Crocheting baby items is a favorite pastime for many crafters—both for the joy it brings and the adorable results. Among the most beloved items are baby shoes, also known as booties. Soft, cute, and practical, these tiny shoes make perfect gifts for baby showers, birthdays, or just because. If you’re a beginner looking for an easy crochet baby shoes pattern, you’re in the right place.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need—from materials to final stitch—to create your very first pair of crochet baby shoes.
Why Crochet Baby Shoes?
- Fast and fun project (often finished in under an hour)
- Great stash-buster for leftover yarn
- Thoughtful handmade gift
- A confidence booster for beginners mastering simple shapes and stitches
Materials You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following supplies:
- Worsted weight yarn (medium weight) – soft cotton or baby acrylic yarn is ideal
- Crochet hook: Size 3.5 mm (E) or 4.0 mm (G)
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch marker (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds)
- Scissors
Note: The pattern below makes baby shoes for a 0–3 month old. Adjust hook size or yarn thickness for larger sizes.
Stitches You Need to Know
Even if you’re new to crochet, this pattern only uses basic stitches:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
Simple Crochet Baby Shoes Pattern
Part 1: Sole
Foundation Row:
- Ch 10 (this will be the length of the sole).
- In the 2nd ch from hook, work 2 sc.
- Sc in next 6 ch.
- In the next ch, work 1 hdc and 4 dc (this is the toe).
- Now work on the other side of the chain: 1 hdc in next stitch, 6 sc.
- End with 2 sc in the last stitch.
- Sl st to join the round. (Total: 22 sts)
Round 2:
- Ch 1.
- 2 sc in first 2 sts.
- Sc in next 6.
- Hdc in next, then 2 dc in next 4 sts.
- Hdc in next, sc in next 6.
- 2 sc in last 2 sts.
- Sl st to join. (Total: 30 sts)
Round 3 (Optional for larger sole):
- Ch 1.
- Sc around, increasing slightly at toe and heel only. You can add 2–4 stitches total if needed.
Part 2: Upper Shoe
Round 1:
- Ch 1.
- Working in back loops only, sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)
- Sl st to join.
This creates a defined edge between the sole and upper shoe.
Round 2:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in next 10 sts.
- Hdc in next 4.
- Dc2tog three times (this shapes the toe).
- Hdc in next 4.
- Sc in remaining 6 sts.
- Sl st to join. (24 sts)
Round 3:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in next 8 sts.
- Hdc in next 3.
- Dc3tog twice (decreasing over the toe again).
- Hdc in next 3.
- Sc in remaining 6 sts.
- Sl st to join. (20 sts)
Round 4:
- Ch 1.
- Sc around to clean up the shape. Optional: add a decorative edging like a reverse single crochet (crab stitch) or simple sl st.
- Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Optional: Add a Strap or Bow
To make Mary Jane-style baby shoes:
- Attach yarn to side of shoe.
- Ch 8–10 (depending on desired strap length).
- Sl st to opposite side.
- Sc back along chain, fasten off.
- Sew a small button on one side for decoration (avoid real closures for newborns).
Tips for Beginners
- Use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds.
- Don’t pull stitches too tight—keep tension even and relaxed.
- Practice the sole a couple of times; once you master the shape, the rest is easy.
- Make both shoes in one sitting to maintain consistency in size and tension.
Customization Ideas
- Use two-tone yarn or change colors for the sole and upper.
- Add buttons, tiny pom-poms, or embroidered flowers.
- Crochet a matching hat or mittens for a complete gift set.
Washing and Care
- Machine washable if made with baby-safe yarn (check label).
- Gentle cycle or hand wash preferred.
- Lay flat to dry to preserve shape.
Conclusion
Creating a pair of baby shoes with your own hands is a rewarding project—especially when you see them being worn by a little one. With this easy crochet baby shoes pattern for beginners, you’ll be able to stitch up your first pair confidently and with joy. Once you’ve completed one, you’ll want to make more in different colors, styles, and sizes!
Video tutorial:
