These simple mesh crochet baby shoes are perfect for keeping tiny toes cool and comfortable. Using basic crochet stitches and an openwork design, they work up quickly and make a wonderful handmade gift.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials:
- DK weight cotton or cotton blend yarn in your desired color
- Crochet hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
Gauge:
While gauge isn’t critical for baby shoes, aim for approximately 4 rows of double crochet mesh (dc, ch 1) to measure about 1 inch in height. Adjust your hook size if needed.
Finished Size:
This pattern is written for approximately 0-3 months (sole length around 3 inches). Instructions for slight adjustments will be included.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- beg: beginning
- rep: repeat
- inc: increase (work 2 stitches in the same stitch)
Let’s Get Started!
Part 1: Crocheting the Sole (Make 2)
We’ll start with a solid sole for a bit of structure.
Round 1: Ch 9. In the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 1. Sc in the next 6 ch. In the last ch, work 3 sc. Now working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 6 ch. Sc in the last ch (where you started the first sc). Sl st to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the same st. Sc in the next 7 sts. Inc in the next 3 sts. Sc in the next 7 sts. Inc in the last 2 sts. Sl st to the first sc. (23 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the same st. Sc in the next 8 sts. (Sc 1, inc) repeat 3 times. Sc in the next 8 sts. (Inc, sc 1) repeat 2 times. Sl st to the first sc. (28 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in the same st. Sc in the next 9 sts. (Sc 2, inc) repeat 3 times. Sc in the next 9 sts. (Inc, sc 2) repeat 2 times. Sl st to the first sc. (33 sts)
For a slightly larger sole (approx. 3-6 months, 3.5 inches): Add one more round, following the same increasing pattern: Ch 1, sc in the same st. Sc in the next 10 sts. (Sc 3, inc) repeat 3 times. Sc in the next 10 sts. (Inc, sc 3) repeat 2 times. Sl st to the first sc. (38 sts)
Fasten off the first sole and weave in the end. Make a second sole, but do not fasten off after the last round.
Part 2: Creating the Mesh Sides of the Shoe
Now we’ll switch to a double crochet mesh to create the airy sides.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3. (33 or 38 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), ch 1, skip the next st, dc in the next st. *Ch 1, skip the next st, dc in the next st; rep from * around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3. (16 or 19 dc, 16 or 19 ch-1 spaces)
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), ch 1, dc in the next dc. *Ch 1, dc in the next dc; rep from * around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3.
Rounds 4-7 (or until desired height): Repeat Round 3. You can adjust the number of rounds here to make the shoe taller or shorter.
Part 3: Shaping the Toe with Mesh
We’ll continue the mesh pattern while decreasing to shape the toe.
Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), ch 1, skip the next sp, dc in the next dc. Now we’ll work decreases over the next several stitches to create a rounded toe. You’ll be working a dc2tog (double crochet two together) over the dc stitches, maintaining the ch-1 spaces. For this round, you might do something like: ch 1, skip sp, dc2tog over the next 2 dc, ch 1, skip sp, dc2tog over the next 2 dc, ch 1, skip sp, dc2tog over the next 2 dc. Continue the ch 1, skip sp, dc in the remaining dc stitches. Adjust the number of decreases based on the size and how much you want to shape the toe. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3.
Round 9: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), ch 1, dc in the next dc. Continue decreasing across the toe area by working dc2tog with a ch-1 in between as needed to narrow the front. Continue the ch 1, dc pattern on the sides. Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3.
Round 10 (Optional): You can do one more round of mesh with more decreases if needed for the toe shape.
Fasten off and weave in the end of the second shoe.
Part 4: Creating a Simple Ankle Strap (Optional)
For a little extra security, you can add a simple strap.
- With your yarn, attach to the side of the shoe near the back.
- Ch 15-20 (adjust length as needed).
- Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (14-19 sc)
- Sl st to the other side of the shoe.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
- Repeat for the second shoe. You can add a small button to the opposite side if you like.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
- You can add a small crocheted flower or other lightweight embellishment if desired.
Adjusting the Size:
- For a smaller size: Use a smaller hook and/or thinner yarn. You can also work fewer rounds on the sole and the height of the shoe.
- For a larger size: Use a larger hook and/or thicker yarn. You can add an extra round to the sole and more rounds to the height.
Video tutorial
Tips for Easy Mesh Baby Shoes:
- Cotton Yarn: Cotton or a cotton blend yarn is a great choice for breathability.
- Loose Tension: Try to maintain a slightly looser tension when working the mesh to keep it open and airy.
- Simplicity: This pattern focuses on basic stitches and a simple construction, making it very beginner-friendly.
- Customization: Feel free to play with different colors and add small, lightweight embellishments.
Congratulations! You’ve created a super easy and free pair of crochet mesh baby shoes. These airy little booties are perfect for keeping those tiny feet comfortable. Enjoy your quick and easy project!
