Crocheting Baby Shoes: Sizing For Steps

Crocheted baby shoes are a popular choice for new parents and make for a thoughtful gift for newborns. When crafting these shoes, it is important to consider the size of the baby's feet, as their little toes grow at different rates. The shoe size can be determined by measuring the baby's foot length in centimetres or inches.

For instance, a newborn's foot length typically measures 7-8 cm, while a 6-9-month-old baby's foot length is usually around 11 cm. It is also worth noting that crocheted baby shoes can be stretched a bit, so choosing a size that is slightly larger can provide some room for growth.

Baby crochet shoes for newborns

Crocheted baby booties are a wonderful way to welcome a new little one into the world. They are a special item, and making them yourself with a crochet pattern is a thoughtful and adorable gift for any newborn.

Choosing the Right Yarn

When selecting the yarn for your baby booties, it is important to choose something that is super soft, hypo-allergenic, and washable. Premium acrylic yarns are a great option as they tend to have a smooth and soft texture that is perfect for babies' sensitive skin. Wool yarns can be too scratchy, and cotton yarns can be too stiff. When in doubt, rub the yarn on your cheek or neck, and if it feels soft to you, it will be suitable for the baby.

Classic Crochet Baby Booties with Folded Cuff Pattern

This classic crochet baby bootie pattern is perfect for beginners and advanced crocheters alike. It is designed to be gender-neutral and can be customized to suit any newborn in your life. The finished size of these booties is 3 months, with a sole length of 3.75 inches. However, you can easily adapt the pattern to fit different sizes of little feet.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (Category 4)
• G/4mm crochet hook
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Ruler or tape measure (optional)

Stitches and Abbreviations

• Sl st – slip stitch
• St/sts – stitch/stitches
• Sc – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Dc – double crochet
• Sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together
• Hdc2tog – half double crochet two stitches together
• Dc2tog – double crochet two stitches together
• BLO – back loops only

Special Stitch – Invisible HDC Decrease

Insert the hook into the front loop of the first stitch of the decrease, then insert the hook into the front loop of the next stitch of the decrease. Yarn over and draw through the first two loops on the hook, then yarn over and draw through the last three loops on the hook.

Pattern

Sole Section

Round 1: Chain 10. In the second chain from the hook, make 2 hdc. 7 hdc. In the last chain, make 5 hdc. Continuing around the other side of the starting chain, make 7 hdc. Make 2 hdc in the last chain. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first hdc. (23 sts)

Round 2: Chain 1. In the first stitch, make 2 sc. 2 sc in the next stitch. 4 sc, 3 hdc. 2 hdc in each of the next 5 stitches. 3 hdc, 4 sc. 2 sc in each of the next 2 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc. (32 sts)

Round 3: Chain 1. Starting in the first stitch, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch] two times, 7 hdc, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch] two times, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch] two times, 7 hdc, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch] two times. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first hdc. (42 sts)

Upper Section

Round 4: Chain 1. (Does not count as a stitch.) Hdc blo in the first stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first hdc. (42 sts)

Round 5: Chain 1, sc in the first stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc. (42 sts)

Round 6: Chain 1, sc in the first stitch and in the next 10 stitches, hdc, [hdc2tog, hdc] two times, [dc2tog, dc] three times, dc2tog, [hdc, hdc2tog] two times, hdc, 6 sc. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc. (34 sts)

Round 7: Chain 1, sc in the first stitch and in the next 12 stitches, hdc, hdc2tog, 4 dc2tog, hdc2tog, hdc, 7 sc. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc. (28 sts)

Round 8: Chain 1, sc in the first stitch and in the next 11 stitches, hdc, 4 dc2tog, hdc, 6 sc. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc. (24 sts)

Cuff Section

Row 1: Chain 9. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc 8. Slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 8 of the Upper Section.

Row 2: Slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 8 of the Upper Section. Turn, do not chain 1. 8 sc-blo.

Row 3: Chain 1 and turn.

0-3-month-old baby crochet shoes

Crocheted baby booties are a fun and easy project for crafters of all skill levels. They are small, quick to make, and a great way to use up leftover yarn. Plus, they are an adorable and practical gift for new babies!

Sizing

When making baby booties, it's important to keep in mind that all babies grow at different rates. To ensure a good fit, it's best to measure the baby's foot and add up to half an inch of extra room. The standard sole length for 0-3-month-old babies is 3.75 inches. However, you can easily adjust the size of your booties by using a larger or smaller hook.

Materials and Tools

When choosing yarn for your baby booties, opt for soft, washable, and hypoallergenic yarns. Premium acrylic yarns, such as Lion Brand Basic Stitch and Caron Simply Soft, are excellent choices. You'll also need a crochet hook, scissors, and any other notions specified in your pattern, such as buttons.

Techniques

Most crochet baby bootie patterns use basic stitches such as chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and half-double crochet. Additionally, you may need to know how to make a magic circle, crochet in the round, and change yarn colours.

Pattern Recommendations

Classic Crochet Baby Booties with Folded Cuff

These classic crocheted booties feature a fold-down cuff to keep tiny feet warm and cosy. The stretchy ribbing helps them stay put on wiggly feet! This pattern is suitable for beginners and includes instructions for adjusting the size.

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch

Crochet hook: G/4mm hook for a 3.75" long bootie

Additional notions: Stitch markers, ruler or tape measure (optional)

Stitches used: Slip stitch, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, single crochet two stitches together, half-double crochet two stitches together, double crochet two stitches together, back loops only

Pattern notes:

• The sole and upper section are worked in joined rounds without turning the work.
• The cuff section is worked in rows, with turning the work between rows.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each row or round.
• Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the same round.
• Chain 1 to begin a round, but do not count this as a stitch.

Instructions:

For complete instructions, refer to the full pattern linked above)

Sole Section:

• Chain 10.
• In the second chain from the hook, make 2 half-double crochet.
• Make 7 more half-double crochet.
• In the last chain, make 5 half-double crochet.
• Continuing around the other side of the starting chain, make 7 half-double crochet.
• Make 2 half-double crochet in the last chain.
• Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first half-double crochet. (23 stitches)

Upper Section:

• Chain 1.
• In the first stitch, make 2 single crochet.
• Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch.
• Make 4 single crochet, 3 half-double crochet.
• Make 2 half-double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches.
• Make 3 half-double crochet, 4 single crochet.
• Make 2 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches.
• Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first single crochet. (32 stitches)

Cuff Section:

• Chain 9.
• Starting in the second chain from the hook, make 8 single crochet.
• Slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 8 of the Upper Section.
• Make another slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 8.
• Chain 1 and turn.
• Starting in the second stitch from the hook, make 8 single crochet back loop only.
• Slip stitch into the next stitch from the previous round.
• Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you have 24 rows of ribbing.
• Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Additional Tips

• When crocheting baby booties, it's important to use soft, washable yarn to ensure comfort and durability.
• Always check your gauge to ensure a good fit, as baby feet grow quickly!
• Use stitch markers to keep track of your rows, especially when working in the round.
• Read through your pattern before starting to familiarise yourself with the techniques and stitches required.
• Crochet baby booties are a great portable project, perfect for crafting on the go!

3-6-month-old baby crochet shoes

Crocheted baby shoes are a perfect gift for a baby shower, a newborn, or your own little one. They are quick to make and can be customised with different colours of yarn. The best yarn for baby booties is soft, washable, and hypoallergenic. Premium acrylic yarns, such as Lion Brand Basic Stitch and Caron Simply Soft, are excellent choices.

Classic Crochet Baby Booties with Folded Cuff

This beginner-friendly pattern will teach you how to make soft and stretchy crochet booties that will be comfortable for babies aged 3-6 months to wear. The booties have a ribbed, fold-down cuff to keep little feet warm and the stretchy ribbing helps them stay on tiny feet. The pattern is gender-neutral and can be adapted to fit different sizes.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (Category 4)
• G/4mm crochet hook to make a 3.75″ long bootie
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Ruler or tape measure (optional)

Stitches and Abbreviations

• Sl st – slip stitch
• St/sts – stitch/stitches
• Sc – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Dc – double crochet
• Sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together
• Hdc2tog – half double crochet two stitches together
• Dc2tog – double crochet two stitches together
• BLO – back loops only

Instructions

Round 1: Ch 10. In the second ch from the hook, make 2 hdc. 7 hdc. In the last ch, make 5 hdc. Continuing around the other side of the starting ch, make 7 hdc. Make 2 hdc in the last ch. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (23 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1. In the first st, make 2 sc. 2 sc in the next st. 4 sc, 3 hdc. 2 hdc in each of the next 5 sts. 3 hdc, 4 sc. 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (32 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1. Starting in the first stitch, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next st] two times, 7 hdc, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next st] two times, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next st] two times, 7 hdc, [1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next st] two times. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (42 sts)

Round 4: Ch 1. (Does not count as a stitch here, or in the rounds that follow.) Hdc blo in the first st and in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (42 sts)

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in the first st and in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (42 sts)

Round 6: Ch 1, sc in the first st and in the next 10 sts, hdc, [hdc2tog, hdc] two times, [dc2tog, dc] three times, dc2tog, [hdc, hdc2tog] two times, hdc, 6 sc. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (34 sts)

Round 7: Ch 1, sc in the first st and in the next 12 sts, hdc, hdc2tog, 4 dc2tog, hdc2tog, hdc, 7 sc. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (28 sts)

Round 8: Ch 1, sc in the first st and in the next 11 sts, hdc, 4 dc2tog, hdc, 6 sc. Join with a sl st to the top of the first sc. (24 sts)

Cuff Section Row 1: Ch 9. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc 8. Slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 8 of the Upper Section.

Row 2: Slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 8 of the Upper Section. Turn, do not ch 1. 8 sc-blo.

6-9-month-old baby crochet shoes

These adorable crochet shoes for 6-9-month-olds are a quick and easy project, perfect for beginners and more experienced crocheters alike. They are made with basic crochet stitches and can be customised with different colours of yarn to suit boys or girls. The design is simple and classic, with a fold-down cuff to keep little feet warm and cosy.

Materials:

• Yarn: Use a premium acrylic yarn that is super soft, hypoallergenic, and washable. An example is Deramores Studio Baby Soft DK Acrylic, a #3 / light-worsted / DK / 8 ply yarn. You will need less than 1.75 oz. / 50g. Alternative yarn suggestions include Premier Basix DK Yarn, Cascade 220 Superwash Yarn, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, Paintbox Yarns Baby DK, and Stylecraft Special DK.
• Crochet hook: Use a G (4mm) hook for 6-9-month-old baby shoes.
• Yarn needle (bent tip)
• Scissors
• (Optional) Plastic baby shoe inserts to help shape the booties

Gauge:

To check your gauge, work the first two rounds of the pattern. The sole length of the booties should be 4.5″ (11cm) for 6-9-month-olds.

Stitches and Abbreviations:

• BLdc – back loop only double crochet
• Dc – double crochet
• Dc2tog – double crochet two together (also known as a dc decrease)
• Fasten off – Work one chain, then cut the yarn leaving a 5-6” tail. Pull the tail through the loop on your hook and tighten gently.
• Sc – single crochet
• Sl st – slip stitch
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• ( ) – Sets of stitches to be worked as directed.
• [ ] – The total number of stitches at the end of a round.

Pattern Instructions:

Round 1: 1dc in 4th ch from the hook (skip 3 chs, they do not count as a stitch), 1dc in next 8 chs, 8dc in last ch, work up the other side of the ch, 1dc in next 8 ch, 7dc in last ch, sl st to 1st dc to join [32 sts].

Round 2: Ch3 (does not count as a stitch), 2dc in same st, 1dc in next 8 sts, 2dc in next 8 sts, 1dc in next 8 sts, 2dc in next 7 sts, sl st to 1st dc to join [48 sts].

Round 3: Ch3, BLdc in same st, BLdc in next 47 sts, sl st to 1st BLdc to join, [48 sts].

Round 4: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch), 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 9 sts, (dc2tog) 8 times, 1sc in next 22 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [40 sts].

Round 5: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 9 sts, (dc2tog) 4 times, 1sc in next 22 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [36 sts].

Round 6: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 9 sts, (dc2tog) twice, 1sc in next 22 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [34 sts].

Round 7: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 9 sts, dc2tog, 1sc in next 22 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [33 sts].

Round 8: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 32 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [33 sts].

Rounds 9 – 17: Repeat round 8.

Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.

Fold the bootie over to create a cuff.

Tips:

• For beginners, place a stitch marker in the first dc or sc made at the beginning of each round to ensure you slip stitch into this stitch when joining at the end.
• Do not include the ch1 or ch3 at the beginning of rounds in the final stitch count.
• Join the round by making a slip stitch into the very first dc or sc stitch of the round.

9-12-month-old baby crochet shoes

These adorable crochet shoes with their fold-down cuffs will make a cute addition to the wardrobe of any 9-12-month-old baby. The design is simple and classic, perfect for both baby boys and girls.

The crochet hook size for this age range is 4.5mm, and the length of the sole, which is also the completed length of the baby shoe, should be 4.75" or 12cm.

For the yarn, a premium acrylic yarn that is soft and hypoallergenic is ideal for babies. Deramores Studio Baby Soft DK Acrylic is a good option, or you could try Premier Basix DK Yarn, Cascade 220 Superwash Yarn, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, Paintbox Yarns Baby DK, or Stylecraft Special DK.

The shoe is made in rounds, and the first stitch of each round is made in the same stitch as the slip stitch join. The chain at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch. Therefore, when joining the round with a slip stitch, make sure to join it to the first double crochet or single crochet stitch of the round.

Round 1:

Chain 4 stitches, then insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook (the three chains you skipped do not count as a stitch). Make one double crochet in the next 8 chains, then make 8 double crochet in the last chain. Working up the other side of the chain, make one double crochet in the next 8 chains, then 7 double crochet in the last chain. Slip stitch to the first double crochet to join, you should have 32 stitches.

Round 2:

Chain 3 (this does not count as a stitch), then make 2 double crochet in the same stitch. Make one double crochet in the next 8 stitches, then make 2 double crochet in the next 8 stitches. Make one double crochet in the next 8 stitches, then make 2 double crochet in the next 7 stitches. Slip stitch to the first double crochet to join, you should have 48 stitches.

Round 3:

Chain 3, then make a back loop double crochet in the same stitch and in the next 47 stitches. Slip stitch to the first back loop double crochet to join, you should have 48 stitches.

Round 4:

Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch), then make one single crochet in the same stitch and in the next 9 stitches. Make a double crochet decrease 8 times, then make one single crochet in the next 22 stitches. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join, you should have 40 stitches.

Round 5:

Chain 1, then make one single crochet in the same stitch and in the next 9 stitches. Make a double crochet decrease 4 times, then make one single crochet in the next 22 stitches. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join, you should have 36 stitches.

Round 6:

Chain 1, then make one single crochet in the same stitch and in the next 9 stitches. Make a double crochet decrease twice, then make one single crochet in the next 22 stitches. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join, you should have 34 stitches.

Round 7:

Chain 1, then make one single crochet in the same stitch and in the next 9 stitches. Make a double crochet decrease, then make one single crochet in the next 22 stitches. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join, you should have 33 stitches.

Round 8:

Chain 1, then make one single crochet in the same stitch and in the next 32 stitches. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join, you should have 33 stitches.

Rounds 9-17:

Repeat Round 8.

Cut the yarn, fasten off, and weave in the ends. Fold the shoe over to create a little cuff.

Frequently asked questions