If you’re new to crochet and looking for a charming project, these granny square baby shoes are perfect! They utilize basic granny squares and simple assembly, making them a fun and rewarding make for beginners. These little booties are sure to keep tiny toes warm and add a touch of handmade sweetness.
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:
Gauge isn’t critical for this project, but aim for your finished 4-round granny square to be 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
- 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 start by crocheting four simple granny squares. Feel free to get creative with your color choices 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 Shoe 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 basic shoe shape with an open top and back.
Part 4: Shaping the Heel
Now we’ll work around the back to create a snug heel.
- 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 Ankle Opening
We’ll now shape the top to create a comfortable opening around the baby’s ankle.
- 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. Skip a few stitches (around 6-8 stitches for a 0-6 month size).
- Attach your yarn to the next stitch on the other side square and sc evenly across the top edge of the second side square. Sl st to the first sc.
Part 6: Adding a Border and Strap (Optional)
- Border: You can add a neat border around the opening and the edges of the shoe using single crochet or a simple slip stitch border.
- Strap (Optional): To help keep the shoes on, you can add a simple strap.
- Attach your yarn to the side of the opening. Chain a desired length for the strap (around 15-20 chains).
- Attach the other end of the chain to the opposite side of the opening.
- You can add a button to one side and create a loop on the other end of the strap to fasten it.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
- Add any optional embellishments like small crocheted flowers, buttons, or appliques to make them extra special.
Adjusting the Size:
- For a smaller size: Use a smaller hook and/or DK weight yarn. You can also stop at 3 rounds for your granny squares.
- For a larger size: Use a larger hook and/or bulky weight yarn. You can also add an extra round to your granny squares or add more rounds to the single crochet heel section.
Tips for Beginner Success:
- Practice your granny squares: If you’re new to granny squares, make a few practice squares to get comfortable with the stitch pattern.
- Don’t be afraid to count: Counting your stitches, especially in the heel shaping, will help ensure a good fit.
- Take your time: Crochet is a relaxing craft, so enjoy the process!
- Weave in ends securely: This will prevent your work from unraveling.
Congratulations! You’ve now created a beginner-friendly pair of granny square baby shoes. These little booties are a wonderful
