Emma - 8ply baby sandals

Emma Baby Sandals – 8ply Knit Pattern

What Is Being Made

Emma is a pair of garter stitch sandals designed for babies from newborn through 9 months old. The sandals feature an angled toe construction and ankle straps secured with small buttons, making them both functional and decorative footwear for infants. The pattern provides four graduated sizes to fit foot lengths from 7cm (newborn) to 10cm (9 months), accommodating natural growth during the first year.

Techniques and Construction

This beginner-level knitting project uses fundamental techniques suitable for new knitters. The sandals are constructed using increases (make 1 stitches) to shape the foot and create the angled toe. The ankle strap components are worked separately using double-pointed needles, then sewn into place. Assembly involves grafting or seaming pieces together with a wool needle, and attaching two small buttons to secure the ankle straps. The straightforward construction method makes this an ideal first project for knitters learning garment shaping.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout, created by knitting every row on both sides, producing a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges
• Make 1 (M1) – an invisible increase worked by picking up the loop between stitches and knitting into its back, used to shape the foot
• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base of the entire pattern

Materials and Specifications

The pattern requires 1 ball of Lincraft Superwash 8ply yarn (100g ball with approximately 190 metres of yardage) in a single colour. The 8ply weight—also known as DK or light worsted—provides appropriate drape and durability for baby garments while remaining soft against delicate skin. A pair of 3.75mm (UK 9, US 5) knitting needles forms the main tool, with 2 double-pointed 3.75mm needles used for the ankle strap sections. A wool needle is required for seaming and finishing. Two small buttons complete the fastening system.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 22.5 stitches and 44 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over garter stitch using 3.75mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across the four available sizes. The pattern acknowledges that yarn quantities may vary between individual knitters and different yarn types, allowing flexibility in yardage requirements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as Easy and suitable for beginners, Emma introduces basic shaping and seaming without complex stitch patterns or advanced techniques. The garter stitch base is forgiving of tension inconsistencies, and the small scale of baby sandals means projects complete quickly, providing early success and confidence for developing knitters.