🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern
4.5★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
2.5K Made This
✂️

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.

✨

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 adorable strappy ballet flats in three baby sizes (Newborn, 3-6 months, 6-12 months) with multiple strap options and a tiny crochet flower. It uses basic stitches like single crochet and half double crochet, plus a decorative spike stitch for a textured edging. The pattern includes full round-by-round instructions, blocking tips, and strap finishing options so you can make a polished pair every time.

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

Perfect for gift making and special occasions, these flats are customizable with different yarns or ribbons. Clear photo references and tips are included to guide you through each step.

Why You'll Love This Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a refined baby shoe with charming details. I enjoy how the spike stitch creates a delicate textured edge that instantly elevates the design. It is easy to adapt for different yarns and ribbon choices, which lets me personalize each pair for the recipient. Making these feels fast and rewarding — I always enjoy gifting a pair at baby showers and seeing them worn.

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 colorways on these flats; try a neutral sole with a bright upper for a modern twist or soft pastels for a classic baby look.

I often change the flower yarn to a metallic or sparkly thread to make a special occasion pair — it instantly dresses up the shoes.

Want a more secure strap? Replace the crochet lace with narrow ribbon or satin ties for a softer feel and elegant finish.

If you want larger sizes, I change the yarn weight and hook size and then adjust the starting chain and increases proportionally.

I sometimes embroider a tiny initial on the inside sole for personalization — a sweet detail for gifts.

Try crocheting the flower in a contrast color and adding a tiny bead or button center for a vintage look.

For winter-friendly versions, use a soft wool blend and line the shoes with a thin felt or fabric insole for warmth and stability.

I like to alternate the spike stitch color from the upper to the sole to create a two-tone scalloped edge effect that really stands out.

To make a mini keychain version, use fingering yarn and a smaller hook to reduce the pattern proportionally and attach a keyring before finishing.

If you prefer non-slip soles, consider sewing a small piece of fabric to the bottom or adding fabric paint dots for traction on smooth surfaces.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not placing your marker correctly at the start of rounds can throw off every subsequent round; mark the first stitch exactly as written and move the marker each round to keep your counts accurate. ✗ Skipping the instruction to cut yarn and leave a long tail at the end of certain rounds can make finishing messy; always leave a long tail when instructed so you can weave in ends cleanly. ✗ Working spike stitches into the wrong row will alter the shoe shape; follow the spike stitch directions on page 1 and insert the hook one row below the current row as explained. ✗ Using inconsistent tension between the sole and upper rounds will create a misshapen shoe; maintain even tension and check gauge before starting to ensure a balanced finish.

Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

Make delicate, perfectly sized strappy ballet flats for newborns up to 12 months with this detailed crochet pattern. You will get clear size options, strap variations, and a tiny flower embellishment to customize your shoes. The pattern uses simple stitches with a decorative spike stitch and is ideal for creating keepsakes and baby shower gifts. Follow the step-by-step rounds and photos to finish a beautiful pair you can be proud of.

Intermediate 2-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Strappy Ballet Flats Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sole (Color A) - 30 yards worsted weight yarn
  • 02
    Upper (Color B) - 45 yards worsted weight yarn for largest size shoe
  • 03
    Flower - 6 yards fingering weight yarn (accent color)
  • 04
    "I Love This Cotton" yarn suggested (Hobby Lobby) pictured

— 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: two 1-yard lengths of 1.5 inch ribbon (if using ribbon)
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Spray bottle for blocking (mist)
  • 08
    Measuring tape for strap length and gauge checking
  • 09
    Pins for blocking and assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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 Stitch. 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 :

Info :

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 :

Round 1 :

Mist shoes with water.

Round 2 :

Shape them to desired shape by pulling out wrinkles and ripples.

Round 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

Round 1 :

With flower color, make a magic ring about six inches from the end. With thumb and forefinger hold yarn where it crosses.

Round 2 :

Pull a lp through the ring you just made and crochet over 2 strands.

Round 3 :

[Chain 3 (4), sl st back to ring] 10 (12) times. Bind off.

Round 4 :

With leaf color pull a lp through ring, ch 4 (5), sl st back to ring 2 times, bind off.

Round 5 :

Pull ends to center and then pull beginning tail you started with tightly, to close ring.

Round 6 :

Arrange petals 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 sl 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.

Info :

Strap - Pictures I & J: 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.

— 3-6 Months :

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 sl st, join with sl st to marked st. 48 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, 6 sl st, 1 sc, 6 hdc, 2 sc, 2 hdc, 14 dc, 2 hdc, 2 sc, 6 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, 5 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. 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.

Info :

Strap - Pictures I & J: 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 sl 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, 6 hdc, 2 sc, 4 hdc, 2 sc, 6 hdc, 1 sc, 6 hdc, 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. 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, 10 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 & Round 8 Options :

Item Name (Option 1) :

Round 8 - Newborn size 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.

Item Name (Option 1) :

Round 8 - 3-6 months size 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.

Item Name (Option 1) :

Round 8 - 3-6 months size 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.

Item Name (Option 1) :

Round 8 - 6-12 months size 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.

Item Name (Option 1) :

Round 8 - 6-12 months size 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.

Item Name (Option #2 Side Tie) :

Round 8 - Newborn size 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, join with sl st to marked st, ch 4, sl st back in same st, bind off.

Item Name (Option #2 Side Tie) :

Round 8 - 6-12 months size 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.

Item Name (Option #3 Center Loop) :

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, 3 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.

Item Name (Option #3 Center Loop) :

Round 8 - 3-6 months size: Ch 1, mark lp on hk, 4 bl sc, 3 bl sl st, ch 3, 1 bl sl st back in same st, 10 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.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach strap by pulling the crochet lace or ribbon through the loops formed in Round 8, following the direction arrows in Picture J; tie ends securely and trim extra length.
  • For side-tie straps (Option 2), wrap strap around shoe opening and tie a knot before pulling through final loop to secure; weave ends under strap and trim.
  • Sew the tiny flower onto the outside front of each shoe by positioning it over the top edge and using the long tail to stitch through the shoe fabric, knotting securely behind the flower.
  • Block shoes by misting with water, shaping to desired form, smoothing out wrinkles, and letting them dry flat to set the shape.
  • Weave in all loose ends on the inside of the shoe to keep the exterior neat, and double-check strap placement for symmetry before final trimming.

Important Notes

  • 💡Do not count the starting chain as a stitch at the beginning of a round unless specifically instructed.
  • 💡Insert the hook between the slip stitches and the line of unworked loops when working Round 5; this creates the upper edge for the spike stitch round.
  • 💡Leave a long tail when cutting yarn at the end of the sole rounds so you have enough length to weave in and sew pieces securely.
  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each round; the marked stitch is the first stitch of the next round when joining.
  • 💡Refer to the spike stitch instructions on page 1 if you are unsure how to work into the row below; this step is key to the decorative edge.

These Strappy Ballet Flats are a sweet and elegant little project you will come back to again and again. Perfect for baby showers and personalized gifts, they combine simple stitches with pretty finishing touches for a professional look. Add ribbons or tiny flowers to make each pair unique and full of charm. 🧶🩰

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished shoes measure approximately 3.75 inches (Newborn), 4.25 inches (3-6 months), and 4.75 inches (6-12 months) using the recommended yarn and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will affect the final size; choose an appropriate hook and check gauge to ensure proper fit.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of crochet stitches like sc, hdc, dc, and slip stitch plus experience with shaping will be helpful.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish a pair in 2-4 hours, though time depends on your skill level, size chosen, and how many embellishments you add.