Get ready to crochet the cutest little kicks on the block! These high-top baby sneakers are inspired by the legendary Converse All Star design, complete with a striped sole, ribbed toe cap, and even a tiny logo patch. They make an absolutely adorable gift, a fantastic photo prop, or simply the coolest footwear for your little one.
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with basic stitches, increasing, decreasing, working in rounds, and some simple seaming is helpful).
Materials:
- Yarn: DK (Light Worsted) or Sport weight yarn.
- Main Color (MC): Red (or your chosen primary shoe color) – approx. 60-80 yards.
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): White (for the toe cap, sole edge, and laces) – approx. 20-30 yards.
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Black (for the sole stripe and logo patch) – small amount.
- Crochet Hook: Size C/2 (2.75 mm) or D/3 (3.25 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge. (A smaller hook creates a denser fabric, ideal for sturdy baby shoes).
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and embroidering details.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Essential for marking the start of rounds and specific stitches.
Gauge (Crucial for Sizing!):
Achieving the correct sole length is paramount for these shoes to fit properly.
- Sole Gauge: After completing the sole section, measure its length. Adjust your hook size or initial chain/increase rounds to reach the desired length from the sizing chart below.
- Example: For 0-3 months, your finished sole should measure around 3.5 inches.
Sizing Chart (Approximate Finished Sole Length):
| Size | Approx. Sole Length (inches) | Approx. Sole Length (cm) | Initial Chain (suggested) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 Months | 3.5 | 9 | Ch 10 |
| 3-6 Months | 4 | 10.5 | Ch 12 |
| 6-9 Months | 4.5 | 11.5 | Ch 14 |
- Note: If you want a larger size, increase your initial chain length by 2 stitches per size increment, and you may need to add an extra round to the sole and/or upper sections.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sc2tog: single crochet 2 together (decrease)
- hdc2tog: half double crochet 2 together (decrease)
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp: space
- inc: increase (work 2 sts in the same st)
- MC: Main Color (e.g., Red)
- CC1: Contrast Color 1 (e.g., White)
- CC2: Contrast Color 2 (e.g., Black)
- ( ): repeat instructions in parentheses a specified number of times
- [ ]: total stitches at the end of the round
Pattern for Crochet All Star Baby Sneakers (Make 2)
Part 1: The Sole (Make 2 per pair)
Work in continuous rounds, using a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
Using Contrast Color 1 (CC1 – White):
Round 1: Ch (refer to Sizing Chart for initial chain). Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc in next (initial chain – 3) stitches. In the last ch, work 3 hdc (this turns the corner). Now working down the other side of the chain, hdc in next (initial chain – 3) stitches. In the very last ch (where you worked your first hdc), work 2 hdc. [Total stitches will vary based on initial chain]. Place stitch marker in the first hdc of the next round.
Round 2: 2 hdc in the first st (inc). Hdc in each st along the side of the sole until you reach the 3 hdc you worked in the last chain. (2 hdc in next st) 3 times (inc for the toe end). Hdc in each st along the other side until you reach the 2 hdc at the heel end. (2 hdc in next st) 2 times (inc for the heel end). Move stitch marker to the first st of the current round.
Round 3: (2 hdc in next st) 2 times (inc). Hdc in each st along the side. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) 3 times (inc for the toe end). Hdc in each st along the other side. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) 2 times (inc for the heel end). Move stitch marker to the first st of the current round.
Check your sole length against the Sizing Chart. Adjust hook size or add/remove initial chains/rounds if needed.
Sl st to the first hdc of your last sole round to join. Fasten off and weave in ends for one sole. For the second sole, do not fasten off; you’ll continue with the upper.
Part 2: Building the Mid-Sole Stripe
This creates the iconic black stripe.
Using Contrast Color 2 (CC2 – Black), continuing from the second sole:
Round 4: Ch 1. Sc in the BLO of each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. This round creates a nice, defined stripe and makes the sole stand up.
Change to Contrast Color 1 (CC1 – White): Sl st with CC1 to join the round. Do NOT fasten off CC2 if you want to use it for a border later, but usually it’s cut here.
Round 5: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. This forms the white upper edge of the sole.
Part 3: Main Body of the Shoe (Main Color)
Change to Main Color (MC – Red): Sl st with MC to join the round.
Round 6 (Defining the Upper): Ch 1. Sc in the BLO of each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. This creates another crisp edge, separating the sole from the main body.
Round 7: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Part 4: Creating the Toe Cap & Foot Opening
This is where the sneaker starts to really take shape.
Round 8 (First Decrease Round – Toe Cap): Ch 1. Sc in the first (approx. 10-12) stitches (for the heel/instep area). Mark the center toe stitch. You’ll be working decreases symmetrically around this point. Now, for the toe decreases: (sc2tog) 5-6 times across the front of the shoe. Sc in the remaining stitches around the heel/instep. Sl st to the first sc to join. This round begins to pull the toe inwards.
Round 9 (Second Decrease Round – Shaping Foot Opening): Ch 1. Sc in the first (approx. 8-10) stitches (slightly fewer as the front has narrowed). (sc2tog) 3-4 times across the front of the shoe. Sc in the remaining stitches around the heel/instep. Sl st to the first sc to join. The opening for the foot should now be well-defined.
Round 10 (Creating the Ribbed Toe Cap – FLO): Change to Contrast Color 1 (CC1 – White): Ch 1. Sc in each sc around the entire opening of the shoe. This will likely be around 20-25 stitches for 0-3 months, slightly more for larger sizes. When you reach the front of the shoe (where the toe decreases are), identify the stitches that correspond to the “ribbed” toe cap section. In these stitches (approx. 10-12 stitches wide), work your sc in the FLO only. This creates the ribbed effect. Continue sc in both loops for the rest of the round. Sl st to the first sc to join. Fasten off CC1, leaving a tail to secure the edges of the toe cap if needed.
Part 5: The High-Top Cuff
Using Main Color (MC – Red):
Round 11: Join MC to the back center of the shoe opening. Ch 1. Sc in each st around the entire top edge of the shoe. Sl st to first sc to join. This round is the base for your cuff.
Round 12 – 15 (or desired height): Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. Repeat this round until your cuff reaches the desired height. The picture shows about 4-5 rounds of sc for the cuff.
Next Row (Back Opening – worked in rows): Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first 8-10 stitches (this creates the back opening for lacing). Work only these stitches back and forth in rows for the next 2-3 rows to create the back flap for the laces. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each of these 8-10 stitches. Repeat this row for 1-2 more times. Fasten off.
Part 6: Adding the Iconic Details
The Laces (Using CC1 – White): Ch 40-60 (adjust length for desired laces). Thread the chain through the side stitches of the high-top cuff to mimic laces. Tie a small bow.
The Side Eyelets (Using CC2 – Black): Cut 6 strands of CC2, each about 4-6 inches long. For the eyelets, use your yarn needle to embroider a small vertical dash or a tiny knot on each side of the shoe, just below the cuff, where the laces would go. Position them in three pairs (top, middle, bottom).
The Side Logo Patch (Using CC2 – Black and CC1 – White): This is a small circular patch. Patch Base (CC2): Ch 2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sl st to join. Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around. Sl st to join. [12 sc] Fasten off, leave a long tail.
Logo Detail (CC1): Using your yarn needle and CC1, embroider a small “star” or circular design onto the center of the black patch. Sew the finished patch onto the side of the sneaker, as seen in the picture.
The Back “Stripe” (Using CC2 – Black – Optional but recommended for realism): Using your yarn needle and CC2, embroider a small, thin horizontal line or two across the very back center of the sole edge, just above the sole’s white layer. This mimics the small black line on real Converse.
Optional: Non-Slip Sole: For safety, especially on hard floors, consider adding non-slip grips. You can purchase ready-made pads to sew on, or use a liquid latex/puffy paint designed for fabric. Apply dots or lines to the sole and let dry completely.
Part 7: Finishing
- Weave in any remaining loose ends securely.
- Make sure both shoes are as identical as possible.
Video tutorial
Congratulations! You’ve just created an absolutely iconic pair of crochet All Star baby sneakers. These tiny kicks are guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a cherished handmade item!
