Add a touch of charm and sparkle to tiny feet with these precious crochet Mary Jane baby shoes! Inspired by the lovely coral pair in the picture, this pattern features a delicate lacy texture, a sweet satin bow, and a dazzling clear button embellishment. They’re a delightful project for any crafter and a beautiful gift for a special little one.
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate (Familiarity with basic stitches, working in rounds, and simple shaping is helpful).
Materials:
- Yarn: DK (Light Worsted) weight yarn. A soft baby acrylic, cotton, or blend is highly recommended for comfort.
- Main Color (MC): Coral/Peach (or your chosen primary color) – approx. 40-60 yards per pair.
- 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.
- Small Satin Ribbon: Approx. 1/4 inch wide, 6-8 inches long per shoe (for the bow).
- Clear Buttons/Faux Gems: 2 (approx. 10-15mm), one for each shoe (as seen in the picture).
Gauge (Crucial for Sizing!):
Achieving the correct sole length is paramount for these booties 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
- st(s): stitch(es)
- 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 Sparkle Mary Jane 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 – Coral/Peach):
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 (Optional for larger sizes, or if you need a wider sole): (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 Shoe Body
Using Main Color (MC – Coral/Peach), 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 (Toe Shaping – First Decrease Round): Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Hdc in the first (approx. 10-12) stitches (for the heel/instep area; adjust based on your sole size). Now, for the toe decreases: (hdc2tog) 5-6 times across the front of the shoe. Hdc in the remaining stitches around the heel/instep. Sl st to the first hdc to join. This round begins to pull the toe inwards.
Round 3 (Further Toe Shaping & Lacy Pattern): Ch 2. Hdc in the first (approx. 8-10) stitches (slightly fewer as the front has narrowed). (Hdc2tog) 3-4 times across the front of the shoe (over the previously decreased section). Now for the lacy part on the sides/heel (as seen in the image): *Ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st.* Repeat from * to * across the side/heel portion until you reach the next toe decrease section. Sl st to the first hdc to join. The lacy pattern will continue in the next round.
Round 4 (Lacy Pattern Continuation): Ch 2. Hdc in each hdc from the previous round (the solid heel/instep section). When you reach the lacy pattern: *Dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk dc.* Repeat from * to * across the lacy section. Sl st to the first hdc to join. You are essentially working dc into the ch-1 spaces, and ch 1 over the dc, to maintain the openwork.
Part 3: The Mary Jane Strap
Using Main Color (MC – Coral/Peach):
Strap Placement: From the center back of the shoe, count forward about 8-10 stitches on the side where the strap will attach. Mark this stitch. The strap will go across the instep and attach on the opposite side.
Strap Row 1: Ch 1. Sc in the marked stitch. Sc in next 2-3 stitches (to create the base of the strap). Turn. The strap in the image is fairly narrow.
Strap Row 2: Ch 1. Sc in each sc across the strap. Turn. Repeat Strap Row 2 until your strap is long enough to reach across the instep and overlap slightly on the other side of the shoe, where the button will be. (Approximately 8-12 rows depending on size).
Button Loop (if needed): On the final row of the strap, you can create a small button loop by chaining 3-4 stitches at the end and sl st into the last sc.
Fasten off MC, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Part 4: Final Touches
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the main shoe body.
- Sew Strap: Carefully sew the end of the strap (with or without the button loop) to the opposite side of the shoe, ensuring it crosses the instep neatly.
- Make sure both shoes are as identical as possible.
Scalloped Top Edge: Join MC yarn to the top edge of the shoe, anywhere along the opening. Ch 1. *Sk 1 st, (dc 3, sl st) in next st.* Repeat from * to * around the entire opening of the shoe (including the strap opening), to create the scalloped edge. Sl st to the first sl st to join. Fasten off MC and weave in ends.
Satin Bow Embellishment:
- Cut two pieces of satin ribbon, approximately 6-8 inches each.
- For each shoe, tie a small, neat bow.
- Sew the center of the bow securely to the side of the shoe, where the strap meets the main body, as seen in the picture.
Button/Gem Embellishment:
- Sew one clear button or faux gem securely to the top of the strap, where it crosses the instep. This is a decorative element and likely not functional unless you used a button loop. Ensure it’s very securely attached and baby-safe.
Video Tutorial
Optional: For added grip, apply non-slip puffy paint or sew on non-slip pads to the bottom of the soles if the baby will be walking.
Congratulations! You’ve just created a lovely pair of Sparkle Mary Jane Baby Shoes. These are sure to be a comfortable and adorable addition to any baby’s outfit! I can help with that! You’ve uploaded several images, and the one titled “image_343cf4.jpg” clearly shows a pair of coral/peach colored crochet baby Mary Jane style shoes with a lacy stitch pattern on the top, a strap, a small satin bow, and a clear button/gem accent.
