Baby booties are what I always make up for friends and family who are soon to have a little baby come into their lives. However, when I was pregnant I didn't get around to making any booties for my own little boy and by the time that I had a few minutes spare to do a little crochet for him he was already 7 months old!

So I designed these little booties for him - keeping it simple so that they would suit a little boy (though if made up in another colour they would probably look just as sweet on a little girl) and after a few failed bootie attempts I think I have come up with a pattern that is simple to make up and a good sturdy shape for little baby feet.

DK wool
3.5mm crochet hook
Darning needle (to work in loose ends)
2 matching buttons

My finished booties measure 10cm long by 4.5cm wide. Not too sure what age I would recommend these booties for - they are bigger than newborn size, possibly best fit for around 6 months old but remember that every baby is different so make them early and wait until they grow into them.

I will need to add this later...

This pattern uses American crochet terms. The following abbreviations used are:

ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
tog - together (decreasing)

At the end of each row sl st to the first sc worked in the previous row

Left bootie

Row 1: ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 13 sc, 4 sc in first back loop, 12 sc, 2 sc in last back loop. (32 sc)

Row 2: ch 1, 12 sc, 2 sc in next 4 sc, 14 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc. (38 sc)

Row 3: ch 1, 12 sc, *2 sc in next sc, sc* x 4, 14 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc. (44 sc)

Row 4: ch 1, 12 sc, *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc* x 4, 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, 3 sc. (50 sc)

Row 5: ch 1, sc around (50 sc)

Row 6: ch 1, sc around in back loops only (50 sc)

Row 7&8: ch 1, sc around (50 sc)

Row 9: ch 1, 8 sc, *2 dc tog, 2 dc* x 4, sc around (46 sc)

Row 10: ch 1, 7 sc, *2 dc tog, 1 dc* x 4, sc around (42 sc)

Row 11: ch 1, 6 sc, 2 dc tog in next 4 dc, sc around (38 sc)

Row 12: 16 sl st, *ch 1 turn, 3 sc* x 11, ch 4, sl st into 3rd sc, sl st down edge of strap and continue to sl st to start of row.

Finish off.

Right bootie

Work Rows 1 to 11 as for Left bootie.

Row 12: ch 1, 2 sc, ch 1 turn, 2 sc, 1 sc into first ch *ch 1 turn, 3 sc* x 10, ch 4, sl st into 3rd sc, sl st down edge of strap and continue to sl st all the way round to start of row.

Finish off.

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.