3: The Toe Shaping
- Round 9: Ch 1. Sc in the first 9 sts. Decrease (sc 2 together) 5 times. Sc in the next 9 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (33 sts)
- Round 10: Ch 1. Sc in the first 8 sts. Decrease 5 times. Sc in the next 8 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
- Round 11: Ch 1. Sc in the first 7 sts. Decrease 3 times. Sc in the next 7 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (25 sts)
Part 4: The Ankle Strap (Optional)
- Round 12: Ch 1. Sc in the first 12 sts. Ch 15 (or desired length for the strap). Skip the next st and sl st in the following st. Sc in the remaining 11 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (27 sts + chain)
- Round 13: Ch 1. Sc in each st around, including the chain spaces. Sl st to the first sc to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Alternatively, for a simpler finish, after Round 11, you can just fasten off and weave in ends, leaving the shoe as a little bootie.
- For button closure, after Round 12, instead of slip stitching back into the shoe, continue to sc along the chain. In the last few chain spaces, create a buttonhole by chaining 2-3 and skipping the same number of stitches. Continue sc around. On the other shoe, in the corresponding position, sew on a button.
Finishing:
- Weave in all loose ends securely using your yarn needle.
- Shape the little shoes with your hands.
Video tutorial
Tips for Easy and Economical Crocheting:
- Use yarn scraps: Baby shoes require very little yarn, so they are perfect for using up leftover yarn from other projects.
- Keep it simple: This pattern uses basic crochet stitches, making it quick and easy to learn.
- One color is elegant: Using a single color keeps the design clean and economical.
- Check your gauge (loosely): While not critical, a consistent tension will result in shoes of a similar size.
- Embellish sparingly (optional): A small button, a simple crocheted flower, or a contrasting color trim can add a touch of charm without using much extra yarn.
