There’s something incredibly special about handmade items, and tiny crocheted shoes for little feet are no exception! If you’ve ever wanted to create something sweet and practical for a child but felt intimidated by crochet, this is the perfect project for you. We’ve designed this pattern to be as simple and straightforward as possible, using only basic stitches. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a adorable pair of booties, even if you’ve never picked up a crochet hook before!
These easy crochet children’s shoes (perfect for babies and toddlers!) make wonderful gifts and are a fantastic way to add a personal touch to a little one’s wardrobe. So, grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get started on this fun and rewarding project!
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 50-100 yards of soft, worsted weight (Aran) yarn. Cotton or acrylic blends are great choices for their washability and softness. Choose a fun color (or two!) that you love!
- Crochet Hook: A size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook. This is a comfortable size for worsted weight yarn and makes it easier to see your stitches.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Optional: Stitch markers (to mark the beginning of rounds), buttons, ribbon, or appliques for decoration.
Decoding the Basics: Stitches You’ll Use
This pattern primarily uses just a few fundamental crochet stitches. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull loop through loop on hook.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull loop through stitch and loop on hook.
- Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops.
- Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
- Decrease (sc2tog, hdc2tog, dc2tog): These reduce the number of stitches and are used to shape the toe and heel. You’ll essentially work two stitches together. Instructions for these will be provided in the pattern steps.
Video tutorial
Let’s Crochet! (Pattern for approximate 0-6 months size)
This pattern is worked from the sole up.
Sole:
We’ll start by creating an oval shape for the sole.
Row 1: Chain 11 (this is the foundation chain). Hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook (the skipped chains count as the first hdc). Hdc in the next 7 chains. In the last chain, work 5 hdc. Now you’ll be working on the other side of the foundation chain. Hdc in the next 7 chains. In the last chain (where you worked your first hdc), work 4 hdc. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 2. (24 hdc)
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). 2 hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. 2 hdc in each of the next 5 stitches. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. 2 hdc in each of the last 4 stitches. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (36 hdc)
Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in the same stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (36 hdc)
(Your sole is complete! It should have a slight oval shape.)
Body of the Shoe:
Now we’ll build up the sides of the shoe.
Round 4: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the same stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (36 sc)
Rounds 5-7: Repeat Round 4. (36 sc per round)
(You’ve created the basic sides of the shoe.)
Shaping the Toe:
Now we’ll decrease stitches to form the toe.
Round 8: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the next 10 stitches. Hdc2tog (yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops on hook) 4 times. Sc in the next 14 stitches. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (32 stitches)
Round 9: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the next 9 stitches. Sc2tog (insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook) 3 times. Sc in the next 13 stitches. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (29 stitches)
Finishing the Cuff:
You can finish the top with a simple edge or add a small cuff.
Option 1: Simple Edge
Round 10: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sl st in the same stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the beginning sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Option 2: Small Cuff
Round 10: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in the same stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (29 hdc)
Round 11: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in the same stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (29 hdc). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Making the Second Shoe:
Repeat all the steps above to create the second shoe.
Embellish Your Creations!
Now for the fun part – making them unique!
- Sew on buttons for decoration (ensure they are securely attached).
- Thread ribbon through stitches around the ankle for a sweet tie.
- Crochet or felt small appliques like hearts or stars and sew them on.
- Add a contrasting color for the cuff or sole.
Tips for Success:
- Keep consistent tension: This will help your shoes turn out the same size and shape.
- Use stitch markers: Especially helpful for marking the beginning of rounds.
- Don’t be afraid to start over: If you make a mistake, it’s okay to undo your work and try again.
- Check your gauge (optional but recommended): Crochet a small square using the recommended yarn and hook to see if your stitch count matches the pattern’s gauge. This will ensure your shoes are the correct size.
You’ve done it! You’ve crocheted a precious pair of children’s shoes. This easy pattern is a great stepping stone to more complex projects, and you now have the skills to create even more adorable footwear. Share your creations with us – we’d love to see them!
Happy Crocheting!
