Granny Square Crochet Woolen Baby Booties: Video tutorial

These adorable baby booties feature the timeless granny square motif, crafted in cozy wool to keep tiny feet warm and snug. The simple construction makes them a delightful project for crocheters of all skill levels.

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate (basic granny square knowledge is helpful)

Materials:

• Worsted weight wool yarn in your desired colors (you’ll need small amounts of at least two colors for the granny squares and potentially a third for joining and the cuff)
• 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 joining)
• Small buttons or decorative embellishments (optional)

Gauge:

While gauge isn’t critical for baby booties, aim for approximately a 3-round granny square to measure about 2.5 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). Adjustments for slightly larger sizes will be noted.

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

Let’s Get Started!

Part 1: Making the Granny Squares (Make 4)

We’ll create simple three-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. 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, 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. You can continue with your second color or change to a third 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 and weave in ends for all four squares.

Part 2: Assembling the Bootie Base

We’ll join two of the granny squares to form the sole and the beginning of the upper.

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. This joined piece will form the base of the bootie.

Part 3: Creating the Bootie Upper

Now we’ll attach the remaining two granny squares to the base to create the sides and front 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 base (the longer edge).
2. Using your yarn needle or crochet hook, attach this square to the base using a whip stitch or single crochet. Center the granny square along the edge.
3. Repeat this process with the last granny square on the opposite unjoined edge of the base. You should now have a somewhat three-dimensional shape resembling a little box with an open top and back.

Part 4: Shaping the Toe and Heel

Now we’ll work around the open edges to shape the toe and create a more enclosed heel.

1. Toe Shaping: With the right side facing you, attach your yarn (you can use a contrasting color or one of the colors from your squares) to one of the corners where a side square meets the base square at the front.
2. Ch 1, then work single crochet evenly across the edge of the side square, across the front edge of the base square, and up the other side square. Aim for a smooth, even edge.
3. Continue working in rounds of single crochet, decreasing at the center front over several rounds to create a rounded toe shape. To decrease, work sc2tog (single crochet two together). Decrease every few stitches in the center front for 2-3 rounds until you have a comfortably rounded toe.
4. Heel Shaping: Now, focus on the back opening. With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to one of the back corners where a side square meets the base square.
5. Ch 1, work single crochet evenly across the back edge of the base square and up the side of the adjacent square.
6. Continue working single crochet across the top edge of that side square.
7. Now work single crochet down the other side square and across the remaining back edge of the base square. Sl st to the first sc.
8. Continue working in rounds of single crochet, decreasing at the center back over several rounds to create a more enclosed heel. Work sc2tog in the center back for 2-3 rounds until the opening is the desired size for a snug fit around the heel.

Part 5: Creating the Cuff (Optional)

Adding a cuff can provide extra warmth and a nice finished look.

1. With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to the top edge of the bootie.
2. Round 1: Ch 1, work single crochet evenly around the top edge of the bootie. Sl st to the first sc.
3. Round 2 and beyond: You can create a simple folded cuff by working in back loop only (BLO) for a few rounds of single crochet. This will create a ribbed texture and allow you to fold the cuff down. Work as many rounds as you desire for the cuff height.
4. Alternatively, you can work a few rounds of half double crochet (hdc) or double crochet (dc) for a different texture.

Part 6: Adding Straps or Ties (Optional)

For added security, you can create small straps or ties to help keep the booties on.

• Simple Strap with Button: Crochet a chain of desired length (around 15-20 ch). Attach it to the side of the bootie. On the opposite side, sew on a small button.
• Tie Straps: Attach two chains of equal length to the sides of the bootie that can be tied together.

Part 7: Finishing Touches

• Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
• Add any optional embellishments like small crocheted flowers, buttons, or appliques to personalize your booties.

Adjusting the Size:

• For a smaller size: Use a smaller hook and/or thinner yarn. You can also make 2-round granny squares instead of 3.
• 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 rounds to the single crochet shaping sections.

Video tutorial

Tips for Working with Wool:

• Gentle Handling: Wool can sometimes felt if handled too aggressively, especially when wet. Be gentle when weaving in ends and avoid excessive pulling.
• Washing: Check the care instructions for your specific wool yarn. Hand washing in cool water is usually recommended.
• Softness: Choose a soft wool yarn specifically designed for babies to ensure comfort against their delicate skin.

Congratulations! You’ve now crafted a pair of snuggly granny square crochet woolen baby booties. These warm and charming booties are a wonderful way to keep little feet cozy and stylish. Enjoy your beautiful handmade creation!