Crochet isn’t just about blankets, scarves, and coasters — you can also create stylish, comfortable, and practical footwear! Crochet sneakers are a fun and rewarding project, even for beginners. They make for cozy indoor shoes or casual outdoor slip-ons when reinforced with proper soles. Whether you want to make a pair for yourself, as a gift, or just want to explore new crochet territory, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Let’s dive into how you can make easy crochet sneakers, perfect for beginners with basic knowledge of crochet stitches and tools.
Why Crochet Sneakers?
Crochet sneakers are:
- Comfortable and customizable
- Eco-friendly, especially if you repurpose materials
- Unique and handmade — a fashion statement!
- Budget-friendly compared to store-bought alternatives
- Beginner-friendly with the right pattern and guidance
They can be made for men, women, and children, and they’re easily adjustable in size, color, and style.
What You’ll Need: Tools & Materials
Before starting your first pair of crochet sneakers, gather the following materials:
1. Yarn
- Worsted weight (Medium #4) or bulky yarn (#5) for a sturdier shoe
- Cotton or acrylic yarn recommended for comfort and durability
- Choose any colors — solid or multicolored
2. Crochet Hook
- 5.0 mm to 6.5 mm (H to K) crochet hook
- Check your yarn label for recommended size, but you may need to go down half a size to get a tighter stitch (for structure)
3. Stitch Markers
To keep track of rounds or specific stitch placements.
4. Scissors & Yarn Needle
For cutting yarn and weaving in ends.
5. Optional: Shoe Soles
- Recycled soles from flip-flops or purchased sneaker soles (many craft suppliers sell blank soles)
- Adds stability and makes them outdoor-friendly
Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations Used
| Abbreviation | Full Stitch Name |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| inc | increase (2 sc in one st) |
| dec | decrease (sc 2 stitches together) |
If you’re new to any of these stitches, take a few minutes to learn them through a video tutorial or practice swatch.
How to Make Easy Crochet Sneakers – Beginner Pattern
This is a basic crochet sneaker pattern that works best for indoor shoes or slipper-style sneakers. You can add soles and laces to style them further.
🧶 Step 1: Crochet the Sole
Let’s start with the base of your sneaker.
Round 1:
- Ch 10 (for women’s US size 6–7; adjust ch count for larger sizes)
- In 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc.
- Sc in next 7 chains.
- In last chain: 5 sc.
- Working on the opposite side of chain, sc in next 7 chains.
- 2 sc in last stitch.
- Join with sl st. (Total: 24 stitches)
Round 2:
- Ch 1.
- 2 sc in first st.
- Sc in next 7 sts.
- 2 sc in next 5 sts.
- Sc in next 7 sts.
- 2 sc in last 2 sts.
- Sl st to join. (Total: 32)
Round 3:
- Repeat pattern increasing evenly around toe and heel until you reach your foot length and width. (Usually 3–4 rounds total)
You now have a basic oval-shaped sole. You can add extra rounds for a thicker sole or stitch two soles together with padding inside for extra comfort.
👟 Step 2: Build the Upper Sneaker Body
Once the sole is complete, we’ll crochet in rounds around the outer edge to build up the sides.
Round 1 (Working in BLO – Back Loops Only):
- Sc in each st around (use BLO for a cleaner edge line)
- Join with sl st, ch 1
Round 2–5:
- Continue working sc in each stitch around
- For a higher top sneaker, work more rounds (up to 7 or 8)
You’ll now have a slipper-style shoe that fits snug around your foot.
👞 Step 3: Shape the Toe Cap
The toe area needs to curve over your foot for a sneaker look.
Toe Decrease Rounds:
- Mark the center 10 stitches at the front.
- In these 10 stitches, do sc2tog (decrease) 5 times to shape the toe.
- Continue sc around the rest of the shoe normally.
- Repeat 2–3 rounds of toe decreases until the front is fully covered.
Once shaped, fasten off and weave in the ends.
🪡 Step 4: Add a Heel Tab (Optional)
To create a small heel tab like on sneakers:
- Join yarn at the center back of the heel.
- Ch 1, sc across 5–7 stitches.
- Ch 1, turn, repeat 2–3 rows.
- Fasten off.
🎀 Step 5: Add Details
Laces
- Chain a long string (ch 60–80) and weave through the front toe area to mimic laces.
- You can also use ribbon or shoelace cord for added style.
Logo Patch
- Crochet a small circle or heart and stitch it to the side like a logo.
Sole (Optional)
- Stitch or glue your crochet upper to a flip-flop sole for an indoor/outdoor shoe.
- Use a strong craft glue or sew with a curved upholstery needle.
👣 Sizing Tips
To make larger or smaller sneakers:
- Adjust the foundation chain on the sole.
- Try the slipper on after the sole and first few rounds to assess fit.
- Increase/decrease the number of rounds for upper height.
You can also consult crochet shoe sizing charts available online to match foot length to stitch count.
🧵 Customization Ideas
Want to personalize your sneakers even more? Try these:
- Multicolor yarn for a vibrant look
- Faux fur trim for cozy winter slippers
- Buttons, beads, or patches for flair
- High-top version by extending upper rounds
🧼 Care Instructions
- Hand-wash in cold water
- Lay flat to dry
- Avoid machine drying to prevent warping
🧶 Beginner Crochet Tips
- Practice your tension before starting — tight stitches help with structure
- Use stitch markers to identify toe and heel sections
- Try a single slipper first to test size and technique
- Don’t stress about perfection — handmade charm is the goal!
💡 Final Thoughts
Crochet sneakers are a fun and creative way to expand your crochet skills beyond the basics. They’re perfect for gifting, lounging around the house, or wearing as stylish indoor kicks. The best part? They’re completely customizable and surprisingly easy — even for beginners.
Once you’ve made your first pair, you’ll be hooked (pun intended). So grab your hook and yarn, and start crafting your perfect pair of cozy crochet sneakers today!
Video tutorial:
