There’s something so heartwarming about gifting a handmade item, and these crochet sneakers are sure to bring smiles. They work up quickly and make a thoughtful shower gift or a sweet little something for your own bundle of joy.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in your desired colors (you’ll need a small amount of the main color and a contrasting color for accents like the sole and laces). Soft acrylic or cotton blends are ideal for baby items.
- Crochet Hook: Size E/4 (3.5 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors: To snip your yarn.
- Optional: Small buttons or beads for decorative accents.
Gauge: While gauge isn’t critical for this small project, aim for approximately 4 single crochet stitches per inch.
Finished Size: Approximately 3.5 inches in length, suitable for a newborn (0-3 months). You can adjust the size slightly by adding or subtracting rounds in the sole.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BLO: back loop only
Video tutorial
Let’s Get Crocheting!
Sole (Make 2):
Using your main color:
- Round 1: Ch 9, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 6 ch, 3 sc in the last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 6 ch, inc in the last ch. (18 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, turn. Inc in the first st, sc in the next 7 sts, inc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 7 sts, inc in the last 2 sts. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st, inc in the next st, sc in the next 8 sts, (sc, inc) repeat 3 times, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the last st. (30 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st around. (30 sts)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Upper (Make 2):
Using your main color:
- Join yarn to any stitch on the sole. Ch 1, sc in the same st and in each st around. (30 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO in each st around. (30 sts)
- Round 3-6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st around. (30 sts)
Toe Shaping:
- Round 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first 8 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 8 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 8 sts. (28 sts)
- Round 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first 7 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 8 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 7 sts. (26 sts)
- Round 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first 6 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 8 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 6 sts. (24 sts)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Ankle Cuff (Make 2):
Using your main color:
- Join yarn to the back of the upper. Ch 7.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across (6 sts). Sl st to the next st on the upper. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: Sc in each st across (6 sts). Sl st to the next st on the upper. Ch 1, turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until the cuff goes around the back of the ankle. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finishing:
- Assembly: Align the two upper pieces with the soles. Using your main color and yarn needle, whip stitch the uppers to the soles, starting at the toe and working your way around.
- Laces (Make 2): With your contrasting color, ch approximately 25-30. Fasten off.
- Attaching Laces: Weave the laces through the front of the sneakers, creating a tie. You can either tie them in a bow or leave them long for a decorative effect.
- Optional Embellishments: You can add small buttons or beads to the sides or front of the sneakers for an extra touch of cuteness. Ensure they are securely attached.
Tips and Variations:
- Color Play: Get creative with your color combinations! Stripes, color blocking, or even a solid color with a contrasting sole can look fantastic.
- Strap Closure: Instead of laces, you could add a small strap with a button or Velcro closure for easier on and off.
- Texture: Experiment with different stitch textures for the upper, such as half double crochet or even a simple shell stitch.
