These adorable baby booties are crafted by cleverly folding and seaming simple granny squares, resulting in a unique and eye-catching design. They’re a fantastic way to use up yarn scraps and make a truly special handmade gift for a little one.
Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner
Materials:
- DK or worsted weight yarn in your desired colors (you’ll need small amounts of at least two colors per bootie)
- Crochet hook size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for seaming)
Gauge:
While gauge isn’t critical, aim for your finished 4-round granny square to measure approximately 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 per Bootie)
We’ll create simple four-round granny squares for each bootie. Feel free to get creative with your 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 8 granny squares (4 for each bootie).
Part 2: Assembling the Bootie – Step by Step
Now comes the fun part – transforming those squares into adorable booties!
- Positioning the Squares: For one bootie, lay out your four granny squares in a row. Imagine them numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 from left to right.
- Joining Squares 1 and 2: Place squares 1 and 2 right sides together. Using your chosen yarn and yarn needle (or slip stitch/single crochet with your hook), seam along one edge connecting them.
- Joining Squares 3 and 4: Similarly, place squares 3 and 4 right sides together and seam along one edge.
- Creating the “Tube”: Now, take the joined pair of squares (1 & 2) and the other joined pair (3 & 4). Place them right sides together, aligning the unseamed edges. Seam along one of these edges to connect the two pairs, forming a sort of wide, open tube.
- Shaping the Toe: This is where the magic happens! Lay the connected piece flat with the seam you just made running down the center. Bring the two opposite corners of one of the single squares (either square 1 or 4) together. Seam along this edge to create the rounded toe shape. Repeat this on the other single square (either square 2 or 3) to form the other part of the toe. You’ll start to see the bootie shape emerge.
- Creating the Heel: Now, look at the open end of your partially formed bootie. You’ll have two remaining unseamed edges from the other two granny squares. Bring these two edges together and seam them to create the heel of the bootie.
- Securing and Finishing: Ensure all seams are secure. Turn the bootie right side out.
Part 3: Creating the Ankle Cuff (Optional)
You can add a cozy cuff to the top of the bootie for a snugger fit and extra style.
- With your chosen yarn, attach it to the top edge of the bootie opening.
- Round 1: Ch 1, work single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire opening. Sl st to the first sc.
- Round 2 (and subsequent rounds): You can continue with sc for a simple cuff, or try other stitches like half double crochet (hdc) or a ribbed pattern (alternating front and back loop sc or hdc). Work as many rounds as you desire for the height of the cuff.
- Fasten off and weave in the end.
Part 4: Adding Ties or Straps (Optional)
For added security, you can create ties or straps to help keep the booties on.
- Ties: Attach yarn to the sides of the cuff opening and create chains of equal length (e.g., ch 20-25). These can be tied together to secure the bootie.
- Simple Strap with Button: Crochet a small strap (a few rows of sc or hdc) and attach it to one side of the bootie. Sew a small button to the opposite side for fastening.
Making the Second Bootie:
Repeat all the steps above to create the second bootie, aiming for symmetry with the first one.
Adjusting the Size:
- Smaller Size: Use a smaller hook and/or thinner yarn. You could also try making 3-round granny squares instead of 4.
- Larger Size: Use a larger hook and/or thicker yarn. You can also add an extra round to your granny squares.
Tips for Amazing Granny Square Booties:
- Color Coordination: Plan your color changes within the granny squares to create visually appealing booties.
- Neat Seams: Take your time when seaming the squares together for a professional finish. Using a whip stitch or a mattress stitch can create less bulky seams.
- Stitch Markers: Use stitch markers to help align edges accurately before seaming.
- Customization: Get creative with the cuff! Add a picot edge, use a contrasting color, or try a shell stitch.
- Yarn Choice: Consider using soft, baby-friendly yarn for comfort.
Congratulations! You’ve now created a pair of amazing baby booties from simple granny squares. These unique and charming booties are sure to be treasured. Happy crocheting!
