These booties are worked in rounds, starting with the sole, then moving up to create the sides and finishing with the ankle cuff and optional strap.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Worsted weight yarn (approximately 50-75 yards). Choose a soft yarn suitable for babies.
- Crochet hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Buttons (optional, for the strap)
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 stitches in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (work 2 stitches together)
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- rep: repeat
- rnd(s): round(s)
Gauge:
While gauge isn’t critical for baby items, it’s helpful to have an idea. Approximately 18 sc stitches and 20 rows in a 4-inch square. Adjust your hook size if needed.
Finished Size:
This pattern is written for approximately 0-3 months (sole length about 3.5 inches). Instructions for adjusting the size are included at the end.
Video pattern
Let’s Get Started!
Part 1: The Sole
We’ll begin by creating an oval shape for the sole of the bootie.
- Rnd 1: Ch 11. In the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 1, sc in the next 8 ch, 3 sc in the last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 8 ch, 2 sc in the last ch. (22 sts)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), inc in the next st, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 8 sts, inc in the last 2 sts. (28 sts)
- Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in the next st, inc in the next st, sc in the next 9 sts, (inc, sc) rep 3 times, sc in the next 9 sts, (inc, sc) rep twice. (34 sts)
- Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the next 10 sts, (inc, sc in the next st) rep 3 times, sc in the next 10 sts, (inc, sc in the next st) rep twice. (40 sts)
- Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in the next 3 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the next 11 sts, (inc, sc in the next 2 sts) rep 3 times, sc in the next 11 sts, (inc, sc in the next 2 sts) rep twice. (46 sts)
For a slightly larger sole (approx. 3-6 months), you can add one more round:
- Rnd 6 (Optional): Ch 1, sc in the next 4 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the next 12 sts, (inc, sc in the next 3 sts) rep 3 times, sc in the next 12 sts, (inc, sc in the next 3 sts) rep twice. (52 sts)
Part 2: The Sides of the Bootie
Now we’ll work in the back loops only to create the upward curve of the bootie sides.
- Rnd 6 (or 7 if you added a round): Ch 1, sc BLO in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (46 or 52 sts)
- Rnd 7 (or 8): Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (46 or 52 sts)
- Rnd 8 (or 9): Ch 2 (does not count as a st), hdc in each st around. Sl st to the first hdc to join. (46 or 52 sts)
Part 3: Shaping the Toe
We’ll now shape the front of the bootie to create the rounded toe.
- Rnd 9 (or 10): Ch 2, hdc in the next 15 (or 17) sts. (Hdc dec over the next 2 sts) rep 8 times. Hdc in the last 15 (or 17) sts. Sl st to the first hdc to join. (38 or 44 sts)
- Rnd 10 (or 11): Ch 1, sc in the next 12 (or 14) sts. (Sc dec over the next 2 sts) rep 7 times. Sc in the last 12 (or 14) sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (31 or 37 sts)
- Rnd 11 (or 12): Ch 1, sc in the next 10 (or 12) sts. (Sc dec over the next 2 sts) rep 6 times. Sc in the last 10 (or 12) sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (25 or 31 sts)
Part 4: The Ankle Cuff
Let’s add a cozy cuff around the ankle.
- Rnd 12 (or 13): Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (25 or 31 sts)
- Rnd 13 (or 14): Ch 3 (counts as a dc), dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the ch-3 to join. (25 or 31 sts)
- Rnd 14 (or 15): Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. Fasten off. (25 or 31 sts)
Part 5: The Strap (Optional)
This adds a cute detail and helps keep the bootie on.
- Row 1: With the right side facing, locate the center front of the bootie. Attach yarn with a sl st. Ch 10 (adjust the number of chains for desired strap length).
- Row 2: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Sl st to the side of the bootie. Fasten off.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all loose ends securely using your yarn needle.
- If you added a strap, sew a button onto the opposite side of the bootie, aligning it with the end of the strap.
Making Adjustments for Different Sizes:
- Smaller Size (Newborn): Reduce the number of chains in the initial chain for the sole by 2-4. You can also work one less increase round for the sole.
- Larger Size (6-12 months): Increase the number of chains in the initial chain for the sole by 2-4 and add one or two more increase rounds for the sole. You might also need to add a round or two to the sides before shaping the toe.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round, especially for the sole.
- Count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t pull your yarn too tightly, especially for the sole, as this can make the bootie curl up.
- Get creative with colors! You can make each bootie a different color or add stripes.
- Embellishments like small crocheted flowers or appliques can add a personal touch.
Congratulations! You’ve created a beautiful pair of crochet baby booties. These little shoes make a wonderful handmade gift for baby showers or a special treat for your own little one. Happy crocheting!
