These adorable baby shoes combine the charm of granny squares with the snug fit of a balaclava style, ensuring they stay comfortably on little feet. They make a wonderful handmade gift for baby showers or a sweet addition to your own little one’s wardrobe.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn in your desired colors (you’ll need small amounts of at least two colors)
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Optional: Small buttons or decorative embellishments
Gauge:
While gauge isn’t critical for baby shoes, aim for approximately 4 granny square rounds to measure about 3 inches square. Adjust your hook size if needed.
Finished Size:
This pattern is written for approximately 0-6 months (sole length around 3.5 inches). Instructions for slight adjustments will be included.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet (optional, for a slightly taller first round)
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- beg: beginning
- rep: repeat
Video tutorial
Let’s Get Started!
Part 1: Making the Granny Squares (Make 4)
We’ll create simple four-round granny squares for the main parts of the shoes. Feel free to play with color combinations for each square!
Round 1: With your first color, ch 4, sl st to join into a ring. (Alternatively, you can use a magic ring). Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2, *3 dc in the ring, ch 2; rep from * twice more. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3. (4 clusters of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
Round 2: Sl st into the next dc and into the first ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in the same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 sp (corner made). *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 sp (corner made); rep from * twice more, ch 1. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3.
Round 3: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in the same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 sp (corner made). *Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 sp (corner made); rep from * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in the last ch-1 sp, ch 1. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3.
Round 4: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 sp. Change to your second color (optional). Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in the same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 sp (corner made). *Ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp across to the next corner, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 sp (corner made); rep from * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp across to the last corner, ch 1. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat this process to make a total of 4 granny squares.
Part 2: Assembling the Shoe Sole
We’ll join two of the granny squares to form the sole of the shoe.
- Place two granny squares side by side with the wrong sides facing each other.
- Using your yarn needle and one of the colors you used, whip stitch or single crochet along one edge of each square to join them together. Aim to join through the back loops only for a neater seam.
Part 3: Creating the Balaclava Upper
Now we’ll attach the remaining two granny squares to the sole to create the upper part of the shoe.
- Take one of the remaining granny squares. Align one edge of this square with one of the unjoined edges of the sole (the longer edge).
- Using your yarn needle or crochet hook, attach this square to the sole using a whip stitch or single crochet. Center the granny square along the edge of the sole.
- Repeat this process with the last granny square on the opposite unjoined edge of the sole. You should now have a somewhat three-dimensional shape.
Part 4: Shaping the Heel and Ankle
Now we’ll work around the back and top edges to create the heel and the balaclava-style ankle opening.
- Heel Shaping: With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to one of the back corners where a side square meets the sole square.
- Ch 1, then work single crochet evenly across the back edge of the sole square and up the side of the adjacent square.
- Continue working single crochet across the top edge of that side square.
- Now work single crochet down the other side square and across the remaining back edge of the sole square. Sl st to the first sc.
- Next Round: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc. Repeat this round for a few more rounds (2-3 rounds) to create a small “cup” for the heel.
Part 5: Creating the Balaclava Opening
- With the right side facing you, find the center front of the shoe (where the two side squares meet).
- Attach your yarn to one of the top corners of a side square.
- Ch 1, sc evenly across the top edge of this side square.
- Now, we’ll create an opening. Decide how wide you want the opening to be. Chain a number of stitches to bridge across the front. For a 0-6 month size, around 8-10 chains might work.
- Attach the chain to the top corner of the other side square.
- Sc evenly across the top edge of the second side square. Sl st to the first sc.
Part 6: Adding a Border and Straps (Optional)
- Border: You can add a neat border around the opening and the edges of the shoe using single crochet or a crab stitch (reverse single crochet).
- Straps (Optional): For added security, you can create small straps with buttons or ties.
- For a button strap: Attach yarn to the side of the opening. Chain a desired length for the strap. Attach a small loop at the end (e.g., a few chain stitches joined with a sl st). Sew a button to the opposite side of the opening.
- For tie straps: Attach yarn to each side of the opening and create chains of equal length to tie together.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
- Add any optional embellishments like small crocheted flowers, buttons, or appliques.
Adjusting the Size:
- For a smaller size: Use a smaller hook and/or thinner yarn. You could also work fewer rounds on your granny squares.
- For a larger size: Use a larger hook and/or thicker yarn. You can also add an extra round to your granny squares or add more rounds to the single crochet heel and ankle section.
Tips and Variations:
- Color Play: Get creative with your color choices! Use stripes within the granny squares or alternate colors for each round.
- Texture: Experiment with different yarn textures for a unique feel.
- Embellishments: Small crocheted shapes, beads (if the baby is past the age of putting things in their mouth), or embroidery can add a personal touch.
Congratulations! You’ve created a pair of super easy crochet granny square balaclava baby shoes. These little booties are sure to keep those precious feet warm and stylish. Happy crocheting!
