I named this pattern after my grandmother because, back when my grandmother was teaching me to crochet, this was the first pattern she taught me (and if a fumble-fingered 11 year old can learn to make this pattern, anyone can!). Someone taught it to her when she was first learning how to crochet. But in spite of how long it has been around, nobody wrote it down until now. I wanted to share the pattern, but do it in a way that recognizes that I am just the most recent link in a long chain of women who have been making and sharing this pattern.

• about 1 ounce of Worsted or Aran weight yarn
• H (5.5mm) hook (Using I (6mm) hook will make slightly larger bootie)
• large-eyed yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
• length of 3/16 or 1/4 inch wide ribbon for tie

Fits newborn - 8 mos. (Using I (6mm) hook will make slightly larger bootie)
Finished Length (sole of foot) = 3.5 - 3.75 inches
Finished Height (sole to top cuff) = about 4 -4.5 inches

10 stitches and 7 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet (hdc)

This adorable, easy-to-make baby bootie is made in half double crochet; a dense stitch that helps to insulate baby’s feet, making this bootie perfect for winter babies or babies who live in chilly climates. The pattern is quick and simple to make, and the finished product is both cute and practical. This is a project that is very suitable for beginners.

Stitches used in this pattern:

1. Chain stitch (ch)
2. Half double crochet (hdc)
3. Slip stitch (sl st)
4. Double crochet (dc) (if using alternate ruffle edging)
5. Single crochet (sc) (if using alternate ruffle or contrast edging)

Direct Download a Free PDF of this Pattern at:

• http://sweetbird.awardspace.com/BabyBooties.pdf
• http://www.box.net/shared/vn4skttrnb (alternate site)

Directions are given in American English.

This pattern is free for people to make, use, and distribute. However, it may not be used for commercial purposes.

Amigurumi means “knitted or crocheted doll” in Japanese. They're the simplest of simple, worked in the round in single crochet. I don't even join my rounds, preferring to work in a spiral. The thing I love most about amigurumi is that their interest lies entirely in your imagination. There's no clever design detail to woo your keen eye. No lovely stitch pattern to make you go “ah.” Just rounds of single crochet. The fun comes in the shapes you make, the colours you pick, and the embellishments you add on after the fact.

To illustrate, check out the banner photo up there. Each Crochet me designer used the exact same pattern. So, my point has been made, no? We can't wait to see what you'll create. Share photos of your own Amigurumi Dudes on the Flickr group.

Edited to add: Use common sense when making toys for young kids. 

• Yarn and a complementary hook
• Polyfil for stuffing
• Beans (optional, for weighing down legless dudes)
• Yarn needle for finishing
• Embroidery needle (optional, for fitting through small holes in eyes and/or buttons)
• Embellishments, as desired

Variable. This pattern calls for a pretty enormous head. Mine (the purple dude with the headband) was worked in Lion Brand Chunky yarn with a 5.0mm hook, and the head measures 4" in diameter and a whopping 14" in circumference. (This is the same size as an infant's head.) Adjust yarn weight and hook size according to your whim.

Gauge is unimportant. Your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing won't poke through.

Head

Start with an adjustable loop.

Round 1: Work 6 sc into loop (join or do not join -- it's your call); tighten the loop.