Itty Bitty Baby Sandals {POTM}

***UPDATE 4/12/2015 - I've added pictures of the process. Hopefully this helps any confused crocheters out there. :)***

This is the project that never ends, it just goes on and on again ...

Remember Lamb Chop? I have only a vague recollection of the actual show. I do, however, distinctly remember being tormented by the idea of that song going on and on and on and on and on ...

Yeah. I need therapy. I know.

Luckily for us, this particular project is FINALLY finished. T got sick, then the first prototype was all wrong, then I started over, finished a pair, and lost them, then all of us got sick AGAIN, and then I was just kind of scared the universe didn't want this to happen. But finally, FINALLY, I finished a new pair last night. I think all the kinks are worked out. Maybe.

See? Love me some baby toes.



These work up quickly (especially if the universe isn't all up in yo' biz) and are a good semi-instant gratification project. I kept these ones simple, but you can embellish them in a million ways for a custom look!

Here's my adorbs model fresh from a nap.

weird angle. sorry.

And one more shot (oh, those footsies!) ...

I used white Caron baby yarn and a G hook. These are approximately an infant size 2-3.

When I worked another pair with regular Red Heart Super Saver yarn, the finished project measured about an infant size 4-5, so if you need a bigger size, you can try that.

(I like to soak any wearables made with RHSS in conditioner for about an hour and then run them through the washer and dryer. It makes them soooo soft!)

Abbreviations
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together

LEFT SANDAL

We'll make the sole of the sandal first.

Ch 12. Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc 7. 5 dc in last ch (creating a semicircle). Working along the back of the original ch to form an oval, dc in each of the next 7 st. 5 dc in last ch and join to first ch-3.

Now we're going to shape the sole.

Ch 2. Crocheting around the oval you created, work the following (do not skip a stitch after the ch 2 or you'll have a gnarly-looking hole):  hdc in one stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, hdc in next 2 stitches, dc in next, and then 2dc in each of the next 6 stitches. This is what it will look like:

Now dc in next 5 stitches, hdc in next 3 stitches, 2 hdc in next 4 stitches. Join (but don't finish off yet).

To make the heel, ch 1. Turn. 8 sc in back loops of the stitches only (this will create a little "ridge" effect around the bottom of the heel and make it stand up).

Ch 1. Turn. Sc across in each of the 8 stitches.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc 4 across, sc2tog.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc 5 across.

(Remember, ch 1's do not count as stitches here since we're working in sc.)

Now make the straps. Ch 14. Join with a sl st to the first dc of the dc5tog made in round one.

Now work your way back along the chain. Turn it. Sl st in 2 ch, sc in next 2, hdc in next 2, dc in next 2, tr (just one!), ch 5, join to the back corner of the heel piece with a slip stitch.

Finish off. Weave in ends.

*deep breath* Okay, now one more time.

RIGHT SANDAL

Ch 12. Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc 7. 5 dc in last ch (creating a semicircle). Working along the back of the original ch to form an oval, dc in each of the next 7 st. 5 dc in last ch and join to first ch-3.

Ch 2. Without skipping a stitch for the ch 2, hdc in 3 stitches, dc in next 5 stitches, 2 dc in 6 stitches, dc in next, hdc in 2 , sc in next 4, hdc, 2 hdc in next 4 stitches. Join but do not finish off.

For the heel, ch 1. Turn. 8 sc across in back loops of the stitches only.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc across in each of the 8 stitches.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc 4 across, sc2tog.
Ch 1. Turn. Sc 5 across.

Now for the straps. Ch 14. Join with a sl st to the last dc of the dc5tog made in round one.

Turn. Sl st in next 2 ch, sc 2, hdc 2, dc 2, tr (just one!), ch 5, sl st to back corner of heel piece.

 Finish off. Weave in ends.

Side note: On the right sandal, the strap will "flip" over when you attach it to the other side of the heel piece. I personally don't notice a difference between the backside and the front, but if it bothers you, you can always tie off after making the heel and join your yarn to the opposite side, then make the straps. Make sense?

And there ya go!

I know I owe y'all a pattern since June was a no go. I'm working on something. 

Well ... I'm working on thinking of something. Sometimes I think my skull cavity is full of molasses.

Speaking of which, if you find a mistake/have questions/et cetera, please let me know!

Thanks for dropping by!