Last week I gave you a peek at my latest project, a pair of crochet slippers for one of my daughters. As promised, I’m going to show you how to crochet these simple and easy to customize ballet flats.
For the purpose of this tutorial, the pattern is for a child size slipper but you will be able to make adjustments to create any size you want.
Materials & Supplies
- Medium weight worsted yarn in two colours (one for the slippers and one for the flowers)
- 4.0mm hook
- Scissors
- Sewing needle & thread (for sewing the flower in place)
Custom Fitted Crochet Ballet Slippers Pattern
Abbreviations:
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
Section I
For this section of the slipper you will be crocheting in rounds or creating a circle for the front end of the slipper. Never crocheted in rounds? Don’t worry, it’s very simple and once you catch on to the pattern, you’ll be crocheting in circles soon in enough. Yeah, I know…totally cheesy. I couldn’t help myself.
Round 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (12 stitches in total)
Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)
Round 4: 2 sc, 2 sc in next next sc, repeat 6 times (24 stitches)
Round 5: 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat 6 times (30 stitches)
At this point you will need to measure the crochet round against the widest part of your foot. Your circle should be slightly smaller than the width of your foot. There is a bit of guesswork involved but leaving about 1/2 – 1cm of space on each side of the circle will ensure a snug fitting slipper. If your circle is too small, continue crocheting in rounds based on the pattern above until your reach the desired width. If your circle is too big, simple undo excess stitching until the round fits your needs.
Rounds 6-16: 1 sc in each sc around (30 stitches)*
*These rows determine the length of the front part of the slipper (where your toes fit). You may add or decrease rows based on your personal preference and/or sizing needs. Your slipper should look something like this:
Are you with me so far? Congratulations, you are half way to completing your custom ballet slipper!
Section II
Once you have reached the desired length for the front part of slipper you are ready to crochet the rows for the bottom and the sides.
Row 17: Turn your hook so you are crocheting in the opposite direction as before. Ch 1, sc in next 17 stitches (18 stitches in total). Note: The length of this row creates the base for the bottom and sides of your slipper. Increase or decrease your stitches according to the size of your foot.
Rows 18+ : Turn and repeat row 17 until slipper is at your desired length. The slipper should reach the back of your ankle. Fold the heel of the slipper inside out so the exterior sides are touching. Slip stitch the back together. Fasten off and weave in end.
Hooray, your first slipper is complete! Now repeat everything to complete the pair. You can leave your ballet flats as is or embellish as you wish.
The Flower
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 9 sc in second ch from the hook, sl st to 1st ch.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, skip 1 sc of the base round, sl st in next sc, repeat 4 times (5 “petal bases”)
Rnd 3: Working in the first chain 3 section, 1 sl st, 1 sc 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st, repeat pattern in next 4 petals.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, sl st in the stitch behind and between two petals. Repeat 4 times for a total of 5 petal bases
Rnd 5: Repeat Rnd 3 for all 5 petals.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
*Recognize the flower? I learned to make this last year after discovering a great tutorial over at Ucreate. The pattern I have provided is an adapted version of Heather B.’s original.
Sew the flower in place on your slipper. That’s it you’re done. Now repeat to complete a second flower for your other slipper.
I have to warn you that crocheting these custom ballet flats may be addicting. I’ve made two pairs for my girls and now I’m thinking I need some new slippers too!
If you crochet your own pair, please make sure you come back and share your results by leaving a comment:-) Happy Crocheting!
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Yay,…so glad you did up the pattern. I will be trying these as soon as a few little projects are complete. I’ll be back.
Looking forward to seeing your slippers and your other projects! Make sure you come back and share a picture:-)
I’m making these now! They are so cute & simple! Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll be sure to follow & tweet you a pic of them when I’m done
They are pretty fun and easy to make. I’m working on my own pair right now! Let me know if you have any questions:-)
these are absolutely TOO CUTE! i know a little someone who wold love these. I am not the most experienced at crochet (i have made a hat or two with very basic adding stitches) but i am sure with some practice and your pictures i can come up with something passable.
thank you for posting this
Hi Julie,
The slippers are pretty simple. You only need the crochet basics to complete this project. If you have any questions, just send me an email! Be sure to share a picture of your finished slippers!
Hi Shani,
I love these slippers!! I made them for my 16 month old granddaughter and they are so adorable! I also made your hello kitty hats and love them as well!! I commented on them last month and now me, my niece and daughter started our own blog! I would like to show your some pictures where do I attach it?
Hi Lisa,
I would love to see some pictures! You can email me the photos:-)
These slippers are so cute! I want to make a pair for my grandma as a gift and I’m wondering if I only know her foot length will they fit properly? I’m afriad they’ll slip off her heel when she walks?
Callista, I would make the slippers a little bit shorter than your grandma’s foot length just because they do stretch out over time and you want them to be snug so they don’t slip off. Good luck and let me know how they turn out!
this is gorgeous and im trying to do it now. however, i got confused on round 5. shouldn’t it be a total of 60 stitches after the round (not 30) . or maybe i am understanding it wrongly.
thank you for sharing this.
3 sc + 2 sc = 5 stitches x 6 = 30 stitches. Sorry for the late reply. Email me if you need help with the pattern!
hi shani. thank you for replying. i think i’ve got it. it means 3 sc = 1 sc on first 3st each, right? and 2sc in the 4th st fron the start.
Yes that is exactly what I mean. My pattern writing skills are subpar!
lol. the pattern is clear and very easy to follow. this is the best among others.
thanks shani!
My daughter loves her new slippers! Thanks for the pattern!
Yay! I’m so glad she loves them – thanks for letting me know!
I love these slippers! I’m trying to make them right now but I find that without turning my work its hard to tell where the rounds start and stop for the toe. Am I by chance missing something, I’ve also only been stitching in the back loop because I find it hard to get my needle through both loops without turning. Any advice?
Thank you for posting these!
Hi Brita,
I would try using a marker or safety pin to mark the beginning of each round. I find this helpful especially when crocheting hats or eternity scarves. Are you using the right hook for the yarn weight you are using? It sounds like your stitches are super tight if you can’t get the hook through the loops. Try using a bigger hook or keep your gauge a bit looser. Hope this helps!
Love these and they don’t take a long time to make!!!! My new favorite pattern to make for people!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!