Beginner’s Guide to Granny Square Baby Booties: Video tutorial

Welcome, fellow yarn enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a charming and relatively simple project to crochet for a little one, you’ve come to the right place. These sweet granny square baby booties are not only quick to work up but also offer a fantastic introduction to the magic of granny squares. Get ready to transform small squares of colorful yarn into cozy footwear for tiny toes!

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials:

• DK weight yarn in your desired colors (you’ll need small amounts of at least two colors for a classic look, or more if you want each square different!)
• 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 beginners)

Gauge:

While gauge isn’t critical for baby booties, aim for approximately a finished granny square of about 2.5 – 3 inches square after 3 rounds. Adjust your hook size if needed to achieve a similar size.

Finished Size:

This pattern is designed to fit approximately a 0-3 month old baby (sole length around 3 inches). Adjustments for slightly larger sizes will be noted.

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: Crafting the Granny Squares (Make 4)

The heart of these booties lies in simple granny squares. We’ll make four of them. 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. 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 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.

Fasten off each of the four granny squares and weave in all the yarn ends.

Part 2: Assembling the Bootie Sole

We’ll join two of our completed 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 flatter 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 basic bootie shape with an opening at the top for the foot.

Part 4: Shaping the Heel

To create a snug fit around the heel, we’ll add some shaping.

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 (sc) evenly across the back edge of the sole square and up the side of the adjacent square.
3. Continue working sc across the top edge of that side square.
4. Now work sc 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 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 and Cuff

Now we’ll work around the top opening to create a neat edge and a small cuff.

1. With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to any stitch along the top opening.
2. Ch 1, work sc evenly around the entire opening. Sl st to the first sc.
3. Optional Cuff: For a small cuff, repeat the previous round of single crochet for 1-2 more rounds. You can also experiment with a different stitch here, like half double crochet (hdc) for a slightly taller cuff.

Part 6: Adding a Fastening Strap (Optional)

To help keep the booties securely on little feet, you can add a simple strap.

1. Decide where you want the strap to be positioned (usually on the side of the bootie). Attach your yarn.
2. Ch a desired length for the strap (around 15-20 chains for a small baby, adjust as needed).
3. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each ch across.
4. Sl st to the opposite side of the bootie opening to attach the strap.
5. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
6. You can add a small button to the side where the strap begins, and create a loop at the end of the strap to fasten it.

Finishing Touches:

• Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
• You can embellish your booties with small crocheted flowers, buttons (make sure they are securely attached!), or simple embroidery.

Tips for Beginner Success:

• Practice your granny squares: If you’re new to granny squares, make a few practice squares before starting the booties to get comfortable with the pattern.
• Consistent tension: Try to maintain even tension throughout your project for a neat and uniform look.
• Don’t be afraid to count: Counting your stitches, especially in the shaping rounds, will help prevent mistakes.
• Take your time: Crochet is a relaxing craft, so enjoy the process!
• Look at photos: Referencing photos of finished granny square booties can help you visualize the assembly process.

Congratulations! You’ve now created a beautiful pair of beginner-friendly granny square baby booties. These little handmade treasures are sure to keep tiny feet warm and stylish. Happy crocheting!