Vita Apala 
Sometimes I receive questions about how to make the booties stay-on. Finally I decided to put together all advices I have so you can use them. If you discovered your own “tricks” you are welcome to share them! 🙂
1. The most important thing is to make the booties in the right size. If they are too small or too big most probably it will be very easy for a baby to take them off. If the pattern offers only one size you can adjust the size using different kind of yarn – thicker or thinner, and bigger or smaller crochet hook.
2. It also depends on which kind of yarn do you use. From my experience best “stay on” results are giving natural yarns – cotton, wool. The worst – 100% acrylic. You should avoid using 100% acrylic yarn for baby sandals and low booties.
3. Make the strap shorter. If you see that the bootie is getting of baby’s foot too easily make the strap shorter.
4. Sew on a piece of elastic on the back of the heel. You should do it in the following way – first attach both ends to the bootie, then stretch the elastic and make a seam.
5. Work an extra row along the back of heel and work 2 sc together as many times as you can, like this the back of the heel will be tighter and the bootie will stay on better.
6. First put the socks and only then booties
I hope these advices will be helpful.
By the way here is my newest pattern for baby sandals – Foulard Baby Sandals
Thanks for the ideas. Attaching an elastic was a good one. Planning to try it the next time!
Do you have any advice for a more durable sole? I do understand they are not for rough play. But just to make them a little more outdoor friendly? My little one has many cute sandals and shoes and it disappoints me that she has to wear them only at home.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment! You can try to use jute yarn for the sole. That way they will turn out like espadrilles and could be worn even outside.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Vita