This pattern creates a sweet, simple bootie style that stays on little feet. We’ll work in rounds for the sole and then transition to rows for the upper part of the shoe.
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn (any fiber will do – cotton, acrylic, or a blend are all lovely choices). You’ll need very little, so this is a fantastic scrap yarn project!
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) or the size needed to obtain gauge (though gauge isn’t critical for this small project).
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- inc = increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- BLO = back loop only
Finished Size: Approximately 3.5 inches long, suitable for a newborn to 3-month-old baby. You can adjust the sole length (initial chain) to make them slightly larger or smaller.
Video tutorial
Pattern:
Sole (Make 2):
- Round 1: Ch 9. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each of the next 6 ch. 3 sc in the last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc in each of the next 6 ch. 2 sc in the last ch. Sl st to the first sc to join. (18 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 7 sts, (sc, 2 sc) repeat 3 times, sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the last st. Sl st to the first sc to join. (30 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 8 sts, (sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st) repeat 3 times, sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the last st. Sl st to the first sc to join. (36 sts)
- To make the sole slightly larger, add more rounds, increasing evenly at the ends and sides. For example, Round 5 could be: Ch 1, sc in the first 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 9 sts, (sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st) repeat 3 times, sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the last 2 sts. Sl st to join. (42 sts))
Upper:
- Round 5: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in BLO of each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (36 sts)
- Round 6: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (36 sts)
- Round 7: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first 10 sts. Ch 16 (this will form the strap). Skip the next 6 sts. Sc in the next 14 sts. Ch 16. Skip the last 6 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (40 sc, 32 ch)
- Round 8: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first 10 sts. Sc in each of the next 16 ch. Sc in the next 14 sts. Sc in each of the last 16 ch. Sl st to the first sc to join. (56 sts)
- Round 9: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (56 sts)
- Round 10: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first 18 sts. Hdc in the next 4 sts. Dc in the next 12 sts. Hdc in the next 4 sts. Sc in the last 18 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (56 sts)
Finishing:
- Fasten off and weave in all ends securely on both booties.
Tips and Variations:
- Color Play: Get creative with colors! Use a solid color, stripes, or even color blocking for a unique look.
- Embellishments: Once your booties are complete, you can add adorable embellishments like small crochet flowers, buttons (ensure they are securely attached!), or embroidered details.
- Adjusting Size: As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the initial chain length of the sole to alter the overall size. You might also need to adjust the number of skipped stitches for the strap accordingly.
- Yarn Weight and Hook Size: Keep in mind that using a different yarn weight and hook size will affect the final size of the booties.
There you have it! Incredibly easy and free crochet baby shoes that are as fun to make as they are to give. Imagine the delight of the new parents when they see these tiny, handmade treasures. Happy crocheting, and may your hook dance with joy as you create these little wonders! Don’t hesitate to share your finished booties – we’d love to see your creations!
