If you’re looking for a project that’s both satisfyingly simple and utterly adorable, look no further! These granny square baby booties are perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. Using just a few granny squares and some basic shaping, you’ll create a cozy and unique pair of booties that make a wonderful gift or a cherished item for your own little one.
Skill Level: Easy
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
Gauge:
While gauge isn’t critical for baby booties, aim for approximately 4 rounds of a granny square 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
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- beg: beginning
- rep: repeat
Video tutorial
Let’s Get Hooking!
Part 1: Creating the Granny Squares (Make 4)
We’ll start by making four simple four-round granny squares. 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 for all four squares.
Part 2: Assembling the Bootie Sole
We’ll join two of the granny squares to form the sole of the bootie.
- 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 Bootie Upper
Now we’ll attach the remaining two granny squares to the sole to create the upper part of the bootie.
- 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
Now we’ll work around the back edges to create the heel of the bootie.
- 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.
- Heel Shaping Rounds (approx. 2-3 rounds): We’ll now decrease to shape the heel.
- Ch 1, sc in the next few stitches (experiment to find the center back).
- Work a single crochet decrease (sc2tog) over the next two stitches.
- Continue single crocheting around until you are a few stitches before the center back.
- Work another single crochet decrease (sc2tog) over the next two stitches.
- Sc in the remaining stitches. Sl st to the first sc.
- Repeat this decrease round 1-2 more times, decreasing at the center back of the heel each time, until you achieve a nice rounded heel shape.
Part 5: Creating the Ankle Opening and Cuff (Optional)
- With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to the top edge of the bootie.
- Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the top edge of the bootie. Sl st to the first sc.
- Cuff (Optional): For a little extra coziness and a finished look, you can add a few rounds of ribbing.
- Ch 1, *front post double crochet (fpdc) around the next st, back post double crochet (bpdc) around the next st; rep from * around. Sl st to the first fpdc.
- Repeat this round for 2-3 rounds or until you reach your desired cuff height.
- Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Part 6: Making the Second Bootie
Repeat all the steps above to create the second bootie. Ensure you work consistently to create a matching pair.
Adjusting the Size:
- For a smaller size: Use a smaller hook and/or DK weight yarn. You can also work fewer rounds on your granny squares (e.g., 3 rounds instead of 4).
- For a larger size: Use a larger hook and/or bulky weight yarn. You can also add an extra round to your granny squares (e.g., 5 rounds) and potentially add more single crochet rounds for the heel.
Tips for Mastering Your Booties:
- Neat Joins: When joining the granny squares, try to keep your stitches even for a seamless look. Joining through the back loops often creates a cleaner line.
- Consistent Tension: Maintaining consistent tension throughout your project will result in a more uniform and professional-looking bootie.
- Color Play: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations for the granny squares and the cuff. You can use stripes within the squares or alternate colors for a fun effect.
- Secure Ends: Weave in all yarn ends thoroughly to prevent your booties from unraveling.
- Customization: You can add small crocheted embellishments like flowers, buttons (ensure they are securely attached and safe for babies), or ties for added flair.
