Welcome to a pattern that proves simple stitches can create stunning results! The Sweetheart Bootie is beloved for its classic shape, sturdy construction, and easy-to-master steps. Starting with a flat, oval sole, we then build up the sides and use strategic decreases to shape a neat, rounded toe. This pattern is perfect for crocheters of all levels and works beautifully in any color for any baby.
This detailed guide will take you step-by-step through the process, ensuring your finished booties are perfectly snug and adorable!
🧶 Materials & Tools
Gather your supplies before you begin. For a standard size, use a yarn weight that is soft and durable.
- Yarn: Approximately 50 grams of DK Weight (Category 3) or light Worsted Weight (Category 4) yarn. Choose a soft, baby-safe fiber like acrylic, Pima cotton, or a soft blend.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US size E/4) or 4.0 mm (US size G/6) crochet hook (select size based on yarn and desired tension).
- Notions:
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends and decorating).
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers (essential for marking the start/end of rounds and the toe center).
📏 Sizing & Gauge
This pattern is written for a standard newborn size. Achieving the correct size relies heavily on your starting chain length and your gauge.
Standard Size: Newborn (0-3 Months)
- Sole Length: Approximately 9.5 cm (3.75 inches).
- Starting Chain: Chain 12.
Adjusting the Size
To adjust, modify the starting chain (Ch) length. The final sole length should be about 2 cm (0.8 inches) shorter than the baby’s actual foot length.
| Size | Approximate Foot Length | Starting Chain |
| 0-3 Months | 9.5 cm (3.75 in) | Ch 12 |
| 3-6 Months | 10.5 cm (4.1 in) | Ch 14 |
| 6-9 Months | 11.5 cm (4.5 in) | Ch 16 |
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📚 Abbreviations & Special Stitches (US Terms)
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
| ch | Chain |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| BLO | Back Loop Only |
| HDCdec | Half Double Crochet Decrease |
| DCdec | Double Crochet Decrease |
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Special Stitch Instruction
HDCdec (Half Double Crochet Decrease): Yarn over, insert hook into the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), insert hook into the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 5 loops.
👣 Part 1: The Oval Sole (HDC)
The bootie begins with a flat, sturdy oval sole. We will use HDC for a dense base.
Preparation: Chain 12.
Round 1:
- HDC in the 3rd ch from the hook. (The skipped 2 chs count as the first HDC).
- HDC in the next 8 chs.
- Work 5 HDC into the last chain space. (This forms the toe curve).
- Rotate to work along the opposite side of the starting chain. HDC in the next 8 chs.
- Work 3 HDC into the final chain space (where the first HDC was made).
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 2. (Total 24 sts)
Round 2 (Increase Round):
- Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). HDC in the same st (2 HDC in first st).
- HDC in the next 8 sts.
- Work 2 HDC in each of the next 5 sts. (10 sts total for the toe curve).
- HDC in the next 9 sts.
- Work 2 HDC in each of the next 3 sts. (6 sts total for the heel curve).
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 2. (Total 32 sts)
Round 3 (Final Sole Round):
- Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). HDC in the same st.
- HDC in the next 9 sts.
- Work
2 HDC in next st, HDC in next stsequence 5 times. - HDC in the next 9 sts.
- Work
2 HDC in next st, HDC in next stsequence 3 times. - Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 2. (Total 40 sts)
The sole is complete. It should lie flat and measure approximately 9.5 cm in length.
⬆️ Part 2: Building the Body (Sides)
We will now turn the corner and begin working up the sides of the bootie.
Round 4 (SC/Defining Edge):
- Ch 1 (does not count as a st).
- SC in the Back Loop Only (BLO) of every stitch around.
- Join with a sl st to the first SC. (40 SC)
Working this round in the BLO creates a sharp crease, defining the sole from the body.
Round 5 (HDC Body):
- Ch 2 (counts as first HDC).
- HDC in the same st and in every st around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 2. (40 HDC)
Round 6 (DC Body):
- Ch 3 (counts as first DC).
- DC in the same st and in every st around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3. (40 DC)
🔽 Part 3: Shaping the Toe (Decreases)
The toe shaping is achieved by decreasing over the front 10 stitches in two subsequent rounds.
Round 7 (First Decrease):
- Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC in the next 15 sts. (Total 16 DC worked for the heel/side).
- Decrease Section: Work DCdec over the next 8 pairs of stitches (16 stitches total). (8 DCdec)
- DC in the next 7 sts.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3. (32 sts remaining)
The 8 decreases should be centered directly over the toe curve of the sole.
Round 8 (Second Decrease):
- Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC in the next 14 sts. (Total 15 DC worked for the heel/side).
- Decrease Section: Work DCdec over the next 4 pairs of stitches (8 stitches total). (4 DCdec)
- DC in the next 7 sts.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3. (28 sts remaining)
🎀 Part 4: The Finishing Cuff (SC & Scallop)
The final section is dedicated to cleaning up the ankle opening and adding a delicate, decorative edge.
Round 9 (SC Stabilizer):
- Ch 1 (does not count as a st).
- SC in the same st and in every st around.
- Join with a sl st to the first SC. (28 SC)
Round 10 (Scallop Edge):
- Ch 1. SC in the same st.
- Skip the next st.
- Work 5 DC into the next stitch.
- Skip the next st.
- Begin sequence:
SC in next st, skip next st, 5 DC in next st, skip next st - Repeat this sequence around the entire ankle opening.
- Join with a sl st to the first SC.
Video Tutorial:
💖 Finishing Touches
- Fasten Off: Cut the yarn, pull through the loop, and securely fasten off.
- Weave Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave all remaining yarn ends into the back of the stitches, especially the base of the sole and the interior of the toe.
- Embellish (Optional):
- Tie: Thread a ribbon or a thin crocheted chain through the space created by the DC round (Round 6) to tie a small bow at the front.
- Buttons/Pearls: Sew a small button or a few pearls onto the front toe area for extra detail.
Repeat all steps to create the second matching bootie! Your beautiful, cozy Sweetheart Booties are ready for a tiny pair of feet!
