How to Make Soft Baby Shoes

Baby shoes may be made in a few steps.

Soft sole baby shoes protect delicate baby feet while offering more flexibility, allowing a baby to move her feet more freely than hard sole shoes. The elastic around the ankles of soft shoes keeps them securely in place, making them a good alternative for immobile babies who often kick the socks off their feet. With basic sewing knowledge and a thorough attention to detail, exquisite soft sole baby shoes may be made inexpensively.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Leather
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Leather needle
• Thread
• Iron
• Quilt basting spray
• 14 inches elastic, 1/4-inch wide

Instructions

1. Look for a pattern. Soft sole baby shoe patterns are available in craft stores or on the Internet. Find one in the same clothing size as the baby who will be wearing the shoe; for example 0-3 months, 6-9 months or 9-12 months.

2. Measure the foot. To ensure a proper fitting shoe, measure the baby's foot from toe to heel. Adjust the pattern up or down, if needed, by tracing the foot on the original pattern. Keep in mind there should be room in the toe area.

3. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut. Cut a total of four pieces of fabric for the tops of the shoes (two for the outside and two for the inside lining). Cut four pieces of fabric to make the soles of the shoes (two should be cut out of leather and two should be cut out of the inside lining fabric). Fold the fabric to be used for the heel in half and cut two pieces on the fold. After cutting the heel pieces, unfold them.

4. Cut slits in the top two inside lining pieces for the elastic.

5. Complete the top portion of the shoe. Pin the top outside fabric piece and top inside lining piece with the right sides together. Sew 1/4-inch seam across the top, curved portion. Repeat for the other shoe. Turn the fabric inside out and press with an iron.

6. Complete the heel of the shoe. Fold the heel fabric in half so it is inside out and sew 1/4-inch seam along each end. Repeat for the other shoe. Turn the heels right-side out and press with an iron. Along the top of each heel piece, sew the casing that will house the elastic.

7. Attach the outer sole of the shoe to the sole inside lining with quilt basting spray. Repeat for the other shoe.

8. Attach the top piece of the shoe and heel piece to the sole of the shoe. Make sure the leather is facing up with the inside lining fabric of the top portion also facing up. Pin in place before pinning the heel of the shoe in place. Sew 1/8-inch seam around the entire shoe. Repeat with the other shoe.

9. Insert the elastic through the slits and into the casing and hand-stitch to secure. Repeat with the other shoe.

10. Turn the shoes right-side out. Use your fingers to smooth the fabric where it meets the sole of the shoe.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of the correct pattern size, choose the larger size since a baby will grow into the shoes.

• Use a leather needle when attaching the shoe pieces to the soles.

• Fabric may be used in place of leather for the shoe soles.

• You can find leather pieces for the soles at craft stores or recycle leather from an old purse.

References

• Family Centered: Soft Baby Shoes Pattern and Tutorial