This free beginner tutorial will guide you through how to make these cute and easy crochet baby shoes with step-by-step instructions at each stage to help you along the way.
These one-piece Mary Jane style shoes are perfect for both boys and girls — the simple shape lets you play with any colour, and the strap keeps them on when baby inevitably kicks with joy! Try them in white or ivory for the perfect newborn gift, or a classic handmade christening shoe.
What Type of Yarn Is Best for Crochet Baby Shoes?
There are two things that matter most when making baby items: softness and durability.
Baby skin is far more sensitive than ours and the slightest scratchy fibre can cause real distress. Aim for soft, breathable natural fibres like 100% cotton or bamboo-cotton blend — bamboo is especially lovely as it’s hypoallergenic and incredibly silky.
If you want something warmer that holds its shape and machine washes well, a soft acrylic or cotton-acrylic blend works beautifully too.
Our pick: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton or any soft DK cotton. Avoid wool for very young babies.
What Materials Do I Need To Crochet Easy Baby Shoes?
- Yarn: DK weight (size 3) — approximately 30–40m per pair
- Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6)
- Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle, measuring tape, 1 small button per shoe
What Gauge Do I Need For Crochet Baby Shoes?
Half Double Crochet: 9 stitches × 6 rows = 5 × 5 cm (2 × 2 inches)
Make a small swatch before starting. If your swatch is smaller than this, switch to a larger hook. If it’s larger, switch to a smaller hook. Gauge keeps the shoes the right size for baby!
What Size Are These Crochet Baby Shoes?
These instructions make shoes sized newborn to approximately 6 months. The sole measures approximately 10 cm / 4 inches.
For a slightly larger toddler size, use chunky yarn (size 5) and a 5.5 mm hook.
Crochet Baby Shoes Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet two together (decrease) |
| dc2tog | double crochet two together (decrease) |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| YO | yarn over |
| BLO | back loop only |
| FLO | front loop only |
Pattern is written in US terms.
Step By Step Instructions For How To Crochet Easy Baby Shoes
(Make 2 — one for each foot)
How To Crochet The Sole Of The Baby Shoe
Foundation chain: Ch 11. Leave a long starting tail — you’ll use it later to close any small gaps at the toe.
Row 1:
- 3 hdc into the 3rd ch from hook
- 1 hdc into each of the next 7 ch (7 sts)
- 6 hdc into the last ch (this curves the toe)
- Working back along the opposite side: 1 hdc into each of the next 7 ch
- 3 hdc into the starting ch (to complete the heel curve)
- Sl st to first hdc to join (26 sts)
Row 2:
- Ch 2, 2 hdc in same st, 2 hdc in next 2 sts
- 1 hdc in each of next 7 sts
- 2 hdc in each of the 6 curved toe sts
- 1 hdc in each of the next 7 sts
- 2 hdc in each of the last 3 sts
- Sl st to first st (38 sts)
Row 3 (sole edge):
- Ch 2, hdc in FLO of each st around
- Sl st to first st (38 sts)
Working in front loops only creates a clean ridge that defines where the sole meets the sides — this is your fold line.
How To Crochet The Body Of The Baby Shoe
Row 4:
Ch 2, hdc in next 11 sts.
Work hdc2tog to decrease: yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch as normal, pull up a loop but do not complete the stitch (you should now have 4 loops on your hook). YO and insert your hook into the second stitch and pull up a loop — you should now have 5 loops on your hook. Pull the yarn through all of the remaining loops on your hook to complete the stitch. You have just reduced your stitch count by one.
Repeat the hdc2tog 7 more times so you have worked 16 decrease stitches total. Then hdc in next 11 sts, sl st to first st (30 sts).
This is what your shoe should look like with the decreases when you have completed your row.
Row 5:
- Ch 2, hdc in next 11 sts
- dc2tog: YO, insert hook, pull up loop, YO pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain). Repeat in next st. YO, pull through all 3 loops. One decrease made.
- Repeat dc2tog 3 more times (over next 6 sts)
- 1 hdc in each of remaining 11 sts (26 sts)
Row 6:
- Ch 1, sc in each st around (26 sts)
Your crochet baby shoe body is now complete!
How To Add The Ankle Strap To Your Crochet Baby Shoes
Babies love to kick their shoes off — the strap fixes that and keeps these handmade crochet baby shoes securely on tiny feet!
Strap:
- Ch 31
- Sc in the 6th ch from hook (this creates the button loop)
- 1 sc in each remaining ch
- Anchor the strap with 2 hdc to the back of the shoe
Button: Sew your button onto the outside of the shoe to align with the button loop. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
How To Finish Your Crochet Baby Shoes
- Weave in all ends securely — baby shoes take a lot of handling and washing.
- Block lightly by dampening and reshaping over a small round object (a large coin works well for the toe).
- Button size: A 10–12 mm button is ideal. Make sure it’s sewn on very securely as babies love to pull at them.
- These crochet baby shoes look beautiful in white, ivory, dusty rose, or sage green for a classic handmade look.
Crochet Baby Shoes — Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know how to hdc2tog? It’s just working two half double crochets together without completing them, then joining both at the end. Take it slowly — once you get the rhythm it’s quick and satisfying!
Can I use worsted weight yarn for crochet baby shoes? Yes — use a 5.0 mm hook and expect a slightly chunkier shoe, great for cooler months. Adjust gauge as needed.
How do I make these crochet baby shoes bigger for a 6–12 month baby? Add one more increase row to the sole (Row 2b: [2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts] around = 50 sts), and work 2 extra body rows before Row 6.
Can I sell crochet baby shoes made from this pattern? Yes — you’re welcome to sell finished items made from Bloom Bonnet patterns in small quantities. Please credit BloomBonnet.com. Thank you for supporting indie designers!
How do I wash handmade crochet baby shoes? Machine wash gentle / cold, lay flat to dry. Cotton shoes hold their shape much better than acrylic when washed correctly.