18. Mediterranean Espadrille Crochet Booties with Jute Rim

What This Idea Means

Inspired by Spanish summer footwear, these espadrille booties feature a dual-material design: a natural braided jute rope sole base paired with a light, breathable cream cotton crochet upper.

Materials Needed

  • 40 g DK-weight 100% Unbleached Raw Cotton in Clean Ecru
  • 20 g Thin 2-ply natural polished jute twine (or jute-look yarn)
  • 3.50 mm (US E/4) and 2.75 mm (US C/2) crochet hooks
  • Tapestry needle and sharp scissors

How to Make It

  1. Jute Sole: Use the 3.50 mm hook and jute twine to crochet a firm, rustic oval sole base.
  2. Sole Rand: Work one round of tight single crochet around the jute sole edge to create an authentic braided espadrille rim.
  3. Cotton Upper Transition: Switch to the 2.75 mm hook and unbleached cotton yarn, picking up stitches along the inner loop of the jute edge.
  4. Espadrille Toe Cap: Work a classic closed toe cap using alternating rows of single crochet and cluster decreases.
  5. Open Heel & Ankle Ties: Crochet a separate back heel cup, extending the top corners into two long, 10-inch braided cord ties.
  6. Ankle Wrap: Wrap the soft cotton cord ties criss-cross around the baby’s ankle and tie in a bow.

Tips and Variations

  • Jute Softness: Choose polished, fine-gauge craft jute twine or soft jute-spun cotton to ensure the sole is gentle on infant skin.
  • Two-Tone Nautical: Crochet the front toe cap in navy blue cotton and the heel cup in ecru for a coastal look.
  • Slip-Resistant: Apply dots of non-toxic fabric grip paint along the bottom of the jute sole for traction.