Small crocheted sneakers for babies, worked in sock weight yarn with a 2.5mm hook. The pattern comes in two sizes and includes symbol charts for the sole and the toe end, which are the two parts where a written instruction alone can be hard to follow.
Reading the charts
If you have not worked from a crochet symbol chart before, these are a good introduction – both sections are small, and the chart makes the shaping visible in a way that a paragraph of text does not. Each symbol represents one stitch, and the chart is read outward from the centre for the sole.
It is worth learning. Once symbol charts make sense, a large amount of pattern material from outside the English-speaking world opens up.
Sizing
The pattern gives two sizes without stating what they correspond to, which is a common frustration with translated patterns. Work the sole first and measure it against the foot – the sole length is the only measurement that matters, and you will know immediately whether you have the right size.
A baby’s foot measured heel to longest toe is the number to compare against. If both sizes come out too small, go up a hook size rather than trying to add stitches, which will distort the shape.
Yarn
Sock weight is fine and produces a neat, close fabric that suits small shoes. Choose something machine washable; sock yarn is often superwash already, which is convenient here.
Blocking
The pattern recommends blocking, and it is worth doing. Small crocheted pieces come off the hook slightly curled and uneven, and a light wet block makes the sole lie flat and the sides stand up properly. It is the difference between shoes that look homemade and shoes that look made.
Keeping them on
Baby shoes fall off. If the pattern has a strap or a tie, use it; if not, a short length of narrow elastic threaded through the ankle round will hold them on without being tight.
