These little booties work up surprisingly fast and make a thoughtful handmade gift for a new arrival. The simple construction allows for easy customization with different colors and embellishments.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn (approximately 50 yards). Choose a soft yarn suitable for babies.
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Buttons, small appliques, or ribbon for decoration.
Gauge: While not critical for this small project, a gauge of approximately 4 single crochet (sc) stitches per inch is a good guideline.
Finished Size: This pattern is written for approximately 0-3 months (sole length of about 3.5 inches). Adjust hook size and yarn weight to make slightly larger or smaller sizes.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: increase (make two stitches in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
- rep: repeat
- st(s): stitch(es)
Video tutorial
Pattern:
Sole (Make 2):
- Ch 9.
- Round 1: 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, 2 sc in the last ch. Sl st to the first sc to join. (18 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, inc in the first sc, sc in the next 6 sc, inc in the next 3 sc, sc in the next 6 sc, inc in the last 2 sc. Sl st to the first inc to join. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the first sc, inc in the next sc, sc in the next 7 sc, inc in the next sc, sc in the next sc, inc in the next sc, sc in the next 7 sc, inc in the next sc, sc in the last sc. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
Upper (Make 2):
- With the right side of the sole facing you, join yarn with a sl st to any stitch.
- Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same st and in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the next 8 sts, hdc in the next 12 sts, sc in the last 8 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the next 8 sts, hdc in the next 12 sts, sc in the last 8 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (28 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1, sc in the next 8 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, dec over the next 2 hdc, hdc in the next 2 sts, dec over the next 2 hdc, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the last 8 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (26 sts)
- Round 5: Ch 1, sc in the next 8 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, dec over the next 2 hdc, hdc in the next st, dec over the next 2 hdc, hdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the last 8 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (24 sts)
- Round 6: Ch 1, sc in the next 8 sts, hdc in the next st, dec over the next 2 hdc, dec over the next 2 hdc, hdc in the next st, sc in the last 8 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (22 sts)
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Ankle Strap (Make 2):
- Ch 15 (or desired length for the strap).
- Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (14 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finishing:
- Sew the upper to the sole: Align the upper with the sole, ensuring the front (toe) part is centered. Using your yarn needle and the yarn tail from the upper, whip stitch or slip stitch the upper to the sole. Start at one side, go around the toe, and finish at the other side. Repeat for the second shoe.
- Attach the ankle strap: Position the ends of the ankle strap on the sides of the shoe opening, towards the back. Sew them securely in place.
- Optional Decoration: Add buttons, small crocheted appliques, or tie a ribbon through the ankle strap for an extra touch of cuteness.
Tips and Variations:
- Color Play: Use different colors for the sole, upper, and strap for a fun, contrasting look.
- Stripes: Incorporate stripes by changing colors every few rounds.
- Texture: Experiment with different yarn textures for added visual and tactile interest.
- Larger Sizes: To make a slightly larger shoe, you can go up a hook size or add an extra round or two to the sole before starting the upper.
- Secure Fastening: For added security, you can add a small button to one side of the ankle strap and create a loop on the other side.
Congratulations! You’ve just crocheted a sweet pair of baby shoes. These little booties are perfect for keeping tiny toes warm and make a wonderful handmade gift. Happy crocheting!
