Sometimes it feels like everybody’s having a baby and you’ve got a baby shower coming up like once a month. A lot of people lean towards giving baby blankets, but – let’s face it – knitting a blanket takes ages! Trust me, knit baby bootie patterns are the way to go. Knit booties are so much quicker and just as well-received by parents-to-be.
Don’t think you know anything about knitting baby booties? Think again! Many knitted baby booties are really quite simple, involving just basic knit and purl stitches. A lot of knitted baby bootie patterns don’t even call for increasing or decreasing.
And there are plenty of knitted baby bootie patterns that are worked flat on straight needles, too, which are more suitable for beginner knitters. We’ve got a little something for everyone here in this great knit baby booties pattern round-up!
There are knit baby Ugg boots, knit baby ballet flats, baby booties that are tied, baby booties with a folded cuff and so much more! There are even a couple of novelty patterns that are sure to put a smile on your face. Scroll down and see!
Tips for Knitting Perfect Baby Booties
First, always ensure you are making the correct size. You want a booty pattern in the size you are making, even better if it has two or three sizes.
Newborn booties are my go-to for baby shower gifts as they are usually fine for very small baby feet. These typically will have a sole length of around 3″.
If you are working from a bootie pattern for an older baby, don’t just go by age range alone. My boys were always big for their age and would have outgrown a 6-month bootie way before they were actually 6 months old.
So try to get a measurement if at all possible (even if you need to ask Mom or Dad to measure and email or text the length of the foot).
Second, make sure you are getting the correct gauge! It doesn’t seem like this would be a big deal, but it could mean the difference between a bootie meant for a newborn and one meant for a 7-year-old!
It’s important to do a gauge swatch in the pattern called for. If you are working in the round, make sure you use DPNs or circular needles to do your swatch. You really want to make sure the booties will fit.
Third, make sure you have a good tapestry needle. Most all-knit kid’s booties will need to be seamed, and an inexpensive metal tapestry needle will be very helpful.
What Type of Yarn is Best for Baby Booties?
You want something that is soft against the baby’s skin and easy to care for. I would shy away from wool as some people are allergic to it and it can be a bit scratchy.
Some of the softer cotton yarns could work for baby booties, but stay away from the cotton yarns made for dishcloths as they will end up stiff.
You can make baby booties with premium acrylic yarn, just make sure it’s super soft so it will be comfortable for the baby. Another plus for acrylic is that it is very easy to care for – many of them can be machine-washed and dried.
25 Quick and Cute Free Baby Bootie Knitting Patterns
Free knitting patterns for baby booties inspired by the ever-popular Ugg boots are everywhere, and with good reason. They are just so cute and cozy and they’re fairly easy to make too! This design is particularly nice because it is worked flat. The free pattern is available in 6 different sizes from preemie to 9 months.
Designer: Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Replay (DK Weight #3)
Knit baby bootie patterns that are worked in the round have the advantage of being seamless. I love all the customization ideas that this baby bootie knitting pattern offers. Which one do you list the best: the folded cuff, the rolled cuff with a bow, the button closure, or the t-strap?
Designer: Strickhasi’s Weblog
Yarn: Regia Stretch Color (Fingering Weight #1)
This colorful pair of baby booties knit would make the perfect gift for a couple who just had a rainbow baby. A clever stocking stitch welt is used for the base of these booties which makes them extra stretchy and will give the baby room to grow. This design is worked flat and then seamed.
Designer: Frankie’s Knitted Stuff
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Oh, how I love free baby bootie patterns that are both quick and easy. Beginners will delight in this simple knit baby booties pattern that is worked flat with only basic decreasing used for shaping. You’ll be making a “T” shape and then folding and seaming the booties as shown. What a clever idea!
Designer: Gina-Michele
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
A DIY knit i-cord shoelace is a most welcome addition to a bootie made for a baby who loves to wiggle (and hates wearing shoes!). You can choose function over fuss with this super easy knit bootie pattern that is worked flat and then seamed. This pattern is available in 3 sizes from 0-3 months to 6-9 months.
Designer: MaryJane Thompson
Yarn: Zegna Baruffa Pura Lana (DK Weight #3)
booties. You’ll be working flat and only using the knit stitch (perfect for a beginner knitter who hasn’t quite mastered those pesky purl stitches yet). This design is available in 5 sizes from preemie to 18-24 months.
Designer: A la Sascha
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Bravo (Worsted Weight #4)
Have you heard of the magic loop method before? It’s a really clever trick for knitting small circles in the round if you hate working with double-pointed needles. You may want to watch the instructional video linked on this pattern page and then give it a try with these easy and fast-knit baby bootie knitting patterns
Designer: Adeline Too Designs
Yarn: Paintbox Yarn Simply (DK Weight #3)
If you aren’t dressing your baby up in webbed duck feet baby booties then I’m not really sure what you’re doing with your life. These are probably the cutest thing I’ve seen all morning and, while not being the most practical, they do look quite cozy! As long as the baby isn’t up to walking yet, why not have a laugh with this fun design?
Designer: The Curious Knitter
Yarn:Shibui Knits Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
If you have never knit a pair of baby booties before, this easy knitting pattern is a great place to start. This free knitting pattern includes a very detailed photo tutorial that will walk you through every step of the way. Worked flat and entirely in knit stitches, this pattern is absolutely perfect for the beginner knitter.
Designer: Creativa Atelier
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine (DK Weight #3)
These types of booties remind me of origami. I love to knit the non-traditional look and the adorable button closure. I know they look a little intimidating, but they are actually very easy. You’ll be knitting them flat with just knit stitches. There are even 12 helpful diagrams to walk you through the folding and sewing part!
Designer: Small + Friendly
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Grow your knitting skills with knitting patterns for baby booties that will teach you new skills. These adorable little knit booties feature decorative cable stitching on the top. Apart from that unique addition, the pattern is really quite basic and simple. You’ll be working flat in stockinette stitch.
Designer: Inma Knits
Yarn: Lanas Stop Bambini (Light Fingering Weight #0)
If you’re familiar with sock knitting, you’ll feel right at home with this knit baby booties that are worked from the toe up. Working in the round gives you a nice seamless finish. The rolled cuff and ribbon help the booties stay snug on the baby’s feet.
Designer: Pickin’ and Throwin’ Blog
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
These adorable knit bootie designs remind me of hiking boots. This design is knit flat with short row shaping for the toe. I love the nice smooth lines that go up from the sole and over the top of the bootie.
Designer: The Knit Nook
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
Calling all beginner knitters! Speaking of super duper easy baby bootie knitting patterns for beginners, here is one that you are sure to love. This design is worked flat with only knit stitches. All shaping is done by decreasing (which tends to be a little bit easier than increasing) and the pattern includes many many helpful tips and photos.
Designer: Knitty Gritty
Yarn: Rowan Soft Baby (DK Weight #3)
Add a touch of style and color to your knit baby booties project with these two-tone booties with a bow. I love the generous size of the bow here and the great contrast between the pink and the blue. You’ll be working this design flat using knit and purl stitches. The bow is worked separately and then sewn on afterward.
Designer: Ink Stained Wife
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Fur accents make everything just a touch cuter and cozier in these ugg-inspired knit baby booties. This is another easy bootie knitting pattern that is worked flat and then seamed. You’ll be working from bottom to top and switching to the fur yarn for the horizontal stripe and the cuff. The vertical line of fur is stitched on when you’re done.
Designer: A La Sascha
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Bravo (DK Weight #3)
Challenge yourself to make these beautiful cabled knit baby booties. Despite their intricate appearance, they’re a pretty quick project - hence the name “Coffee Break.” This design is worked in the round from the cuff down to the sole.
Designer: Caros Fummely
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Just look at the in-progress shot of these adorable knit baby booties. What a great visual to help wrap your brain around the process of knitting a fitted bootie while working flat. I love all the different stitch variations used in this design and the attractive angle on the cuff. You will definitely learn a thing or two when you use this pattern!
Designer: Prjaga
Yarn: Gazzal Baby Wool (Worsted Weight #4)
If you can’t decide whether you’d prefer to work flat or in the round, give this pattern a closer look. The sole is knit flat in garter stitch, while the rest of the bootie is worked in the round using stockinette stitch. Then you just have to decide whether to adorn them with an adorable bow or a fluffy pom pom!
Designer: L'oro unico
Yarn: Cascade 220 (Worsted Weight #4)
Let’s try a different construction technique, shall we? This design is worked flat and there are also short rows involved as well as some grafting with the Kitchener stitch. The end result is quite unique and also super cute. I love the radiating stripes on the toe and the generous length of the folded cuffs. Finish them off with a precious little button and you’re all set!
Designer: Stitchlogue Blog
Yarn: FibraNatura Baby Merino (DK Weight #3)
Knit knot baby booties - say that 5 times fast! There’s just something so charming about these delightful baby booties. They are worked in the round using knit stitches (no purls) and yarnovers. There is also some simple decrease in the form of knit 2 together.
Designer: Verde Celadon
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Baby Merino (DK Weight #3)
Little baby rain boots are perfect for spring. Sure they’re not actually waterproof, but what they lack in function they more than make up for with cuteness. This design is knit flat using - you guessed it - the garter stitch. It’s a teensy bit harder than other beginner knitter patterns because of the involvement of picking up stitches but definitely still worth a try.
Designer: Gina-Michele
Yarn: James C. Brett Top Value (DK Weight #3)
Adorn their teensy toes with ballet slippers. This clever design has a few tricks up its sleeve like a special cast-on designed specifically for cute baby booty patterns and a hidden band of elastic to help them stay on baby’s feet. Knit in the round, calls for knit and purl stitch patterns along with increasing and decreasing.
Designer: Pumpkin & Bunny
Yarn: Kraemer Yarns Perfection (DK Weight #3)
Can you think of any better knitted booties for Easter? After all, it’s just around the corner. Fuzzy novelty yarn makes the perfect fluffy bunny head and ears while also being extra soft on baby’s sensitive feet. You can make this pattern using knit and purl stitches. Some components are worked flat while others are worked in the round.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Solids and Bernat Pipsqueak (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Don’t rush out to the store to buy a specific yarn. You can use whatever weight you have on hand for these simple adorable baby booties. Just make sure that it’s soft! These booties are worked flat with short rows. You’ll be making a “U” shape with a stockinette stitch and then folding and seaming the booties.
Designer: StitchLeft
Yarn: Bernat Softee Ombre (DK Weight #3)
You’ll Also Love This Video Tutorial
Check out these other cute FREE baby knits!
How sweet are these little Mary Jane-style booties?? They feature a butterfly applique on the back and buttons on the sides!
Bring on the cuteness with this easy-to-knit raglan pullover. Worked in worsted weight yarn with Lion Brand Feels Like Butta and medium knitting needles.
Make an adorable onesie and headband set! This written pattern includes instructions for the onesie and how to knit the headband with ears.
You can view all of my free knitting patterns here, and I’ll hold your spot until you get back!
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Common Questions about Free Baby Bootie Patterns
What kind of yarn do you use for baby booties?
When it comes to knitting baby booties, choosing the right yarn is crucial for creating a soft and gentle pair for the little ones. Most knitters love to use yarn that is soft, hypoallergenic, and warm to ensure comfort and avoid irritating the baby’s delicate skin. For example, cotton, bamboo, or a blend of cotton and bamboo are wonderful choices due to their softness and breathability. You may want to explore various yarn options and select one that is also easy to wash and durable, considering the necessary frequent cleanings baby items often go through.
Can you knit booties on straight needles?
Absolutely, you can knit booties on straight needles, and it’s a great option, especially for beginners who may find it easier to manage than circular needles. There are numerous free baby bootie patterns available that utilize straight needles, making it accessible for all levels of knitters. Flat knit baby booties can be simply sweet and just as adorable as those knit in the round. You don’t always need to use circular needles unless the bootie design specifies it. There are plenty of free knitting patterns for baby booties and socks that guide you on how to knit baby booties with straight needles, ensuring a cute and cozy outcome. (The butterfly booties seen above were knit on straight needles!)
Are baby booties easy to knit?
Knitting baby booties can range from easy to complex depending on the pattern and design you choose. For beginners, there are plenty of free baby bootie knitting patterns that are not only easy to follow but also quick to complete due to their small size. The simply sweet baby booties and basic bootie designs are often straightforward and can be a wonderful project for novice knitters. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, there are intricate baby bootie knitting patterns that involve more advanced stitch patterns and techniques. Regardless of the pattern, handmade baby booties are always a special gift, and with the array of free knitting patterns for baby booties available, you’re sure to find a design that you’ll love to knit.
Final Thoughts on Our Knit Baby Booties Patterns
Embarking on a knitting adventure, especially one that involves creating adorable items for little ones, is a journey filled with joy, creativity, and heartfelt warmth. With over 25 free patterns at your fingertips, each one meticulously curated and designed, crafting a pair of cozy, easy knitted baby booties for tiny toes becomes not just a project but a delightful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a beginner starting with a basic pattern, there’s something for everyone, ensuring that every new arrival has a snuggly pair to adorn their petite feet.
Navigating through sizes from 0-6 months, 3-6 months, to 6-12 months, our patterns cater to every stage of a baby’s growth, ensuring the booties are just the right size. The detailed pattern instructions guide you seamlessly from the first stitch to the last, ensuring that every loop, whether on the right-hand needle or the left-hand needle, is crafted with precision and care. From the back of the bootie to the front, every detail is outlined with clarity, ensuring your first bootie is as perfect as the ones that follow.
Knitting baby booties does not only involve needles and yarn but also love and wishes into each pair, making them a heartfelt baby gift and a cherished keepsake for parents. The personalized product, crafted with attention to every stitch and detail, becomes more than just a pair of booties; it becomes a memory, a token of love and care that is tangible and lasting. So, as you delve into the world of knitting, remember that each stitch is a step towards creating something truly special for those adorable tiny toes.
Happy Knitting!
Amanda