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Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern
4.4★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
2.9K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

This pattern creates delicate strappy ballet flats in three baby sizes with multiple strap options and a tiny floral applique. It includes detailed rounds, photos for key steps, and instructions for spike stitch and back-loop finishing. You will work the sole in one color and add the upper row, strap loops and decorative flower in contrast colors.

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Complete stitch-by-stitch rounds for Newborn, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months are provided. Options include ribbon tie, side tie, or center-loop strap to suit your favorite look.

Why You'll Love This Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms a few simple stitches into a charming, wearable baby shoe that feels special. I enjoy how quickly one pair comes together, yet there is room for creative finishing touches like ribbon straps and tiny flowers. The spike stitch adds a lovely texture that looks professional and custom. I also love offering multiple strap options so you can choose the look that best suits the recipient.

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern step 1 - construction progress Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color combinations for these ballet flats; try a neutral sole with a bright upper or a tonal ombre for a modern look.

Swap the tiny flower for a button, bow, or embroidered heart to customize the shoe for a boy or girl, or for a themed gift.

I sometimes make the strap shorter and sew it down for a fixed Mary-Jane style instead of threading a long lace through the loops.

Want a non-slip pair? I add a bit of puffy fabric paint or small suede patches to the sole to increase traction for older babies.

If you prefer a chunkier look, I use a bulkier yarn and larger hook to make a cozy, plush version of the flats.

I like to make mini keychain versions by using fingering yarn and a smaller hook for tiny decorative shoes.

Try metallic or variegated yarn for the strap to add sparkle and interest without changing the main construction.

To make the shoe festive, I change the flower color to red and add a green leaf for holiday-themed pairs each year.

I often embroider initials or a tiny motif on the insole before blocking to personalize each pair for gifts.

For photography or display, experiment with ribbon widths and textures; satin ribbon gives a classic look while twill or leather lace looks rustic and modern.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch marker at the join can cause you to lose the start of the round; always place a marker on the first stitch and move it each round. ✗ Cutting the yarn too short after the final round makes finishing and weaving in ends difficult; leave a generous tail for sewing and finishing. ✗ Not counting stitches after increases and decreases leads to sizing errors; count your stitches at the end of each round to stay on track. ✗ Overstuffing or under-shaping during blocking can change the intended size and shape; mist with water and shape gently, pulling out wrinkles and allowing to dry in the correct form. ✗ Pulling the spike stitch yarn too tightly will distort the edge and make straps hard to weave; keep a consistent, relaxed tension when making spike stitches. ✗ Failing to weave strap through the correct loops can misalign the decoration; refer to picture J and position straps as indicated before securing.

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

Make adorable strappy ballet flats for baby sizes from newborn to 6-12 months. This pattern includes step-by-step rounds, clear photos, and three strap options so you can customize the look. You will learn spike stitches, working in back loops, and a tiny flower applique to finish the shoes. Perfect for gifting or keeping as a sweet handmade keepsake.

Intermediate 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) Color A - Sole: approximately 30 yards
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) Color B - Upper: approximately 45 yards (for largest size)
  • 03
    Flower color - Fingering weight: approximately 6 yards for tiny flower
  • 04
    "I Love This Cotton" (Hobby Lobby) used in pictured sample

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size F (3.75mm) for shoe
  • 02
    Crochet hook size D (3.25mm) for flower and lace
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    Ribbon option - 2 one-yard lengths of 1.5 inch ribbon (if using ribbon option)
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Pins for assembly or holding straps (optional)
  • 08
    Tape measure or ruler to measure strap length

Progress Tracker

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— Materials :

Info :

Sole (Color A) - 30 yards worsted weight Yarn. Upper (Color B) - 45 yards worsted weight yarn for largest size shoe. Flower - 6 yards fingering weight. Hook - F (3.75mm) for shoe and D (3.25mm) for flower and lace. Stitch Markers. Ribbon option - 2 - one yard lengths of 1.5 inch ribbon. Pictured shoes made with "I love this cotton" from Hobby Lobby

— Abbreviations :

Info :

ch Chain. lp Loop. st Stich. sk Skip. sc Single crochet. hdc Half double crochet. dc Double crochet. sl st Slip stitch. bl Back loop. 2tog Decrease.

— Gauge :

Info :

4.5 hdc to one inch using F hook. Adjust your hook or yarn to obtain gauge.

— How to read pattern :

Infos :

When there is a number followed by a stitch, that stitch needs to be worked over that number of stitches. All steps are separated with a comma. Everything in Brackets [ ] should be worked together as a group and worked as many times TOTAL as the number following.

— Example :

Info :

Ch 1, 5 sc, 2 hdc in each of the next 4 stitches, 6 dc2tog, [1 sc, 1 dc] 4 times.

Round 1 :

Ch 1 (does not count as stitch)

Round 2 :

1 sc in each of the first 5 stitches

Round 3 :

2 hdc in each of the next 4 stitches

Round 4 :

6 double crochet decreases

Round 5 :

1 sc in next stitch

Round 6 :

1 double crochet in next stitch

Round 7 :

Repeat steps 5 and 6, 3 more times (27 total stitches-)

— Blocking :

Infos :

1. Mist shoes with water. 2. Shape them to desired shape by pulling out wrinkles and ripples. 3. Let dry.

— Spike Stitch :

Info :

Spike sts are worked the same as a single crochet but instead of working into the current row, you drop down and work into the previous row right below. Insert hook in the next stitch one row below the current row, yarn over, pull a loop through, yarn over and pull loop through both loops on hook.

— Flower - tiniest (tiny) :

Info :

D (3.25mm) hook. 1. With flower color, make a magic ring about six inches from the end. With thumb and forefinger hold yarn where it crosses. 2. Pull a lp through the ring you just made and crochet over 2 strands. 3. [Chain 3 (4), sl st back to ring] 10 (12) times. Bind off. 4. With leaf color pull a lp through ring, ch 4 (5), sl st back to ring 2 times, bind off. 5. Pull ends to center and then pull beginning tail you started with tightly, to close ring. 6. Arrange pedals and leaves to your liking. Tie ends in knot behind flower and attach to shoe.

— Newborn :

Info :

F (3.75mm) - 3.75 inches long. Do not count the ch st as a st at the beginning of a round. Join at end of round to the top of the first st (aka marked st). Joining st (marked st) is the first st of the next round.

Round 1 :

With color A, ch 11, mark lp on hk, 2 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 8 hdc, 4 hdc in last ch, 8 hdc down the other side of foundation ch, 2 hdc in last ch, join with sl st to marked st. 24 total sts

Round 2 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 2 sc in each of the next two sts, 8 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 8 sc, 2 sc in each of the last two sts, join with sl st to marked st. 32 total sts

Round 3 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 2 sc in each of the first 2 sts, 8 sc, 2 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 hdc, 8 sc, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts, join with sl st to marked st. Cut yarn, leaving loop on hook and tail long enough to weave in. 44 total sts

Round 4 :

With color B, yarn over and pull lp through lp on hk, mark lp on hk, 44 bl st, join with sl st to marked st. 44 total sts. Pictures B and C.

Round 5 :

This round is worked over the stitches of the last round. Insert hk between sl sts and line of unworked loops from previous round. Hk should easily slip through. Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 5 hdc, 1 sc, 5 sl st, 3 sc, 1 hdc, 14 dc, 1 hdc, 3 sc, 5 sl st, 1 sc, 5 hdc, join with sl st to marked st. 44 total sts

Round 6 :

Ch 2, mark lp on hk, 3 dc, 3 hdc, 5 spike st, 7 sc, 8 hdc, 7 sc, 5 spike st, 3 hdc, 3 dc, join with sl st to marked st. 44 total sts See page 1 for how to do spike st.

Round 7 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 4 hdc, 4 sc, [sk next st, 1 sl st] 4 times, 6 sc2tog, [1 sl st, sk next st] 4 times, 4 sc, 2 hdc, 2 hdc in last st, join with sl st to marked st. 30 total sts

Round 8 :

for option 1 - Picture J. Options 2 and 3 are on page 5. Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 3 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 2 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

Strap :

Using D size hk, make a ch that measures 36 inches long, bind off, tie loose ends in knots, and trim. Pull strap through loops made in round 8, as indicated below in picture J.

— 3-6Months :

Info :

F (3.75mm) - 4.25 inches long. Do not count the ch st as a st at the beginning of a round. Join at end of round to the top of the first st (aka marked st). Joining st (marked st) is the first st of the next round.

Round 1 :

With color A, ch 13, mark lp on hk, 2 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 10 hdc, 4 hdc in last ch, 10 hdc down the other side of foundation ch, 2 hdc in last ch, join with sl st to marked st. 28 total sts

Round 2 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 2 sc in each of the next two sts, 7 sc, 3 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the next 4 sts, 3 hdc, 7 sc, 2 sc in each of the last two sts, join with sl st to marked st. 36 total sts

Round 3 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 2 hdc in each of the first 2 sts, 12 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sts, 12 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the last 2 sts, join with sl st to marked st. Cut yarn, leaving loop on hook and tail long enough to weave in. 48 total sts

Round 4 :

With color B, yarn over and pull lp through lp on hk, mark lp on hk, 48 bl st, join with sl st to marked st. 48 total sts.

Round 5 :

This round is worked over the stitches of the last round. Insert hk between sl sts and line of unworked loops from previous round. Hk should easily slip through. Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 6 hdc, 1 sc, 6 sl st, 5 sc, 1 hdc, 2 sc, 14 dc, 2 hdc, 1 sc, 5 sl st, 1 sc, 6 hdc, join with sl st to marked st. 48 total sts

Round 6 :

Ch 2, mark lp on hk, 4 dc, 3 hdc, 6 spike st, 5 sc, 12 hdc, 5 sc, 6 spike st, 3 hdc, 4 dc, join with sl st to marked st. 48 total sts See page 1 for how to do spike st.

Round 7 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 3 hdc, 8 sc, [skip next st, 1 sl st] 4 times, 5 sc2tog, [1 sl st, skip next st] 4 times, 4 sc, 1 hdc, 2 hdc in last st, join with sl st to marked st. 35 total sts

Round 8 :

for option 1 - Picture J. Options 2 and 3 are on page 5. Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 16 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off and weave in ends.

Strap :

Using D size hk, make a ch that measures 42 inches long, bind off, tie loose ends in knots, and trim. Pull strap through loops made in round 8, as indicated below in picture J.

— 6-12 months :

Info :

F (3.75mm) - 4.75 inches long. Do not count the ch st as a st at the beginning of a round. Join at end of round to the top of the first st (aka marked st). Joining st (marked st) is the first st of the next round.

Round 1 :

With color A, ch 15, mark lp on hk, 2 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 12 hdc, 4 hdc in last ch, 12 hdc down the other side of foundation ch, 2 hdc in last ch, join with sl st to marked st. 32 total sts

Round 2 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 2 sc in each of the next two sts, 7 sc, 5 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the next 4 sts, 5 hdc, 7 sc, 2 sc in each of the last two sts, join with sl st to marked st. 40 total sts

Round 3 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 2 hdc in each of the first 2 sts, 14 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sts, 14 hdc, 2 hdc in each of the last 2 sts, join with sl st to marked st. Cut yarn, leaving loop on hook and tail long enough to weave in. 52 total sts

Round 4 :

With color B, yarn over and pull lp through lp on hk, mark lp on hk, 52 bl st, join with sl st to marked st. 52 total sts. Pictures B and C.

Round 5 :

This round is worked over the stitches of the last round. Insert hk between sl sts and line of unworked loops from previous round. Hk should easily slip through. Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 6 hdc, 1 sc, 7 sl st, 1 sc, 2 sc, 4 hdc, 2 hdc in last st, join with sl st to marked st. 52 total sts

Round 6 :

Ch 2, mark lp on hk, 4 dc, 3 hdc, 7 spike st, 4 sc, 3 hdc, 10 dc, 3 hdc, 4 sc, 7 spike st, 3 hdc, 4 dc, join with sl st to marked st. 52 total sts. See page 1 for how to do a spike st.

Round 7 :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, skip first st, 4 hdc, 7 sc, [skip next st, 1 sl st] 4 times, 1 sc2tog, 5 hdc, 2 hdc in last st, join with sl st to marked st. 37 total sts

Round 8 :

for option 1 - Picture J. Options 2 and 3 are on page 5. Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 17 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

— Variations and Round 8 Options :

Round 8 - Newborn Right Shoe :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 3 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 13 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 2 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

Round 8 - 3-6 months Left Shoe :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 16 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off and weave in ends.

Round 8 - 3-6 months Right Shoe :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 16 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off and weave in ends.

Round 8 - 6-12 months Left shoe :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 17 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

Round 8 - 6-12 months Right shoe :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 7 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 17 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 3 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

Option #2 Side Tie - Round 8 Newborn Left Shoe :

Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 3 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 13 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 6 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 3 bl sl st, 2 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, 2 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

Option #3 Center Loop - Round 8 Newborn size :

Round 8 - Newborn size: Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 3 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 9 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, (then continue center loop sequence as shown in photos), 3 bl sl st, 2 bl sc, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off. (See Option 3 photos for lacing directions.)

Strap for all options :

Using D size hk, make a ch that measures: Newborn 36 inches, 3-6 months 42 inches, 6-12 months 48 inches long, bind off, tie loose ends in knots, and trim. Pull strap through loops made in round 8, as indicated below in picture J.

Assembly Instructions

  • Pull the strap or ribbon through the loops created in Round 8, following the directional diagram shown in picture J for your chosen option and size.
  • Arrange the tiny flower petals and leaves, tie ends in a knot behind the flower, then sew the flower to the outer front side of the shoe using matching thread and a yarn needle.
  • Tie lace or ribbon ends into knots at strap ends and trim; tuck knots into strap or secure them behind the shoe lining to prevent slipping.
  • Position straps so they cross as pictured (Option 1) or wrap/center as shown for Options 2 and 3, then adjust tension before finishing to keep the shoe comfortable and secure.
  • Weave in all yarn tails and stitch the sole edges firmly where needed so the strap loops remain secure during wear.

Important Notes

  • 💡Do not count the beginning chain as a stitch when the pattern specifies that instruction, especially at the start of rounds.
  • 💡Join at the end of each round to the top of the marked stitch; the joining slip stitch is the first stitch of the next round.
  • 💡Keep a stitch marker on the marked stitch and move it each round to avoid losing the start of round.
  • 💡Cut yarn leaving a long tail after the rounds where indicated so you have enough length to weave in and finish securely.

These Strappy Ballet Flats are a charming, handmade finish for any baby outfit and make a delightful gift. Customize the straps, colors, and tiny flower for a special personal touch. Happy crocheting and enjoy gifting your little pair! 🧶🥿

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FAQs

What sizes are included?

This pattern includes Newborn (3.75 in), 3-6 months (4.25 in), and 6-12 months (4.75 in) sizes with instructions for left and right shoes and multiple strap options.

What hook sizes do I need?

Use an F (3.75mm) hook for the shoe body and a D (3.25mm) hook for the tiny flower and lace/strap.

Can I change yarn weight to alter the size?

Yes, using a different yarn weight and adjusting hook size will change the finished dimensions; always check gauge to predict final size.

How long will it take to make a pair?

Most crocheters complete a pair in about 2-3 hours, depending on experience and which strap option you choose.