These little crochet baby booties are worked in three simple sections – a ribbed cuff, a structured instep, and a shaped sole – and the result is a sturdy, adorable pair of shoes that actually stay on tiny feet. They’re beginner-friendly once you get started, and the ribbed cuff gives them that classic handmade look that photographs beautifully.
Make them in soft cotton for a baby shower gift, or try a pastel acrylic for something that machine-washes easily. Either way, they’ll be the first thing anyone reaches for at the gift table.
What Yarn Works Best For Crochet Baby Booties?
For baby booties you want yarn that’s soft, washable, and holds its shape. The sole takes a little wear so you need something with a bit of body – a pure cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend is ideal.
- 100% cotton worsted – soft against skin, holds structure well, machine washable
- Cotton-acrylic blend – slightly stretchier, great stitch definition, very durable
- Soft acrylic – easiest to wash, huge color range, works well for gifting
Our pick: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted) or Paintbox Simply DK used double. Avoid anything scratchy or stiff – baby feet are sensitive.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (size 4) – 72 yds (3 mos) / 100 yds (6 mos) / 120 yds (12 mos)
- Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6)
- Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle, stitch marker
Gauge
14 sc x 15 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
Gauge matters for booties – too loose and they’ll fall off, too tight and they won’t go on. Work a small swatch before you start and adjust your hook size if needed.
Sizing
| Size | Foot length | Yarn needed |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | approx 3.5 in / 9 cm | 72 yds / 66 m |
| 6 months | approx 4 in / 10 cm | 100 yds / 91.5 m |
| 12 months | approx 4.5 in / 11.5 cm | 120 yds / 109 m |
Instructions are written for size 3 months. Changes for 6 and 12 months are shown in parentheses: 3 (6-12) mos.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
ch |
chain |
sc |
single crochet |
hdc |
half double crochet |
sc2tog |
single crochet two together (decrease) |
dcbp |
double crochet around back post |
sl st |
slip stitch |
RS |
right side |
sp |
space |
st(s) |
stitch(es) |
YOH |
yarn over hook |
Pattern is written in US terms.
How To Crochet Little Baby Booties – Step By Step
(Make 2)
How To Crochet The Cuff
The cuff is worked flat in rows, then joined at the back seam. Working in back loops only on every row creates the ribbed texture.
Foundation: Ch 16.
Row 1 (RS): 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each ch across. Turn. (15 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until the cuff measures 6 (6.25 – 6.5) inches / 15 (16 – 16.5) cm from the beginning, ending on a RS row. Do not turn.
How To Crochet The Foot
Row 1 (RS): Ch 1. Work 23 (25 – 27) sc evenly across the long edge of the cuff. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc across. Fasten off.
How To Crochet The Instep
Row 1 (RS): Skip the first 7 (8 – 9) sc. Join yarn with a sl st to the next sc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as sl st. 1 sc in each of the next 8 sc. Turn. Leave remaining sts unworked. (9 sts)
Rows 2 – 4: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc across. Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1. Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 5 sts, sc2tog. (7 sts). Fasten off.
Sew the back seam of the cuff.
How To Crochet The Sole And Body
Now you’ll work in the round to shape the foot and close the sole.
Round 1 (RS): Join yarn with sl st at center back. Ch 2 (counts as hdc throughout). Work 1 hdc in each of the next 6 (7 – 8) sts. Work 7 hdc down the side of the instep. Work 2 hdc in the corner sc. Work 5 hdc across the end of the instep. Work 2 hdc in the corner sc. Work 7 hdc along the other side of the instep. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 7 (8 – 9) sts. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. [37 (39 – 41) hdc]
Rounds 2 – 3: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Work 1 dcbp (double crochet around back post) around each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2.
Working around the post instead of into the top of the stitch creates a subtle ridge texture on the foot.
Round 4: Ch 1. Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 14 (15 – 16) sts, sc2tog, 1 sc in next st, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 14 (15 – 16) sts, sc2tog. Join with sl st to first st. [33 (35 – 37) sts]
Round 5: Ch 1. Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 12 (13 – 14) sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in next sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 12 (13 – 14) sc, sc2tog. Join with sl st to first st. [29 (31 – 33) sts]
Round 6: Ch 1. Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 10 (11 – 12) sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in next sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 10 (11 – 12) sc, sc2tog. Join with sl st to first st. [25 (27 – 29) sts]
Round 7: Ch 1. Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 8 (9 – 10) sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in next sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 8 (9 – 10) sc, sc2tog. Join with sl st to first st. [21 (23 – 25) sts]
Fasten off. Sew the sole seam closed.
How To Finish Your Baby Booties
- Weave in all ends very securely – booties get a lot of handling
- Block lightly by dampening, shaping, and leaving flat to dry
- For a decorative touch, add a small bow, flower, or button to the front of the cuff
- These look beautiful in white, dusty rose, sage green, or soft yellow
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the ribbed cuff look neat? Consistency is everything – make sure you’re always working into the back loop only, and keep your tension even. If your cuff is curling, your tension is too tight.
What does dcbp mean? Double crochet around the back post: instead of inserting your hook into the top of the stitch, insert it from right to left around the vertical post of the stitch below. This creates a raised ridge and gives the foot section a lovely texture.
Can I make these bigger for an older baby? Yes – for 18-24 months, use a 5.0 mm hook with the same yarn and add one more increase row to the sole section.
Can I sell booties made from this pattern? Yes – you’re welcome to sell finished items made from Bloom Bonnet patterns in small quantities. Please credit BloomBonnet.com.
How do I wash crochet baby booties? Machine wash gentle / cold, reshape by hand while damp, and lay flat to dry.