VERY EASY SHOES: Free Crochet Pattern (0-3 Months)

Create a precious pair of booties for a special little one with this easy-to-follow crochet pattern! These charming blue baby shoes feature a cozy construction, a beautifully shaped toe, and a delightful scalloped edge around the opening. A sweet polka dot ribbon bow adds the perfect finishing touch.

This pattern is designed for a 0-3 month size, working in simple half double crochet stitches, making it a rewarding project for crocheters from intermediate beginners onwards.

Skill Level:

Easy to Intermediate

Materials:

Yarn: DK weight (Light Worsted / #3) baby yarn (approx. 30-50g per pair). The example uses a vibrant blue.
Hook: 3.5 mm (E/4) crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds)
2 small blue polka dot ribbon bows (approx. 3-4 cm / 1.5 inches wide each)
Sewing needle and matching thread (for attaching bows securely)

Abbreviations (US Terms):

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
hdc2tog: half double crochet two stitches together (decrease)
sk: skip
rep: repeat
BLO: back loop only
FO: fasten off

Gauge:

16 hdc and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

(Important: Please check your gauge! Accurate gauge is crucial for baby items to ensure they fit the intended size. If your gauge is different, adjust your hook size accordingly. A slight difference can significantly impact the finished size for small projects like booties.)

Pattern Notes:

The booties are worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified.
The ch 2 at the beginning of an hdc round generally counts as an hdc.
Join each round with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2 (or first stitch, as applicable) unless otherwise stated.

Pattern Instructions: Baby Booties (Make 2)

(Approximate Finished Size: 0-3 Months, Sole length approx. 9 cm / 3.5 inches)

Part 1: The Sole

Ch 11.
Round 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from hook (counts as 1st hdc). Hdc in next 7 ch. Work 5 hdc in the last ch (working around the end to begin on the other side of the chain). Hdc in next 7 ch. Work 4 hdc in the last ch. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (24 hdc)
Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st. Hdc in next 8 sts. Work 2 hdc in each of the next 3 sts. Hdc in next 8 sts. Work 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts. Join with sl st. (30 hdc)
Round 3: Ch 2, hdc in same st. Hdc in next 9 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) rep 3 times. Hdc in next 9 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) rep 2 times. Join with sl st. (36 hdc)
Round 4: Ch 2, hdc in same st. Hdc in next 10 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) rep 3 times. Hdc in next 10 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) rep 2 times. Join with sl st. (42 hdc)

Part 2: Building the Sides of the Bootie

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each st around. Join with sl st to the first sc. (42 sc) (This round creates a nice, defined edge for the sole of the bootie to turn upwards.)
Round 6: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (42 hdc)
Round 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (42 hdc)

Part 3: Shaping the Toe

Round 8: Ch 2, hdc in next 11 sts. (Hdc2tog) rep 9 times. Hdc in next 12 sts. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (33 hdc)
Round 9: Ch 2, hdc in next 9 sts. (Hdc2tog) rep 6 times. Hdc in next 12 sts. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (27 hdc)

Part 4: Finishing the Ankle Opening

Round 10: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (27 hdc)
Round 11: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. (27 hdc)

Part 5: Scalloped Edging

Round 12 (Edging): Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Sk 2 sts, (5 dc) in the next st, sk 2 sts, sc in the next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join in the first sc. FO.

Part 6: Finishing Booties

Weave in all loose ends securely with your yarn needle.
Attach one blue polka dot ribbon bow to the center front of each bootie’s instep, using a sewing needle and matching thread. Ensure it’s securely fastened to avoid a choking hazard for babies.

Video tutorial

Sizing Adjustments (Approximate Guidance):

To adjust the size, you’ll modify the initial chain and subsequent sole rounds, and potentially the number of hdc rows for the upper.

For Newborn (approx. 8 cm / 3 inches sole):
- Start with Ch 9. Adjust hdc counts in sole rounds accordingly. Reduce 2 stitches from each toe decrease round, and adjust surrounding stitches.
For 3-6 Months (approx. 10 cm / 4 inches sole):
- Start with Ch 13. Add an extra increase round to the sole. Increase 2 stitches to each toe decrease round, and adjust surrounding stitches. You might also add 1-2 extra hdc rows to the upper before the scalloped edging.
For 6-12 Months (approx. 11-12 cm / 4.5 inches sole):
- Start with Ch 15. Add two extra increase rounds to the sole. Increase 4 stitches to each toe decrease round, and adjust surrounding stitches. You might also add 2-3 extra hdc rows to the upper before the scalloped edging.