Easy Granny Square Baby Booties: Video tutorial

These charming baby booties utilize the simplicity of granny squares to create a snug and stylish design. Perfect for beginners and a quick project for more experienced crocheters, these booties make a wonderful handmade gift.

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
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for placement)

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
• 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 booties. 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 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.

1. Place two granny squares side by side with the wrong sides facing each other.
2. 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.

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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 to create the heel of the bootie.

1. With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to one of the back corners where a side square meets the sole square.
2. Ch 1, then work single crochet evenly across the back edge of the sole square and up the side of the adjacent square.
3. Continue working single crochet across approximately half of the top edge of that side square. Place a stitch marker here.
4. 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.
5. Next Round: Ch 1, sc in each st across until you reach the stitch marker. Turn your work.
6. Subsequent Rows (Heel Flap): Ch 1, sc in each st across to the end. Turn your work. Repeat this row until your heel flap is the desired height (about 2-3 rows).
7. Closing the Heel: Fold the heel flap in half with the wrong sides together. Slip stitch or single crochet the two edges together to close the heel. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Part 5: Creating the Ankle Opening and Strap (Optional)

Now we’ll work around the top opening of the bootie.

1. With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to any point on the top edge of the bootie opening.
2. Work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire opening. Sl st to the first sc.
3. You can repeat this round for a few more rounds to create a more defined cuff.

Optional Ankle Strap:

1. Decide where you want the strap to attach on the side of the bootie. Attach your yarn.
2. Chain a desired length for the strap (approximately 15-20 chains for a baby).
3. Attach the other end of the chain to the opposite side of the bootie opening.
4. You can add a small button or create a loop at one end to fasten the strap.

Finishing Touches:

• Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
• Add any optional embellishments like small crocheted flowers, buttons, or appliques to the front or sides of the booties.

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 rows to the heel flap.

Tips and Variations:

• Color Play: Get creative with your color choices! Use different colors for each granny square or alternate colors for the rounds.
• Texture: Experiment with different yarn textures for a unique feel.
• Edging: You can add a decorative edging around the top opening using a picot stitch or a contrasting color.
• Secure Fastening: If adding a strap, ensure the button or fastening is securely sewn on.

Congratulations! You’ve now created a pair of easy and adorable granny square baby booties. These little shoes will keep those tiny feet warm and stylish. Happy crocheting!