Oh, the joy of creating something warm and cuddly for the tiniest of feet! These charming blue baby booties, with their inviting ribbed texture and perfectly snug folded cuffs, are ideal for keeping little toes toasty during chilly days. They’re not just practical; they’re utterly adorable and make a truly heartfelt handmade gift for any new arrival.
What I particularly love about this design is the beautiful, stretchy texture created by working in the back loops, giving them that lovely “knit-look” ribbing. The folded cuff adds extra warmth and a touch of classic style. This is a wonderfully satisfying project for crocheters of all levels, especially if you’re looking for a quick and rewarding make!
Ready to hook up some cuteness and comfort? Let’s gather our materials and begin!
Materials You’ll Need:
- DK Weight (Light Worsted / 8-ply) Yarn: Approximately 50-70 yards of your chosen color (e.g., Bright Aqua/Turquoise).
- Tip: Choose a super soft, baby-friendly yarn like acrylic, wool blend, or cotton blend. A yarn with a bit of spring will enhance the ribbing.
- Crochet Hook: Size D/3.25mm or E/3.5mm (or size needed to obtain gauge).
- Using a slightly smaller hook than you might typically use for DK weight yarn helps create a denser fabric, ensuring the booties hold their shape and are extra warm.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (Recommended!): Especially helpful for the sole rounds and marking the beginning of rounds.
Gauge (Crucial for Baby Bootie Sizing!)
Achieving the correct gauge is absolutely essential for baby shoes, as even a small difference can mean they don’t fit well. 18 half double crochet (hdc) stitches x 14 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in back loop only (BLO) hdc.
Please make a quick swatch before starting! Adjust your hook size until you meet this gauge. If your swatch is larger, go down a hook size. If it’s smaller, go up.
Sizing Notes:
This pattern is written for a baby shoe size approximately 0-6 months.
- Finished Sole Length: Approximately 3.75 – 4 inches (9.5 – 10 cm).
To adjust for larger sizes:
- 6-12 Months (approx. 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm sole): Add 2-3 chains to the starting chain for the sole. Add 1-2 more increase rounds to the sole. Use an E/3.5mm or F/3.75mm hook.
- For Toddler Sizes: Increase initial chain and sole rounds significantly, and add more rounds to the body and cuff sections.
- Always check the sole measurement against a baby’s actual foot or a reliable size chart.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc BLO: half double crochet in back loop only (creates the ribbed texture)
- inc: increase (2 sc or 2 hdc in the same stitch, specified)
- sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- fo: fasten off
- st(s): stitch(es)
Let’s Get Crocheting!
We’ll start by creating the oval sole, then build up the bootie in continuous rounds using the ribbed hdc BLO stitch, and finish with that lovely long cuff.
Part 1: The Sole (Make 2)
We’ll create a sturdy oval base for the foot.
Using your chosen yarn color (e.g., Aqua):
Ch 13. (Adjust this chain length for different sizes.)
Round 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 10 ch, 4 sc in last ch. Working down the opposite side of the chain: sc in next 10 ch, 2 sc in last ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (28 stitches)
- Place a stitch marker in the first sc of the round if you find it helpful.
Round 2: Ch 1. Inc in next 2 sc, sc in next 10 sc, inc in next 4 sc, sc in next 10 sc, inc in next 2 sc. Join with sl st to first sc. (36 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 1. (Sc in next sc, inc in next sc) 2 times, sc in next 10 sc, (sc in next sc, inc in next sc) 4 times, sc in next 10 sc, (sc in next sc, inc in next sc) 2 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (44 stitches)
- Your sole should now be approximately 3.75 – 4 inches (9.5-10 cm) long. If you’re sizing up, add another increase round here, distributing increases evenly around the ends of the oval using (sc in next 2 sc, inc in next sc) etc., to maintain the oval shape.
Do not fasten off. We’ll continue with the body.
Part 2: The Bootie Body
Now, we’ll build up the sides, creating the main shape of the bootie.
Round 1 (Foundation for Body): Ch 1. Hdc in each stitch around, working in the back loop only (BLO). Join with sl st to first hdc. (This creates a defined ridge where the sole meets the body). (44 hdc)
Round 2: Ch 1. Hdc BLO in each hdc around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (44 hdc)
Round 3 (Toe Shaping – First Decrease): Ch 1. Hdc BLO in next 12 hdc. (Sc2tog, hdc BLO in next hdc) 6 times. Hdc BLO in last 12 hdc. Join with sl st to first hdc. (38 hdc)
- Here we’re using sc2tog for a tighter decrease at the toe, even though the rest of the body is hdc BLO.
Round 4 (Toe Shaping – Second Decrease): Ch 1. Hdc BLO in next 10 hdc. (Sc2tog) 9 times. Hdc BLO in last 10 hdc. Join with sl st to first hdc. (29 hdc)
Round 5 (Ankle/Foot Opening): Ch 1. Hdc BLO in each hdc around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (29 hdc)
Do not fasten off. We’ll now transition directly into the cuff.
Part 3: The Long Ribbed Cuff
This creates the signature rolled cuff.
Round 1: Ch 1. Hdc BLO in each hdc around. Join with sl st to first hdc. (29 hdc)
Repeat Round 1 for a total of 15-18 rounds (or until the cuff is long enough to fold over comfortably once, as shown in the image).
- The more rounds you make, the longer the cuff will be when rolled down.
Fasten off, leaving a tail for weaving in.
Part 4: Finishing
- Weave in Ends: Secure all knots and weave in any remaining yarn tails neatly on the inside of the bootie using your yarn needle.
- Roll the Cuff: Gently roll down the cuff of the bootie to create the cozy folded-over look.
Repeat all steps to create the second identical bootie.
Video tutorial
Your Cozy Ribbed Baby Booties are Complete!
Slip them on tiny feet and watch them stay warm and snug! These booties are not just practical; they’re a testament to handmade love and care. They make an excellent baby shower gift, or a thoughtful addition to any little one’s wardrobe.
I hope you enjoyed crocheting these adorable booties! If you make them, I would absolutely love to see your finished projects. Share your photos on social media and tag me (if you have an associated platform)!
Happy hooking!
