If you have never used a free online sewing pattern why not give it a go! Easy booties and slippers are quick and easy to make and make wonderful gifts for new babies.

Using free online sewing patterns it is possible to create wonderful unique slippers, shoes and booties for babies and toddlers. There are a variety of free patterns available, all of which are suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced sewer. These are easy to sew in super-quick time using a sewing machine, and are easily attempted by a hand sewer for a proper hand crafted look.

These are also a good way to gain experience of online sewing patterns before moving onto larger projects. Although using online sewing patterns isn't complicated, they do need printing out or saving on the computer.

All the patterns are easy to adapt and completely different looks can be achieved by changing the fabric used or adding decorations.

Finding and Printing a Free Online Sewing Pattern

Firstly find your pattern! There are a lot of interesting free patterns for baby shoes and booties.

The booties in the picture were made using the pattern on the Martha Stewart website, and were adapted from the main template.

Printing the pattern will depend on the format and how it appears online. Most Internet sewing patterns are in a .pdf format and are easy to print. Patterns can also be downloaded and saved on your computer for later use.

Altering the Size

It is very easy to adjust the size of baby shoes and booties. If the baby’s feet are a lot bigger or smaller than the template, the size can be adjusted by altering the size using a photocopier. As these are easy and simple templates it is also possible to adjust the size by drawing around the template either inside or outside the printed outline.

Fabric

Booties can be made in any fabric, however non fraying fabric is a good choice as this decreases the need for hems and seams that can add to the bulkiness of the shoe. Non fraying fabrics such as felt are also good for hand sewers, and the wide vibrant selection of colors means that it is easy to create unusual footwear.

Cutting Out

Check the instructions and see whether the template includes an allowance for the seam or not. Not all patterns are the same. Pin the paper image onto the fabric and cut the necessary number of pieces. Generally there will only be two or three pieces per shoe.

Making Up

This is where the fun starts! The pattern may give instructions for the making up of the booties or slippers, however there are a number of adaptations that can be made to customize the booties.

Seams

Try sewing the seams on the outside rather than having them on the inside. This means that the seams can become a decorative feature when sewn in a complimentary color thread. This also more comfortable for tiny delicate baby feet.

Decoration

Add felt flowers, dots, patterns, clown faces – anything you like onto the fabric. It is easier to do this before making up the booties. Remember that little fingers will try to remove anything that is attached, so ensure that it is sewn on well and avoid anything that might get swallowed.

Finishing

Very little in the way of finishing is required. Gently pull the booties into shape, they shouldn’t require pressing.

Note: When using free Internet sewing patterns check the usage permissions and any copyright conditions. Some patterns allow products to be made for resale, others specifically prohibit this.