This pattern creates a simple bootie shape by knitting a flat piece and then seaming it. It’s perfect for beginners!
Very Easy Knitted Baby Shoe Pattern
This pattern creates a simple, comfortable knitted baby shoe or bootie using basic stitches and construction.
Skill Level: Beginner
Size: 0-3 Months (approx. 3.5 – 3.75 inches sole length when finished and seamed)
Note: To adjust the size, you will need to cast on more or fewer stitches and knit more or fewer rows for the main rectangle.
Materials:
- Approximately 50-70 yards of DK weight yarn.
- Straight knitting needles, size US 5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch holder or scrap yarn (optional, if adding cuff separately)
Gauge:
In Garter Stitch (knit every row): 20 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct size.
Abbreviations:
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- BO: Bind off
- Garter Stitch: Knit every row.
- St st: Stockinette stitch (Knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows when working flat).
Notes:
- The main part of the shoe is knitted flat as a rectangle.
- The cuff is optional and can be knitted directly or separately.
- The shoe is shaped by folding and seaming.
Pattern Instructions:
Make 2 (for a pair)
Part 1: The Main Piece (Sole and Lower Upper)
We will knit a simple rectangle in Garter Stitch (or you can use Stockinette if preferred – specify which you choose). Garter stitch is recommended for beginners as it doesn’t curl.
Using your chosen yarn and needles, CO 20 stitches. (Adjust CO number for foot length)
Work in Garter Stitch (Knit every row) until the piece measures approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) from the cast-on edge, ending after a knit row. (Approx. 33 rows)
Note: For a larger size, knit more rows here. For a smaller size, knit fewer rows. The length of this rectangle will be the length of the finished sole.
BO all stitches loosely.
You should have a rectangle that is roughly 4 inches wide (depending on gauge) and 3.5 inches long.
Part 2: Optional Cuff/Ankle
You can knit the cuff directly onto the top edge of the rectangle, or knit it separately. Knitting it separately and seaming it on can be easier for beginners.
Option A: Knit Cuff Separately
Using your chosen yarn and needles, CO 20 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch (Knit every row) until the piece measures approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm), ending after a knit row. (Approx. 14 rows) BO all stitches loosely.
Option B: Knit Cuff Directly (More Advanced)
Do not BO the main piece after Part 1. With the right side of the work facing you, you will now change to a ribbing pattern for the cuff (or continue in garter). A simple K1, P1 ribbing is common. Row 1: (K1, P1) across the row. Repeat Row 1 until the cuff measures approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm). BO all stitches loosely in pattern.
Assembly:
- Lay the main rectangle flat.
- Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise. The cast-on edge and the bind-off edge should meet. This seam will form the back of the heel.
- Thread your tapestry needle with the same yarn. Starting from the corner at the bind-off edge, seam the side edges together for approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm). This forms the heel seam. Use a mattress stitch for an invisible seam, or a simple whip stitch.
- You now have a piece that looks like an open-ended tube with a seam at the back. One open end is the ankle opening (where you worked the cuff or will attach it), and the other open end is the toe.
- Thread the remaining tail onto your tapestry needle. Starting from one side of the raw edge at the toe end, weave the needle in and out through the stitches along the entire raw edge.
- Pull the tail tightly to gather the stitches and close the toe. Cinch it as tightly as possible.
- Secure the gathering by stitching back and forth a few times across the gathered opening.
- If you chose Option A for the cuff, take the separate cuff rectangle. Seam the short edges of the cuff together to form a small loop.
- Place the cuff loop around the ankle opening of the bootie. Using your tapestry needle and a new piece of yarn, sew the cuff to the top edge of the bootie.
- Weave in all remaining loose ends securely on the inside of the bootie.
- Turn the bootie right side out.
Repeat all steps to make the second bootie.
Video tutorial
Optional Tie:
You can make a simple knitted i-cord or a crocheted chain to tie around the ankle if desired.
- Knitted i-cord: CO 3-4 stitches onto a double-pointed needle. Do not turn the work. Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle. Knit the stitches. Repeat sliding and knitting until the cord is about 10-12 inches long. BO. Make two.
- Crocheted chain: Using your yarn and crochet hook, ch until the chain measures about 10-12 inches long. FO. Make two.
Thread the tie through stitches around the ankle cuff of the bootie.
