I made Penny some boots for the cooler weather heading our way. Partly as a slipper to wear around the house to keep her feet warm, but I decided to use real leather so they will hold up well for outdoor wear as well. The leather? I purchased a few dreamy pelts from Mood (this one is the Ambrosia Green Lamb. I ordered a small but they seem to only have medium left) I was nervous venturing into working with real leather, but after working with a lot a faux leathers, and becoming in love with leather this season I decided it was time. You know what? I love working with leather. The smell, the feel (oh so buttery soft) It’s so durable, and wonderful.
I think working with real leather makes the difference, it’s so much softer and more pliable than working with a pleather or vinyl. The end result is just perfection. So I made these boots, they are tall boots, with fringe detail.
I did back slits, for easy wear, (to fit over pants comfortably) and for a pop of the lining. (in this case a floral)
I really love these boots, I love watching the fringe dance and move around when she moves.
I am sharing the free pattern for these boots. (roughly a size 5 toddler)
Fringe Baby Boots Pattern
You will need:
1/4 yard (or small pelt) leather (or other fabric for outer)
1/4 yard fabric for lining
Sew pattern with a 3/8″ seam allowance
Now for the sewing. Match up the center of the toe piece along the straight edge and the center of the curve in the main piece. You are going to sew the straight edge to the curve. Which can be tricky but just go slow and make sure those center points stay matched up.
Sewn it will look like this.
Then fold the boot piece so right sides are together and sew up the back stopping at the point marked on the pattern piece.
Cut a slit in to the seam allowance (don’t cut the stitches)
Then turn the boot right side out and you have the top of the outer boot done.
Repeat those steps for the lining.
With right sides together match up the lining and the outer. Sew along the top edge and down the back slit and across where the seam is. Clip the corners.
Turn the boot right side out and topstitch if you like.
For the sole. Place two sole pieces together wrong side together (make sure they match up when wrong sides are together)
Then with right sides together sew the soles to the top of the boot. Match up the center heel with the center toe of the upper boot and the sole. Sew carefully to get a nice smooth and even stitch line.
Trim around the seam allowance to minimize bulk.
Turn the boot right side out. It helps to roll the seam between your fingers to get the seam to lay nice and flat.
Now you have a boot. Which is a fine stopping point if you are anti fringe, but since I love fringe I added it.
Following the fringe guide on the pattern cut a rectangle out. Then cut slits into the rectangle stopping a little before the top.
Continue the cutting of strips until you have a nice fringe.
Sew the fringe along the top of the boot.
Repeat all the steps to create a second boot.
Then there you have it. A cute little pair of fringe baby boots.
That are so cute on and dance all about.
Penny loved her new boots and loved playing with the fringe. (she is also wearing a Glass Onion Top)
Tips for sewing with leather:
- Use a leather needle
- Instead of using tape or a special sewing foot I adjusted my tension and stitch length
- Lower the tension, lengthen the stitch
- Sew slowly
- Don’t use pins as they will poke unwanted holes in the leather
Where I buy leather:
Oh my!!!! These are precious and You are so talented! I am also so glad that I have two girls that are your girls sizes!!! Yippeeeeeeee!
So how did you get the pattern? The only link I could find said page not available?
Same is there an updated link?
The leatherhidestore.com has some great leather, too! Thanks so much for this tutorial, I have been wanting boots for my little girl, and since I work with leather for handbags…. perfection! Making these this afternoon!
These are just too cute! Thank you so much for sharing.
These are sooo adorable!!
Is it ok if I make these to sell at a craft show?
Yes you can sell any item you make.
These look gorgeous, great work, I make leather shoes and have a suggestion, I find that a Teflon sewing foot means I don’t have to go too slow on the “grabby” suede as it slides nicely and when the foot is only about 10 dollars it’s not a huge investment
Ohhhhh those are the cutest!!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that links to your pattern:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-fringed-toddler-boots/2014/10/10/
–Anne
When sewing the top part of the boot to the sole, i wasn’t able to sew over the parts of the top part that were sewn together like where the toe piece meets the leg piece or where the leg pieces meets together in the back. Any suggestions?
Would love to make these put can’t find the pdf patern? Hope you can help me thanks a lot
Read the entire posting, the link is towards the top. There’s only the one size though and the sole doesn’t match up right with the top part.
I had the same problem with the sole and top part not matching up. Am i doing something wrong?
the reason why it seems as though they don’t match is because just as a sleeve needs to be “eased” into the armhole, so does the top toe part need to be eased into the sole. Research “how to ease one part of a pattern into another smaller part.” I hope that helps for next time. Remember, sewing is a journey and a process, you can’t do it all at once.
I had the same prob. I kinda fixed it by sewing the toe piece to main piece 5/8 seam and the back seam 1/2. I kept the sole to top part 3/8 and it worked out. Hope this helps 🙂
OMG, these are so cute. So I didn’t have a spare piece of leather hanging around my craft closet but I did have some old pillow covers in a fake wine colored suede. I made these in less than 3 hours and best part. Free, I didn’t have to buy anything for them thanks to your great patteren. I did add two layers of fleece to protect her feet from the cold sidewalks. Thank you so much for posting these. I did make one size up from your pattern size by printing at 115%.
Adorable! Wish I could do them in a size 10 fir my toddler 🙂 she has huge feet lol
These are absolutely adorable!!
Thank you so much for the free tutorial and pattern! It is greatly appreciated by me and I’m sure many others as well. Can’t wait to sew up a pair or two for my granddaughter.
thanx again!
STephanie
THANKS FOR THE CUTE PATTERN. DID ANYONE ELSE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THESE SLIPPING DOWN THEIR LITTLE ONE’S FEET? IF SO, THIS IS WHAT I DID: http://xoxograndma.blogspot.jp/2015/01/purchasing-leather-at-fabulous-price.html
These are adorable! The fabric you used for the lining; I just used for little girl leggings 🙂 So fun!
If I were to size these up (maybe adding an inch to the foot length) where else would I need to add length? Thank you!
I LOVE this pattern and would love to try it but when i click on the link to the pattern nothing comes up? was also wondering if anyone has tried making them wee little, for baby size feet?
I haven’t BUT I am desperate to!!! They would look adorable on tiny feet!!!
I can’t find the pattern also, every time i click on the link I get nothing???
First time replying – ever, but… You have the best site! I love that you share your patterns. It took me a few tries to remember my password for “My Craftsy” site to download the pattern; however, I am now ready to begin making boots for my grandson. Thanks for all your hard work.
I have a question is the pelt 9×9 inside and the Half circle what is the length of it
Hi, thank you for the pattern and inspiration. I made this version and I think they turned out cute!
https://beautifulvine.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/cowgirl-baby-boots-with-fringes-and-personalized-name/
I think I’m going to try and replicate your pattern to shrink it for my 5 month old, and since she doesn’t walk yet, I think I’m going to try it in fleece.
The link for the pattern doesn’t work. Anyway you could send it to me?
Hi, didn’t you have this pattern for larger sizes before? I’d like to make them for my grandaughter