Make Adorable Barefoot Sandals For Babies From Old T-Shirts

Baby barefoot sandals are a fun and easy craft project that will help your little one stand out. They are a great way to accessorise an outfit and are perfect for the summer months. You can make them with store-bought flowers or create your own flowers with fabric or tulle. You can also add your own creative twist by using different colours and embellishments such as pearls or stones. Making baby barefoot sandals is simple and requires few materials, such as elastic, flowers, and glue. They are a great gift idea for baby showers and are sure to be a hit!

Choosing flowers

First, gather your materials. You will need tulle fabric pieces in your desired colour. Cut out 10 circles, approximately 3 inches in diameter, from the tulle fabric. You can use a lid or any circular object as a guide to draw and cut out the circles.

Now, you will start assembling the petals of your flower. Take one of the tulle circles and fold it in half, then fold it again by a third to create a smaller semi-circle. Thread your needle and secure the folds by making a few knots at the centre. This will be your first petal. Repeat this process to create the second petal, and then thread it next to the first petal along the centre. Continue until you have a line of 9 petals.

Once you have all the petals, bring the needle to the first petal, insert it at the centre, and pull the thread to form the flower. Secure the flower by making a few more knots at the centre.

At this point, you can add a pearl or stone embellishment to the centre of the flower by sewing it in place.

Finally, take the remaining tulle circle and glue it to the underside of the flower. This will form a base to attach the elastic for the sandals.

When choosing flowers, consider the colour and size that will best suit the baby's feet. You can opt for soft, pastel colours or brighter shades, depending on your preference. The size of the flowers should be proportionate to the baby's feet, typically ranging from 2.5" to 4" in diameter for the first year.

Feel free to experiment with different types of fabric or embellishments to create unique and adorable baby barefoot sandals!

Cutting the elastic

Firstly, determine the length of the elastic needed. This will depend on the age of the baby and the size of their feet. For example, for a baby aged 2-6 months, cut the elastic to 9 inches. For 6-8 months, use 10 inches, and for 9-12 months, cut to 12 inches. These are just estimates, so be sure to adjust according to the baby's feet.

When cutting the elastic, use sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut. You don't want any frayed edges that could affect the overall finish of the sandals. Cut the elastic slowly and carefully to achieve an even length on both sides.

Now, cut the elastic into four pieces for each pair of sandals you are making. So, if you are making two pairs, cut eight pieces of elastic. This is because you will need two pieces of elastic for each sandal.

Once you have cut the elastic to the correct length, you can move on to the next step of assembling the sandals. If you are using a T-shirt, cut the elastic from the bottom hem of the shirt, ensuring it is straight and even. You can also purchase elastic from craft stores or online.

Remember to cut the elastic carefully, taking your time to ensure accuracy. It is better to cut a little longer than needed and then trim as necessary, rather than cutting too short and having to start again.

By following these steps, you will have cut the elastic accurately and be well on your way to creating adorable baby barefoot sandals.

Gluing the elastic

Now that you have your supplies ready, it's time to start crafting! The first step is to cut your elastic to the desired length. The length will depend on the age of the baby and the size of their feet. Here are some suggested lengths for different age groups:

• 0-3 months: 2.5 inches
• 3-6 months: 3 inches
• 6-9 months: 3.5 inches
• 9-12 months: 4 inches

Cut four pieces of elastic for each pair of barefoot sandals you plan to make. Once you have your elastic pieces cut, it's time to start gluing! Take one piece of elastic and apply hot glue along one edge. Carefully glue it to the underside of the flower, across the centre, making sure the elastic is secure.

Repeat this process with a second piece of elastic, gluing it next to the first one. This time, make sure the raw edges of the elastic are facing the centre of the flower. To ensure that the elastic is securely attached, apply a generous amount of hot glue and hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue cools.

Now it's time to add the felt circle. Cut a small felt circle, approximately 1.5-2 inches in diameter, and glue it to the underside of the flower. Make sure it covers the ends of the elastic to create a neat finish. You can snip the corners of the felt so that it doesn't show when the sandals are worn.

Repeat these steps for the second flower, and your baby barefoot sandals will be ready in no time!

Tips for gluing the elastic:

• Make sure the elastic is securely glued by applying enough hot glue and holding it in place for a few seconds.
• Use a felt circle that is slightly larger than the centre of the flower to ensure it covers the ends of the elastic.
• If using a glue gun, be careful as the hot glue can be extremely hot.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from the hot glue.
• Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the sandals to ensure the elastic is securely attached.

Adding a felt circle

Now that you have your flower and elastic ready, it's time to add the felt circle. This will help secure the elastics in place and provide a comfortable base for the sandal. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cut a circle out of felt that coordinates with the colour of your flower. A 1.5"x2" rectangle or a 2-inch diameter circle should be sufficient. This will be glued to the underside of the flower to cover the elastic ends.

Step 2: If you're using a rectangle, snip the corners so that the felt doesn't show when the sandal is worn. This will ensure a neat finish.

Step 3: Take your flower and apply hot glue to the back, covering the area where the elastic ends will be placed.

Step 4: Place the felt piece on the glued area. Make sure the felt is centred and pressed down firmly so that it adheres well.

Step 5: Turn the flower over and check that all the edges of the felt are glued down. If needed, lift the edges and add more glue to ensure a secure hold.

Step 6: Repeat this process for the second sandal, making sure to use matching felt for a cohesive look.

The felt circle adds a nice finishing touch to the barefoot sandals and helps to conceal the elastic ends. It also ensures that the elastic stays in place and doesn't slide around, making the sandals more durable. With these steps, you're one step closer to completing your adorable baby barefoot sandals!

Sizing the sandals

The elastic for the baby barefoot sandals should be cut to the following lengths, depending on the baby's age:

0-3 months

Cut the elastic to 2.5 inches long.

3-6 months

Cut the elastic to 3 inches long.

6-9 months

Cut the elastic to 3.5 inches long.

9-12 months

Cut the elastic to 4 inches long.

These measurements are just estimates, and it's important to remember that all babies grow at different rates, so use your best judgement. If you have the ability, it's a good idea to wrap the elastic around the baby's foot in a figure 8 up to the ankle to get the correct length. Alternatively, you can refer to the size guide provided in the tutorial.

Once you have the correct length for the elastic, cut four pieces of elastic for each pair of barefoot sandals you are making.

If you are making the sandals as gifts, be sure to take the baby's size into consideration and adjust the length accordingly.

Frequently asked questions