This pattern will guide you through crocheting a pair of adorable baby sandals, embellished with beads for a touch of sparkle. These sandals are perfect for a special occasion or a cute summer accessory.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials:
- Yarn: Fingering or sport weight cotton yarn in two colors (Color A for the sole and main part, Color B for the straps). Cotton yarn is recommended for its softness and breathability.
- Crochet Hook: Size appropriate for your yarn (e.g., 2.5mm or 3.0mm).
- Beads: Small beads with holes large enough to fit over your yarn. The number of beads will depend on your design.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful)
Gauge:
- Gauge is not critical for baby shoes, but it’s important to maintain consistent tension. A typical gauge for sport weight yarn is around 20-24 single crochet stitches in 4 inches.
Sizes:
- This pattern can be adapted for different sizes by adjusting the length of the sole. Here are approximate sole lengths:
- 0-3 months: 3.5 inches
- 3-6 months: 4 inches
- 6-9 months: 4.5 inches
- 9-12 months: 5 inches
Abbreviations:
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same st)
- dec – decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
Pattern Notes:
- The sole is worked first, then the upper part of the sandal, and finally the straps.
- Beads are added to the straps as you crochet.
- Adjust the number of beads and their placement to your preference.
- This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Part 1: Sole
Use Color A.
- Foundation Chain: Chain 10 (for 0-3 months). Adjust the chain length as needed for larger sizes (add 2 ch for each size increase).
- Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook, sc in the next 7 ch, 3 sc in the last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 7 ch, 2 sc in the last ch. (20 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next 2 sts. (26 sts)
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 9 sts, (sc, hdc) in the next st, (hdc, sc) in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, (sc, hdc) in the next st, (hdc, sc) in the next st, sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the last st. (32 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (32 sts) For 6-9 months size, add two more rows of sc. For 9-12 months, add four more rows of sc.
- Fasten off Color A.
Part 2: Upper Part
Use Color A.
- Joining: With the right side facing, join Color A with a sl st to the first st of Row 4 (or the last sc row) at the toe end.
- Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 7 sts, skip 10 sts, sc in the next 7 sts, sc in the last 8 sts. (23 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (23 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (23 sts)
- Fasten off Color A.
Part 3: Straps
Use Color B.
- First Strap: With the right side facing, join Color B at the stitch where you ended Round 3 of the upper part.
- Chain 15-20 (adjust length for desired fit and bead count).
- Adding Beads:
- Slide a bead onto the yarn.
- Sc in the next chain.
- Slide another bead onto the yarn.
- Repeat this process until you have the desired number of beads on the strap.
- Sc in the remaining chains.
- Attach the strap to the opposite side of the upper part, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. You can either sl st to attach, or sc.
- Fasten off Color B.
- Second Strap: Repeat steps 1-5 on the opposite side of the sandal, mirroring the bead placement of the first strap.
Finishing
- Weave in all loose ends securely with a yarn needle.
- Make sure the straps are securely attached.
- If desired, add additional embellishments such as small flowers, buttons, or more beads to the sole or upper part.
Tips and Variations:
- Bead Size and Type: Use beads that are appropriate for the yarn weight. Smaller beads work well with fingering yarn, while slightly larger beads can be used with sport weight yarn. Consider using different types of beads, such as seed beads, pearl beads, or glass beads, for a unique look.
- Strap Style: Experiment with different strap styles. For example, you can create a T-strap design or use a braided strap.
- Color Combinations: Play with different color combinations to create a variety of sandal designs. You can use contrasting colors for the sole and straps or use variegated yarn for a colorful effect.
- Sole Shape: Modify the shape of the sole by adding more or fewer increases to create a rounder or more elongated shape.
- Edging: Add a decorative edge to the sole or upper part using a contrasting color or a different stitch, such as picot stitch or crab stitch.
- Flower or Bow: Attach a small crocheted flower or ribbon bow to the front of the sandal for a feminine touch.
Video tutorial
Safety Note:
- When adding beads to baby items, ensure they are securely attached to prevent them from coming loose and becoming a choking hazard. It is recommended to supervise babies when they are wearing items with small embellishments.
