Keep tiny feet warm and snug with these effortlessly charming crochet baby shoes! Featuring a clean, solid stitch that creates a lovely texture, these slip-on shoes are designed for comfort and simplicity. They’re quick to make and perfect for showcasing any beautiful yarn color, making them an ideal gift or a staple for your little one’s wardrobe.
Skill Level: Easy (Familiarity with basic stitches and working in rounds is all you need!).
Materials:
- Yarn: DK (Light Worsted) weight yarn. A soft acrylic, cotton, or blend is recommended for baby comfort.
- Main Color (MC): White (or your chosen color) – approx. 40-60 yards.
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Very helpful for marking the start of rounds and increase points on the sole.
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
- ( ): repeat instructions in parentheses a specified number of times
- [ ]: total stitches at the end of the round
Pattern for Clean & Comfy Slip-On Baby Shoes (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 Main Color (MC – 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 Sides & Foot Opening
Using Main Color (MC – White), continuing from the second sole:
Round 1 (Creating the “Wall”): Ch 1. Sc in the BLO of each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. This round creates a nice, defined edge that makes the shoe stand up.
Round 2 (Solid Body Round): Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Round 3 (Toe Shaping – First Decrease Round): Ch 1. Sc in the first (approx. 10-12) stitches (for the heel/instep area; adjust based on your sole size). Mark the center toe stitch. You’ll be working decreases symmetrically around this point. Now, for the toe decreases: (hdc2tog) 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 4 (Further Toe Shaping & 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 (over the previously decreased section). 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 5 (Defining the Top Edge): Ch 1. Sc in each st around the entire opening of the shoe (including the decreased toe section). Sl st to the first sc to join. This creates a neat edge for the foot opening.
Part 3: Finishing
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
- Make sure both shoes are as identical as possible.
- Optional: For added grip, apply non-slip puffy paint or sew on non-slip pads to the bottom of the soles.
- Optional (as seen in image_c0a772.jpg, which is a similar style): Add small star buttons or other flat embellishments to the front for decoration, ensuring they are securely sewn and baby-safe.
Video Tutorial
Congratulations! You’ve just created a lovely pair of clean and comfy slip-on baby shoes. These are sure to be a comfortable and adorable addition to any baby’s outfit!
