This is a crochet pattern for my beginner-friendly baby shoes – Ruby Slippers. Discover what inspired me to design this pattern, the yarn I chose, and how to create the perfect baby booties.
FREE PATTERN: Keep scrolling for the FREE version of the Ruby Slippers.
PRINTABLE PDF: Get a beautifully designed, print-friendly PDF version of the Ruby Slippers from Ravelry or Etsy.
I am so happy to share this Crochet Ruby Slippers pattern with you. These sweet baby shoes are a lovely handmade project, perfect for baby showers, special gifts, or simply making something beautiful for a little one. They are soft, cute, and comfortable, with a charming strap and button detail that gives them a classic and timeless look. In this free crochet tutorial, I will guide you through the pattern step by step, and you can also follow along with the video tutorial to make the process even easier and more enjoyable.
About The Pattern
This is the updated version of the Ruby Slippers. This design has always been a special pattern, but I wanted to make a few thoughtful adjustments to improve the overall fit and structure. The project begins with the sole, which now features a dedicated round of slip stitches. This simple addition creates a much firmer base, giving the booties better shape and stability for little feet. It is a small detail that makes a significant difference in the final finish of the shoe.
Once the sole is complete, we move on to the upper part of the shoe. One of the most convenient aspects of this pattern is its construction. You will work the main body of the bootie exactly the same way for both the left and the right foot. There is no need to worry about mirroring stitches or complex shaping changes until the very end of the project. This makes the process consistent and relaxing, allowing you to focus on your stitch work.
The only distinction between the two shoes is the strap placement. To ensure a correct fit, the straps are crocheted to fasten on opposite sides, creating a perfectly mirrored pair. If you are unsure about the placement, I have included a comprehensive video tutorial that demonstrates every step of the process. From the updated sole to the specific strap attachment, you can follow along visually to ensure your Ruby Slippers turn out perfectly.
Materials
- YARN: DK-weight cotton yarn (Cotton Light Drops) in two colors. Beige for the sole and red for the upper part.
- CROCHET HOOK: 3.5 mm crochet hook or a hook to obtain the gauge.
- YOU WILL ALSO NEED: a yarn needle, scissors, and stitch markers (not essential).
Note: I prefer the sole to be firmer than the rest of the shoe, but I wanted to avoid the extra work of making two soles and joining them together. To solve this, I decided to use Aran-weight cotton yarn instead of DK. You will see me using Aran weight in the video tutorial for this same reason. However, if you would prefer a softer, sock-like finish, you can certainly stick to a lighter yarn! Please note that crochet shoes can be quite slippery, so they are not suitable for babies who are walking or learning to walk.
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern is your first baby sole, which you can later use for your project.
0 – 6 months: 9.5 cm (3.75 inches) long.
Abreviations
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- ch – chain
- ss – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc2tog – double crochet two together
- hdc2tog – half double crochet two together
This pattern does not hold any special stitches or techniques.
Pattern Notes
- For this crochet baby sweater pattern, you will need to know basic crochet stitches (sc, ss, and hdc).
- The chain at the beginning of the round, also called the turning chain, does not count as a stitch unless otherwise stated.
- Work everything in ( ) as a group and repeat it as many times as written in the pattern.
- All rows/rounds start in the first stitch of the row/round unless otherwise stated.
- This crochet pattern is written mainly in rounds. The exceptions are the ribbings around the yoke, waist, and wrists. Join each round with a slip stitch (ss) made into the first stitch of the round.
- Slip stitch does not count as a stitch in the pattern unless otherwise stated.
- The pattern for larger sizes is written in the [ ].
- If the number is written before the stitch: 3 hdc = work 3 hdc sts into the same stitch.
- If the number is written after the stitch: hdc 3 = work 1 hdc into each of the next 3 sts.
- The number of stitches at the end of each row/round is the total number of stitches in that row/round.
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Measurements
- 0 – 6 months – 9.5 cm (3.75 inches) long – available here in this blog post.
- 6 – 12 months 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) long – available in the PDF pattern only.
Save For Later (Pinterest!)
Pin the project to your favorite Pinterest board and save it for later when you have the right yarn, more time, or simply because your crochet hooks are way too busy right now. ❤️
PDF Crochet Pattern
The PDF crochet pattern is a great solution for those who prefer to work offline, need additional sizes, or just want to support my work. This beautifully designed PDF pattern can be found in shops on Etsy and Ravelry.
You can also join me on Patreon. The creative bug membership offers a new pattern every month and a peek behind the scenes at how the pattern was made, what materials I used, and why.
NSTRUCTIONS
Crochet Baby Shoes Pattern – Ruby Slippers
Please, read the instructions carefully. Don’t skip any parts of the pattern, and make sure you do not accidentally lose or add additional stitches to the pattern. That might affect the final look of your design.
These baby shoes are made from the sole up. You’ll start by crocheting the sole, then build the upper part, and finally the straps.
The left and right shoes are different; however, the pattern for both is the same up to the point where you start working on the straps.
VIDEO
Instructions
Sole
You can find the video tutorial for a crochet baby sole here.
Take your beige yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook. Create a foundation chain of 10.
Round 1: Start in the 2nd chain from the hook. Make 2 hdc into the same stitch. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. Make 6 hdc into the last chain. Now continue on the opposite side of the foundation chain. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. Make 2 hdc into the last stitch. Join with a slip stitch. = 24 sts
Round 2: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. 2 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. 2 hdc in each of the next 6 stitches. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. 2 hdc in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a slip stitch. = 34 sts.
Round 3: Ch 1. (2 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch) repeat 2 times. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. (2 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch) repeat 6 times. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. (2 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch) repeat 2 times. Join with the slip stitch. = 44 sts.
Create four identical soles.
Upper part Of The Shoe
The first part of the upper part of the shoe is made in rounds, starting from the heel.
Take the sole and fold it in half lengthwise. The stitch in the fold at the heel is your starting stitch.
Insert the hook into the back loop of the stitch from round 3 and join the yarn.
Round 1: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 44 sts. Ss. = 44 sts.
Round 2: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 sc into each of the next 15 sts. Skip 2 sts. Work 1 dc into each of the next 10 sts. Skip 2 sts. Work 1 sc into each of the next 15 sts. Ss. = 40 sts.
Round 3: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 sc into each of the next 13 sts. Skip 2 sts. Work 1 dc into each of the next 10 sts. Skip 2 sts. Work 1 sc into each of the next 13 sts. Ss. = 36 sts.
Round 4: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 sc into each of the next 11 sts. Skip 2 sts. Dc2tog. Work 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts. Dc2tog. Skip 2 sts. Work 1 sc into each of the next 11 sts. Ss. Fasten off. = 30 sts.
Now you will need 4 stitch markers to mark the upper front and back part of the shoe.
Take 2 stitch markers and mark 8 sts on the front side of the shoe (Photo 9).
Take the other 2 stitch markers and mark 1 st on the left and 1 st on the right, two sts away, towards the heel, from the already marked 8 sts (Photo 10).
Place the marker into the 3rd st.
Front upper part
Use the 8 marked sts on the front side of the shoe. Place the hook into the stitch on the right (Photo 2). Work in rows. Turn after each row.
Row 1: Ch 1. Start in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 5 sts. Hd2tog. = 6 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Hdc2tog. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 2 sts. Hdc2tog. = 4 sts.
Rows 3–8: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 hdc into each of the 4 sts. = 4 sts.
Cut the yarn and fasten off, but leave a long tail for sewing.
Bend the strap to the inner side of the shoe.
Take a yarn needle and sew across rows 1 and 9 simultaneously to create a loop.
Back upper part
From this point on, the pattern for the left and right shoes is different.
Right shoe
Start at the marker on the left side and crochet towards the marker on the other side (Photo 5). Work in rows. Turn after each row.
Row 1: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 18 sts. Make sure you skip the ss from round 4. = 18 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1. Work 1 hdc into each of the 18 sts. = 18 sts.
Row 3: Ch 1. Work 1 hdc into each of the 18 sts. Ch 17. Turn. Skip 5 chains. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 12 chains. Attach the row with a ss to the back upper part between rows 2 and 3.
Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Left shoe
Start at the marker on the left side and crochet towards the marker on the other side. Work in rows. Turn after each row.
Row 1: Ch 1. Start in the same stitch. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 18 sts. Make sure you skip the ss from round 4. = 18 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1. Work 1 hdc into each of the 18 sts. Ch 17. Turn. = 35 sts.
Row 3: Skip 5 chains. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 12 chains. Work 1 hdc into each of the next 18 sts.
Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Finishing Touches
Insert the strap into the loop on the front and pull it through.
Sew the buttons to the opposite side of the strap.
Attach the strap to the buttons, and you are done!
DID YOU TRY OUT THIS PATTERN?
I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag me @crobypatterns.
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