DIY Baby Booties

I made boots for Ada this weekend. I used an old clutch for the soles and sweater sleeves for the rest. They aren't perfect, but they are cute + functional + stay on her feet. FINALLY. A pair of boots that stay on her feet!

Plus, they were free and only took about an hour of my precious time.

This post probably comes across as world's laziest DIY tutorial EVER. But, really, it's because I need to tweak my method before I go into details. I have another pair of sweater sleeves waiting for me to try this whole thing again so I can refine my process.

But for those of you who are better at sewing and putting together patterns, I just thought I'd toss the idea out there.

Here are some visuals:


Basically, I trimmed off the sleeves of a sweater I've been done with for years (I know I wrote that three times already). I then took the (p)leather from an old clutch and traced the feet from her sleeper onto it -- leaving 1/4 inch extra to account for stitching.

I then pinned the sole to the sweater sleeve -- inside out, of course. And I sewed around the whole thing. I looped elastic bands (it was hard getting them the right size, which is one area I need to fine-tune) at the ankle and calf. Then folded in the sleeve so it was double-thick and stitched it to the sole.

Far from perfect, but they came out ridiculously good looking (said Derek Zoolander). I've received several compliments and questions about where I bought them while out and about, too.


I'll be honest. I am really cheap when it comes to buying baby shoes. Ada isn't walking yet, so I'm sure I'll change my tune when she actually needs the shoes for running around. Figuring out her ever-changing size is annoying. And I've lost a few shoes, too.

Of course, this pair won't be for stomping around in the snow. But for around the house and quick trips to the grocery store, I'm pleased. I'm hoping the next pair will be even warmer. I just need to find some material for the sole. I'll be sure to write better instructions soon.

Watch out, old purses. One of you might be next. Snip. Snip . . .

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