Make an adorable pair of Panda Crochet Baby Booties with this easy step-by-step pattern. These cute little booties combine a cozy crocheted shape with a simple panda face applique, making them a wonderful handmade gift for babies and toddlers.
The pattern is worked in rounds and includes instructions suitable for a wide range of sizes, from newborn through 4–5 years. You can keep the booties classic with black, white, and a neutral color, or choose your favorite shades for a personalized look.
The panda applique is made separately and sewn onto the finished booties, giving the design its charming animal-inspired finish.
Why Make These Crochet Panda Baby Booties?
These booties are a fun project for crocheters who enjoy making handmade baby accessories.
Here are a few reasons to add this pattern to your crochet list:
- Easy construction: The booties are made with basic crochet stitches and simple shaping.
- Multiple sizes: The pattern covers newborns through children up to approximately 5 years.
- Adorable panda design: A small panda face transforms a simple bootie into a cute character-inspired accessory.
- Great for gifts: Handmade baby booties are perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and new arrivals.
- Customizable colors: Use pink, blue, cream, green, gray, or any other color for the booties.
- Small yarn requirements: The panda details only require small amounts of contrasting yarn.
- Practical and cozy: Crochet booties help keep little feet warm and comfortable.
Pattern Details
Skill level: Easy
Crochet terminology: US terms
Construction: Worked in rounds
Sizes: Newborn to 4–5 years
Design: Panda face applique
The same basic pattern is used across all sizes, with the yarn weight and crochet hook changed according to the size you want to make.
Sizes Included
This pattern covers:
- Newborn
- 0–3 months
- 3–6 months
- 6–12 months
- 12–18 months
- 18–24 months
- 2–3 years
- 3–4 years
- 4–5 years
Because children's feet can vary, it is recommended to measure the child's foot whenever possible rather than relying only on age.
Finished Sole Length
| Size | Hook | Approx. Sole Length |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 2.5 mm | 8 cm |
| 0–3 months | 3 mm | 9 cm |
| 3–6 months | 3.5 mm | 10 cm |
| 6–12 months | 3.5 mm | 11.5 cm |
| 12–18 months | 4 mm | 12 cm |
| 18–24 months | 4.5 mm | 12.5 cm |
| 2–3 years | 4.5 mm | 15 cm |
| 3–4 years | 5 mm | 16 cm |
| 4–5 years | 5.5 mm | 17 cm |
Materials
The yarn weight depends on the size you are making.
Newborn, 0–3 Months & 3–6 Months
Use Category #3 / DK / light worsted / 8-ply yarn.
You will need:
- Color A: Main bootie color — less than one ball
- Color B: White yarn for the panda — small amount
- Color C: Black yarn for the panda — small amount
- 2.5 mm hook for newborn
- 3 mm hook for 0–3 months
- 3.5 mm / E hook for 3–6 months
- Matching hook size for the panda applique according to the size
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
6–12, 12–18 & 18–24 Months
Use Category #4 / worsted / aran / 10-ply yarn.
You will need:
- Color A: Main bootie color — less than one ball
- Color B: White yarn — small amount
- Color C: Black yarn — small amount
- 3.5 mm hook for 6–12 months
- 4 mm hook for 12–18 months
- 4.5 mm hook for 18–24 months
- Appropriate hook for the panda applique
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
2–3, 3–4 & 4–5 Years
Use Category #5 / chunky / bulky / 12-ply yarn.
You will need:
- Color A: Main bootie color — less than one ball
- Color B: White yarn — small amount
- Color C: Black yarn — small amount
- 4.5 mm hook for 2–3 years
- 5 mm / H hook for 3–4 years
- 5.5 mm / I hook for 4–5 years
- Appropriate hook for the panda applique
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
Choosing Your Yarn
You can use yarn other than the samples listed above. The most important thing is to choose the correct yarn weight for the size you are making.
For smaller baby sizes, DK-weight yarn creates a lightweight fabric. For older children, aran and chunky yarn provide a thicker and warmer bootie.
For baby projects, choose yarn that feels soft against the skin and is easy to wash.
Gauge and Sizing
To check your gauge, crochet the first three rounds of the bootie.
Measure the completed sole length and compare it with the measurement for your chosen size.
Your approximate measurements should be:
- Newborn: 8 cm
- 0–3 months: 9 cm
- 3–6 months: 10 cm
- 6–12 months: 11.5 cm
- 12–18 months: 12 cm
- 18–24 months: 12.5 cm
- 2–3 years: 15 cm
- 3–4 years: 16 cm
- 4–5 years: 17 cm
If your sole is noticeably larger or smaller, adjust your hook size before continuing.
Crochet Abbreviations
The pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- beg – beginning
- ch / chs – chain / chains
- BLOhdc – back loop only half double crochet
- BLOdc – back loop only double crochet
- BPdc – back post double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- dc2tog – double crochet two together
- FPdc – front post double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sp / sps – space / spaces
- st / sts – stitch / stitches
- Turn – turn your work clockwise
- ( ) – repeat the instructions inside the parentheses as directed
- * * – repeat the instructions between the asterisks
- [ ] – stitch count at the end of the round
Special Stitch: BLOhdc
Yarn over, insert the hook through the back loop only of the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.
Special Stitch: BLOdc
Yarn over and insert your hook through the back loop only of the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the final two loops.
Special Stitch: dc2tog
Yarn over and insert the hook into the indicated stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops.
Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
You will have three loops remaining on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.
Special Stitch: FPdc
Yarn over and insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Complete the double crochet normally.
Special Stitch: BPdc
Yarn over and insert the hook from back to front to back around the post of the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Complete the double crochet normally.
Pattern Notes
Before starting your Panda Crochet Baby Booties, keep these points in mind:
- The pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- The booties are worked in rounds.
- Beginning chains do not count as stitches.
- Work the first stitch of each round into the same stitch at the base of the beginning chain.
- Join each round with a slip stitch into the first actual stitch.
- Do not include the beginning chain in your stitch count.
- A stitch marker placed in the first stitch can make the rounds easier to follow.
- Make two identical booties for a complete pair.
- The panda face is crocheted separately and attached after the bootie is finished.
Panda Crochet Baby Booties Pattern
Part 1: Crochet the Bootie
Using Color A, chain 11.
Keep the foundation chain relaxed rather than pulling it tightly. When working Round 1, you may find it easier to work into the back bumps of the chain.
Round 1
Work 1 dc into the second chain from the hook.
Work 1 dc into each of the next 8 chains.
Work 8 dc into the final chain.
Continue along the opposite side of the foundation chain and work 1 dc into each of the next 8 chains.
Work 2 dc into the last chain.
Slip stitch into the first dc to join.
Do not turn.
[27 stitches]
Round 2
Chain 1. The chain does not count as a stitch.
Work 2 hdc into the same stitch at the base of the chain.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 7 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 2 dc into each of the next 8 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 7 stitches.
Work 2 hdc into each of the final 2 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[38 stitches]
Round 3
Chain 1.
Work 2 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 2 hdc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 8 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Repeat the following sequence 8 times:
2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 8 stitches.
Work 2 hdc into each of the final 2 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[50 stitches]
At this point, check the length of your sole against the size chart.
Round 4
Chain 1.
Working through the back loop only, work 1 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 1 BLOhdc into each of the next 12 stitches.
Work 1 BLOdc into each of the next 26 stitches.
Work 1 BLOhdc into each of the next 11 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first BLOhdc to join.
Do not turn.
[50 stitches]
Round 5
Chain 1.
Work 1 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 12 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Repeat the following sequence 8 times:
dc2tog, 1 dc in next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 11 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[42 stitches]
Round 6
Chain 1.
Work 1 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 13 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Repeat 4 times:
1 dc in next 2 stitches, dc2tog.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 10 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[38 stitches]
Round 7
Chain 1.
Work 1 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 13 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Repeat 4 times:
1 dc in next stitch, dc2tog.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 10 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[34 stitches]
Round 8
Chain 1.
Work 1 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 13 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work dc2tog 4 times.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 10 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[30 stitches]
Round 9
Chain 2.
Work 1 hdc into the same stitch.
Work 1 hdc into each of the next 29 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first hdc to join.
Do not turn.
[30 stitches]
Creating the Ribbed Ankle
Rounds 10–12
Chain 2.
Repeat around the entire round:
1 FPdc in next stitch, 1 BPdc in next stitch.
Continue the alternating pattern until you reach the end of the round.
Slip stitch into the first FPdc to join.
Do not turn.
[15 FPdc and 15 BPdc]
Repeat for three rounds.
After Round 12, cut the yarn, fasten off, and weave in the ends securely.
You now have the basic crochet baby bootie finished.
Part 2: Crochet the Panda Applique
The panda face is made from three simple components:
- A white circular head
- Two black ears
- Two black eyes
- A small black nose
The face is then sewn onto the front of the bootie.
Panda Head
Using Color B, make a magic circle.
If you prefer not to use a magic circle, you can use the alternative beginning described below.
Round 1
Chain 1.
Work 6 sc into the magic circle.
Do not join.
Place a stitch marker into the first sc.
[6 stitches]
Alternative Round 1
Chain 2.
Work 6 sc into the second chain from the hook, working over the yarn tail.
Do not join.
Place a stitch marker into the first sc.
[6 stitches]
Round 2
Work 2 sc into each of the next 6 stitches.
[12 stitches]
Round 3
Repeat 6 times:
2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch.
[18 stitches]
Round 4
Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
Work 2 sc into the next stitch.
Then repeat:
1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch
5 times.
Finish with 1 sc in the final stitch.
[24 stitches]
Round 5
Repeat:
2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 3 stitches
6 times.
Slip stitch into the first sc, or use an invisible join.
[30 stitches]
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail of approximately 12 inches / 30 cm for sewing.
Panda Ears
Right Ear
Using Color C, attach the yarn to the appropriate stitch on the panda head.
Round 1
Chain 1.
Work 2 sc into the same stitch at the base of the chain.
Work 2 sc and 1 sl st into the next stitch.
Turn.
[5 stitches]
Round 2
Chain 1.
Work 1 sc into each of the next 4 stitches.
Slip stitch at the base of the first sc made in Round 1.
[5 stitches]
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Left Ear
Attach the yarn to the 8th stitch along from the last stitch worked for the right ear.
Work the left ear using exactly the same instructions as the right ear.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Panda Eyes
Using Color C, make a magic circle.
Round 1
Chain 1.
Work 6 sc into the magic circle.
Slip stitch into the first sc, or use an invisible join.
Leave a yarn tail of approximately 10 inches / 25 cm for sewing.
[6 stitches]
Alternative Round 1
Chain 2.
Work 6 sc into the second chain from the hook, working over the yarn tail.
Slip stitch into the first sc or use an invisible join.
Leave a long tail for sewing.
[6 stitches]
Make two eyes.
Panda Nose
Using Color C, make a slip knot and place it onto your hook.
Chain 1.
Cut the yarn, leaving approximately 6 inches / 15 cm.
Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook.
Gently pull the yarn tail to form a small yarn ball.
This creates the tiny rounded nose for the panda.
Assemble the Panda Face
Now it's time to turn the individual pieces into the panda face.
Attach the Nose
Weave both yarn tails through the center of the panda head, positioning them between the second and third rounds.
Secure the nose at the center of the face and tie a few small knots at the back.
Weave in the remaining ends.
Attach the Eyes
Position one eye on each side of the nose.
Sew them securely to the panda head using the long yarn tails.
Make sure the eyes are positioned evenly for a balanced expression.
Attach the Panda Applique to the Bootie
Once the panda face is complete, position it on the front of the finished bootie.
Use the long yarn tail from the panda head to sew the applique securely to the bootie.
Work around the outer edge of the panda face, making small stitches through the applique and bootie fabric.
Take your time when positioning the face so that both booties look as symmetrical as possible.
Repeat the entire process for the second bootie.
Tips for Making Panda Crochet Baby Booties
Check the Sole Measurement First
The easiest way to avoid sizing problems is to measure the sole after the first three rounds. Compare it with the measurements in the size chart before continuing.
Keep Your Foundation Chain Relaxed
A tight starting chain can make the sole curl or become narrower than intended. Keep the initial chain relaxed while working Round 1.
Use a Stitch Marker
The beginning chain does not count as a stitch, so it can sometimes be easy to lose track of where a round starts. A stitch marker makes joining each round much easier.
Choose Contrasting Panda Colors
Traditional black and white creates the classic panda appearance, but you can experiment with different combinations for a more playful look.
For example:
- White and charcoal
- Cream and dark brown
- Pink and black
- Blue and navy
- Mint and black
- Gray and white
Make Both Appliques Consistent
When attaching the panda eyes and ears, try to place the pieces at matching positions on both booties. This gives the finished pair a more polished appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these panda baby booties beginner-friendly?
Yes. The project is rated easy and uses familiar stitches such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and basic decreases.
The panda applique also uses simple shaping and is a manageable introduction to making crochet embellishments.
What yarn should I use for baby booties?
Use the recommended yarn weight for your selected size. DK yarn is used for the smallest sizes, aran/worsted yarn for the middle sizes, and chunky yarn for the larger sizes.
Always check the sole measurement before completing the booties.
Can I use different colors?
Absolutely. Color A can be any color you prefer. The panda applique traditionally uses white and black, but those colors can also be customized.
How many booties does the pattern make?
The instructions describe one bootie. Make the complete pattern twice to create a matching pair.
Can I make these booties for a newborn?
Yes. The pattern includes a newborn size using a 2.5 mm crochet hook and DK-weight yarn, with an approximate finished sole length of 8 cm.
Why is the beginning chain not counted?
The beginning chain is used to bring the yarn to the correct height for the round. It is not treated as an actual stitch in this pattern, which is why the first stitch is worked into the same stitch at its base.
Do I need a magic circle for the panda head?
No. An alternative starting method using a chain and single crochet is included if you prefer not to use a magic circle.
Are these suitable for walking babies?
These crochet booties are primarily designed as soft baby footwear and decorative accessories. For babies who are walking, use appropriate non-slip footwear and supervise them as needed. Crochet soles can be slippery on smooth floors.
Final Thoughts
These Panda Crochet Baby Booties are a charming handmade project for anyone who loves making cute accessories for babies and young children.
The basic bootie construction is simple enough for an easy crochet session, while the panda applique adds a fun character detail that makes the finished pair stand out.
With nine sizes included, you can make several pairs as a child grows, experiment with different color combinations, or create a personalized handmade gift for a new baby.
Choose a soft yarn, check your sole measurement carefully, and enjoy creating these adorable little panda booties.
Happy crocheting!