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Creating handmade baby accessories brings a special touch to any little one’s wardrobe. These charming crochet baby sandals with adjustable straps are not only adorable but also practical for growing feet. The vibrant pink and beige color combination creates an eye-catching look, but you can customize the colors to match any outfit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of creating these sweet summer sandals for your little one.
Baby Sandals Materials Needed
Before starting your crochet Baby Sandals journey, gather these essential supplies:
- YarnArt Jeans yarn (50g/160m) or similar cotton yarn such as Gazzal Jeans, Alize Cotton Gold, Alize Tweed, Alize Cotton Gold Hobby, or Gazzal Baby Cotton
- 2mm crochet hook
- 10mm buckle for the strap (you can use larger sizes, but not smaller than 10mm) or a small button as an alternative
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers or safety pins
Baby Sandals Understanding Pattern Terminology
For those new to croche tBaby Sandals patterns, here’s what the abbreviations mean:
- CH: Chain stitch
- SC: Single crochet
- SL ST: Slip stitch
- HDC: Half double crochet
- DC: Double crochet
- INC: Increase (two stitches in one stitch)
- DEC: Decrease (joining two stitches together)
- SK: Skip stitch
- BLO: Back loop only
- ( ): Repeat instructions inside parentheses
- [ ]: Number of stitches at the end of the round
Step-by-Step Baby Sandals Pattern
Creating the Soles (Make 4)
This pattern provides instructions for two sizes: 10cm (approximately 3.9 inches) and 11cm (approximately 4.3 inches). Choose the size that works best for your baby.
For 10cm Soles:
- Row 1: Chain 15 plus 1 chain for turning. Starting from the 2nd chain from hook, work 13 SC, 3 SC in the last chain. Continue working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, make 13 SC, and 3 SC in the last stitch. You should have 33 stitches total.
- Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first stitch), SC across, make 3 SC in the 14th stitch, continue with SC to the end, and slip stitch to join. You should have 38 stitches total.
- Row 3: Chain 2, work 7 SC, 2 HDC, 5 DC, 6 increases from DC, 5 DC, 2 HDC, 7 SC, and slip stitch to join to the second chain of turning chain. You should have 48 stitches total.
- Row 4: Chain 3, work 4 increases from DC, 15 DC, 10 increases from DC, 15 DC, 4 increases from DC, slip stitch to join to the third chain of turning chain. You should have 66 stitches total.
- Row 5: Chain 2, work 66 SC, slip stitch to join to the second chain of turning chain. Cut the yarn, leaving enough to sew the sole later.
For 11cm Soles:
- Row 1: Chain 17 plus 1 chain for turning. Starting from the 2nd chain from hook, work 15 SC, 3 SC in the last chain. Continue working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, make 15 SC, and 3 SC in the last stitch. You should have 37 stitches total.
- Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first stitch), SC across, make 3 SC in the 16th stitch, continue with SC to the end, and slip stitch to join. You should have 42 stitches total.
- Row 3: Chain 2, work 8 SC, 3 HDC, 5 DC, 6 increases from DC, 5 DC, 3 HDC, 8 SC, and slip stitch to join. You should have 52 stitches total.
- Row 4: Chain 3, work 4 increases from DC, 17 DC, 10 increases from DC, 17 DC, 4 increases from DC, slip stitch to join. You should have 70 stitches total.
- Row 5: Chain 2, work 70 SC, slip stitch to join. Cut the yarn, leaving enough to sew the sole later.
Creating Double Soles
- Take two completed soles and place them wrong sides together.
- Insert your hook through both layers, catching the loops of both soles.
- Join with a slip stitch and work SC around the entire perimeter to secure both soles together.
- For larger soles or those with looser tension, you may want to add extra stitches in the center along the air loops for reinforcement.
Making the Straps (4 pieces)
Note: This pattern uses the V-stitch technique, which creates a textured look. When making SC, catch the yarn from beneath your working thread for each stitch.
The pattern is sized for 9-10cm feet but can work for 11cm as well. Remember that crochet tension varies from person to person. If you crochet tightly, the straps will fit smaller feet (around 9cm); if you crochet more loosely, they can accommodate feet up to 12cm.
To make the straps longer, you can add a couple of air loops in the first row. The technique remains the same regardless of how many air loops you start with.
- Row 1: Chain 24, begin crocheting from the 3rd chain from the hook.
- Row 2: Work 22 SC, turn.
- Row 3: From the first stitch, work SC across the row. Do NOT chain for the turning stitch. Turn your work. You should have 22 stitches.
- Row 4: Chain 1, work 22 SC in V-stitch pattern (inserting hook in center of V-stitch from previous row), turn. You’ll have 22 stitches.
- Row 5: Chain 22, turn. You’ll have 22 stitches.
- Row 6: For the first two straps: Chain 1, work 21 SC in V-stitch pattern, increase in last stitch, turn. For the second two straps: Increase in first stitch, work 21 SC in V-stitch pattern, turn. You’ll have 23 stitches for each.
- Row 7: Chain 23, turn. You’ll have 23 stitches.
- Row 8: Chain 1, work 23 SC in V-stitch pattern, turn. You’ll have 23 stitches.
- Row 9: Chain 23, turn. You’ll have 23 stitches.
- Row 10: For the first two straps: Work 22 SC in V-stitch pattern, increase in last stitch, turn. For the second two straps: Increase in first stitch, work 22 SC in V-stitch pattern, turn. You’ll have 24 stitches for each.
- Row 11: Chain 24, turn. You’ll have 24 stitches.
- Row 12: Chain 1, work 24 SC in V-stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving enough length for sewing.
Use the beginning tail to secure the edge where you chained (first row with air loops). Save the remaining yarn tail for attaching the strap to the sole.
Attaching the Straps
- Find the center of the sole by counting stitches in the last row. From the center, count 6 stitches in each direction (total of 12 stitches). Mark these positions with stitch markers or safety pins. For larger sizes, you can count 7 stitches in each direction (14 total).
- Attach the front straps first, sewing them to the marked positions using the connecting stitches created when joining the two soles.
- Cross the straps and sew the other ends to the opposite side of the sole. Skip about 2-3 stitches from the already attached straps before sewing the crossed straps (for larger baby shoes, skip 3 stitches).
Creating the Ankle Strap
- Attach yarn to the top strip. Leave a long tail for binding the strap later.
- On the right sandal: Skip 3 stitches from the end of the row and attach yarn to the 4th stitch. (On the left sandal: Attach to the 5th stitch, and at the end, attach the strap to the 4th stitch.)
- Chain approximately 42, working from the 3rd chain from the hook. Make 40 HDC, then slip stitch to the next loop (the crossbar) of the foundation strip, next to where you attached the yarn. Cut the yarn.
- Use the beginning tail to bind the strap with slip stitches, secure to the 5th stitch (on same crossbar). Cut and weave in all loose ends.
Attaching the Buckle
- Sew the buckle to the lower strap. Alternatively, you can use a small button for decoration.
- Ensure the buckle is securely fastened and all yarn ends are woven in properly.
Baby Sandals Customization Options
One of the joys of handmade crochet is the ability to customize:
- Color Variations: Try different color combinations – pastel blue and white for boys, yellow and green for a gender-neutral option, or rainbow colors for a playful look.
- Size Adjustments: This pattern can be easily modified for different baby foot sizes:
- For smaller sizes: Use thinner yarn and a smaller hook
- For larger sizes: Add more increase stitches in the sole
- Decorative Elements: Consider adding small crochet flowers, buttons, or embroidered details for extra charm.
- Strap Variations: The basic pattern can be modified to create different strap styles:
- T-strap design
- Closed-toe sandal
- Mary Jane style
Care Instructions for Your Crochet Sandals
To ensure your handmade baby sandals last as long as possible:
- Hand wash in cold water with mild soap
- Gently reshape while damp
- Air dry flat away from direct sunlight
- Store in a dry place when not in use
Check this out :Aiko Crochet Doll Pattern
Conclusion
Creating your own crochet baby sandals is a rewarding project that produces an adorable and practical accessory for little feet. The design allows for air circulation during warm weather while still providing protection and comfort for delicate baby feet. These sandals make wonderful baby shower gifts or special additions to your own little one’s wardrobe.
The adjustable straps ensure a good fit as baby grows, and the sturdy double sole design provides durability for those first tentative steps. With the detailed instructions provided, even beginners can successfully complete this charming project.
Remember that practice makes perfect – if your first pair isn’t exactly as expected, your second will be even better! The joy of handmade items lies in their uniqueness and the love put into every stitch. Enjoy the process of creating these sweet sandals and watching them adorn your precious little one’s feet.
Happy crocheting!
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