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Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern

Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern
4.0★Rating
2-5 HoursTime Needed
1.1KMade This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Quick Craft

Fits nicely into a free afternoon — 2 to 5 hours of focused, enjoyable crocheting.

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Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern

Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

These tiny shoes make the most heart-melting photo props for newborn sessions. They are also sturdy enough for older babies to wear while they're practicing their first kicks and rolls in the stroller.

Why You'll Love This Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern

I absolutely adore how customizable these are—you can go with a classic ribbon tie for a formal look or a simple crochet strap for everyday wear. The spike stitch is such a fun technique to master, and it creates a gorgeous fabric that holds its shape perfectly without being stiff.

Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern step 1 Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern step 2 Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern step 3 Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

I still remember the first time I tried a spike stitch; I was so worried about my tension, but it turned out to be one of my favorite ways to add detail! These little ballet flats are such a joy to work up because they don't take much yarn at all—you can easily finish a pair using those leftover cotton scraps from your stash. I personally love using a soft mercerized cotton for these because it gives the shoes a bit of structure and a lovely slight sheen that mimics real satin slippers.

When you get to the strap part, don't be afraid to play around! I’ve included three different ways to finish them off because every baby's foot is a little different, and sometimes you just want that extra bit of 'wow' factor with a big ribbon bow. If you find the slip stitch round in the middle a bit fiddly, just take your time and use a slightly pointier hook if you have one. It creates such a clean 'sole' line that makes the finished shoes look like they came from a high-end boutique!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ If you work the Round 4 slip stitches too tightly, you will really struggle to insert your hook for Round 5, so keep your tension loose and easy during that transition.✗ The spike stitches need to be worked into the row below the current one; if you accidentally work them into the current row, the textured 'V' shape won't appear.✗ Make sure you don't count the starting chain as a stitch, otherwise your counts will be off by one every single round and the toe won't center correctly.✗ When working the second shoe, pay close attention to the loop placements in Round 8 to ensure you have a left and a right shoe rather than two identical ones.

Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern

There is something so incredibly sweet about tiny handmade shoes, and these ballet-style flats are a total showstopper. You will love how the textured spike stitches give them a high-end look while keeping the construction sturdy enough for busy little feet. Whether you are prepping for a baby shower or just want a quick, satisfying project to clear out your cotton stash, these flats are a joy to hook up. Get ready to create a precious keepsake that looks much more complex than it actually is!

Intermediate 2-5 Hours

Materials Needed for Strappy Ballet Flats Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    30 yards of worsted weight yarn in Color A for the soles
  • 02
    Up to 45 yards of worsted weight yarn in Color B for the shoe uppers
  • 03
    6 yards of fingering weight yarn for the decorative flowers

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3.75mm (F) crochet hook for the main shoe construction
  • 02
    3.25mm (D) crochet hook for the lace and flower details
  • 03
    Stitch markers to track the start of each round
  • 04
    Two 1-yard lengths of 1.5-inch wide ribbon for the optional ties
  • 05
    Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • 06
    Sharp scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 1. Newborn Size (3.75 inches) :

Round 1 :

Using Color A, ch 11. Mark the lp on your hook. Work 2 hdc into the 2nd ch from the hook, then 8 hdc across. In the final ch, work 4 hdc. Turn to work along the opposite side of the chain, putting 8 hdc in the remaining loops. Work 2 hdc in the very last ch and sl st to the marked st to close. (24)

Round 2 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, then 8 sc. Work 2 sc in each of the next 4 sts, then 8 sc. In the final 2 sts, work 2 sc in each. sl st to the marked st. (32)

Round 3 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 2 sc in each of the first 2 sts, then 8 sc. Work 2 hdc, then 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sts. Work 2 hdc, then 8 sc. In the last 2 sts, work 2 sc in each. sl st to the marked st. Fasten off Color A, leaving the active lp on your hook and a tail to weave in later. (44)

Round 4 :

Join Color B by pulling a lp through the active lp on your hook. Mark this lp. Work 44 bl sl st all the way around. sl st to the marked st to join. (44)

Round 5 :

Work this round into the spaces between the sl sts and the unworked loops from Round 3. ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 5 hdc, 1 sc, 5 sl st, 3 sc, 1 hdc, 14 dc, 1 hdc, 3 sc, 5 sl st, 1 sc, and 5 hdc. sl st to the marked st to join. (44)

Round 6 :

ch 2 and mark your lp. Work 3 dc, 3 hdc, then 5 spike st. Work 7 sc, 8 hdc, 7 sc, 5 spike st, 3 hdc, and 3 dc. sl st to the marked st to join. (44)

Round 7 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 4 hdc, 4 sc, then [sk 1 st, 1 sl st] 4 times. Work 6 sc2tog across the toe. [1 sl st, sk 1 st] 4 times. Work 4 sc, 2 hdc, and 2 hdc in the final st. sl st to the marked st to join. (30)

Round 8 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 3 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into the same st. Work 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into the same st. Work 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into the same st. Work 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into the same st. Finally, work 3 bl sl st, 2 bl sc, and sl st to the marked st. ch 4, sl st back into the same st to finish. Bind off.

— 2. 3-6 Months Size (4.25 inches) :

Round 1 :

With Color A, ch 13 and mark your lp. In the 2nd ch from hook, work 2 hdc. Work 10 hdc across. In the last ch, work 4 hdc. Work 10 hdc down the other side of the chain, then 2 hdc in the last ch. sl st to the marked st. (28)

Round 2 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 7 sc, 3 hdc, and 2 hdc in each of the next 4 sts. Work 3 hdc, 7 sc, and 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. sl st to the marked st. (36)

Round 3 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 2 hdc in each of the first 2 sts, then 12 hdc. Work 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sts, then 12 hdc. In the last 2 sts, work 2 hdc in each. sl st to the marked st. Fasten off Color A. (48)

Round 4 :

Join Color B, pull through the active lp and mark it. Work 48 bl sl st around the sole. sl st to the marked st. (48)

Round 5 :

Work into the spaces between the sl sts and the loops from Round 3. ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 6 hdc, 1 sc, 6 sl st, 2 sc, 2 hdc, 14 dc, 2 hdc, 2 sc, 6 sl st, 1 sc, 4 hdc, and 2 hdc in the last st. sl st to the marked st. (48)

Round 6 :

ch 2 and mark your lp. Work 4 dc, 3 hdc, 6 spike st, 5 sc, 12 hdc, 5 sc, 6 spike st, 3 hdc, and 4 dc. sl st to the marked st. (48)

Round 7 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 3 hdc, 8 sc, [sk 1 st, 1 sl st] 4 times. Work 5 sc2tog across the toe. [1 sl st, sk 1 st] 4 times. Work 8 sc, 1 hdc, and 2 hdc in the last st. sl st to the marked st. (35)

Round 8 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into the same st. Work 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 10 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, sl st to marked st. ch 4, sl st back into same st. Bind off.

— 3. 6-12 Months Size (4.75 inches) :

Round 1 :

With Color A, ch 15 and mark your lp. Work 2 hdc in the 2nd ch from hook, 12 hdc across, and 4 hdc in the last ch. Work 12 hdc down the other side, 2 hdc in the last ch, and sl st to join. (32)

Round 2 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 7 sc, 5 hdc, then 2 hdc in each of the next 4 sts. Work 5 hdc, 7 sc, and 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. sl st to join. (40)

Round 3 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 2 hdc in each of the first 2 sts, 14 hdc, then 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sts. Work 14 hdc, then 2 hdc in each of the last 2 sts. sl st to join. Fasten off Color A. (52)

Round 4 :

Join Color B, pull through the lp on hook and mark it. Work 52 bl sl st around. sl st to join. (52)

Round 5 :

Work between sl sts and Round 3 loops. ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 6 hdc, 1 sc, 7 sl st, 2 sc, 3 hdc, 14 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc, 7 sl st, 1 sc, 4 hdc, and 2 hdc in the last st. sl st to join. (52)

Round 6 :

ch 2 and mark your lp. Work 4 dc, 3 hdc, 7 spike st, 4 sc, 3 hdc, 10 dc, 3 hdc, 4 sc, 7 spike st, 3 hdc, and 4 dc. sl st to join. (52)

Round 7 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. sk the first st. Work 4 hdc, 7 sc, [sk 1 st, 1 sl st] 4 times. Work 1 sc2tog, 5 hdc2tog, and 1 sc2tog across the toe. [1 sl st, sk 1 st] 4 times. Work 7 sc, 2 hdc, and 2 hdc in the last st. sl st to join. (37)

Round 8 :

ch 1 and mark your lp. Work 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 10 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back into same st. Work 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back into same st. Bind off.

— 4. Tiny Flower Accessory :

Info :

Use your 3.25mm hook and fingering weight yarn. Leave a 6-inch tail before starting.

Step 1 :

Create a magic ring and work over both the ring and the yarn tail.

Step 2 :

[ch 3 (or 4 for a larger flower), sl st back into the ring] repeat 10 to 12 times. Fasten off.

Step 3 :

Switch to your leaf color. Pull a lp through the ring, [ch 4 (or 5), sl st back into the ring] twice. Fasten off.

Step 4 :

Pull the center tails tight to close the ring completely. Arrange the petals and leaves, then tie the ends together and secure to the shoe.

— 5. Crochet Strap :

Info :

Use the 3.25mm hook for the strap.

Step 1 :

Create a foundation chain that reaches the desired length (36 inches for newborn, 42 inches for 3-6m, 48 inches for 6-12m).

Step 2 :

Fasten off and tie small knots at each end of the chain to prevent fraying, then trim the excess.

Assembly Instructions

  • Mist the finished shoes lightly with water and pull gently into shape to remove any ripples from the spike stitches.
  • Weave in all yarn tails on the inside of the shoe using a tapestry needle to ensure a smooth finish for baby's feet.
  • Secure the tiny flowers to the side or center of the shoe upper, depending on which style option you have chosen.
  • If using the ribbon option, cut two lengths of 1.5-inch ribbon to about one yard each.
  • Thread your chosen strap or ribbon through the loops created in Round 8, following the criss-cross pattern shown in the guide photos.
  • Ensure the straps are even on both sides before tying them into a secure bow around the ankle or leg.
  • Double-check that all attachments are sewn on very firmly to prevent any small parts from coming loose.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round, as the slip stitch joins can be difficult to see correctly.
  • 💡The gauge is crucial for baby shoes; if your hdc stitches are wider than 4.5 per inch, your shoes will come out much too large.
  • 💡When working Round 5, make sure you are inserting your hook into the space between the slip stitches and the previous round's loops for the best stability.
  • 💡For the best results, use a high-quality cotton yarn like 'I Love This Cotton' to give the shoes good structure and softness.
  • 💡If you are making these for a gift, consider adding a small piece of felt to the inside sole for extra comfort and a professional look.

I honestly can't wait to see the color combinations you come up with for these little flats! Whether you're making them in classic ballet pink, a modern neutral, or even a bold festive red, they are sure to be the star of the baby shower. Don't forget that blocking is your best friend here—it really helps the shoes find their shape and look their absolute best before they meet those tiny toes. Happy making, and I hope these bring as much joy to you as they do to the little ones wearing them! 🧶✨

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FAQs

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

You can, but cotton is highly recommended for this pattern. Cotton provides the structure needed for the shoes to hold their shape, whereas acrylic can be a bit too stretchy and might sag after a few wears.

The spike stitch is making my shoe look wavy, what did I do wrong?

Don't worry! This is very common. The spike stitch pulls the fabric slightly, which can cause some ripples. A quick misting with water and a light blocking will flatten those right out.

How do I make a left and right shoe?

The main construction is the same for both, but in Round 8, you will place the finishing loops in different positions to ensure the 'tie' part of the shoe sits on the correct side for each foot.

What if my gauge doesn't match the 4.5 hdc per inch?

If you have fewer stitches per inch, your shoe will be too big—try dropping down a hook size. If you have more stitches, it will be too small, so try going up a hook size.