Melissa - 4ply baby sandals

Melissa 4ply Baby Sandals by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Melissa is a pair of knitted baby sandals designed in four sizes to fit infants from newborn through 9 months old. The sandals feature a garter stitch construction with a buttoned ankle strap and three foot straps for secure fit and easy fastening. These are open-toe sandals suitable for warm weather wear, with a beginner-friendly difficulty level making them accessible to knitters new to footwear construction.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern includes four size options:

• Size 0 months: foot length 7cm (2¾ inches)
• Size 3 months: foot length 8cm (3¼ inches)
• Size 6 months: foot length 9cm (3½ inches)
• Size 9 months: foot length 10cm (4 inches)

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Primary Stitch: Garter stitch forms the foundation of these sandals. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a reversible fabric with a characteristic bumpy texture that provides excellent durability and stretch recovery—ideal properties for baby footwear.

Stitch Techniques Used: The pattern incorporates M1 (make 1) increases, which are created by picking up the loop lying before the next stitch, placing it on the left-hand needle, and knitting into the back of the loop. This technique creates nearly invisible increases that maintain the integrity of the garter stitch pattern.

Construction Method: The sandals are worked flat on straight needles for the main body sections, with double-pointed needles used for specific shaping elements. Pieces are subsequently sewn together using a wool needle, allowing for precise assembly of the multiple straps and ankle components.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 ball of Lincraft Lullaby 4ply yarn (50g ball). This 4ply weight yarn provides 185 meters per ball, offering sufficient yardage for all four sizes. The yarn weight and fiber content of Lincraft Lullaby make it suitable for delicate baby garments. Note that actual quantities may vary depending on individual knitter tension and specific yarn characteristics.

Needles: A pair of 3.25mm needles (UK size 10, US size 3/4) forms the primary tool for this project. Additionally, two double-pointed 3.25mm needles (UK size 10, US size 3/4) are required for specific construction phases. A wool needle is needed for sewing seams and joining components.

Notions: Two small buttons are required to fasten the ankle strap, providing adjustable closure for growing feet and easy on-and-off dressing.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 27 stitches and 54 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over garter stitch using 3.25mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in baby garments where sizing precision matters for comfort and safety.

Pattern Difficulty and Suitability

Rated as easy and suitable for beginners, Melissa introduces fundamental knitting skills including casting on, basic increases, and seaming. The straightforward garter stitch construction means knitters need not manage complex stitch patterns, making this an excellent introductory project for creating wearable baby items.