Crochet Kids Boots

The term "crochet" comes from the French word "croche" which translates to hook. This European trend started in the early 1800's when even Queen Victoria of England herself crocheted. The invention of crocheted Irish Lace in 1845 kept many families in Ireland from starvation as their product was highly desired and imported to England during the Great Famine. Today, crochet has a deep traditional role in many families. In my family, treasured patterns are passed from one generation to another. This vintage crochet Victorian style boot pattern is a family heirloom.
Crochet Pattern for Vintage Victorian Boot Ornament
GAUGE: RNDS 1-3= 5/8"
HEEL: Ch 9, sl st to form a ring
RND 1: Ch 2. (first hdc). Work 8 hdc in ring. Sl st in top of ch 2 to join.
RND 2, 3: Ch 2. Work 1 hdc in each hdc around. Join. Finish off in last RND.
BOOT:
Ch 20
RND 1: Work 2 sc in 2nd ch from hk. Work 1 st in each ch across as follows- 7 sc, 2 hdc, 5 dc, 2hdc, 1 sc. Work 3 sc in last ch. Sk last ch and working in back lp of each ch work 1 st in each ch as follows- 2 hdc, 5 dc, 2 hdc, 8 sc. Sl st in first sc to join.
RND 2: Ch 2 (first hdc). Work 1 hdc in each of next 19 sts. 3 hdc in next st. 1 hdc in each of next 18 sts. 2 hdc in last st. Sl st in top of ch 2 to join. Equals 43 hdc.
RND 3: Ch 1, sc in same st as sl st. Work 1 sc in front lp of each hdc around. Sl st in first sc to join.
RND 4: Ch 2 (first hdc). 1 hdc in each of next 14 sc. (Dec working 1 hdc in next 2 sc at the same time). 7 times. 1 hdc in each of the next 14 sc. Sl st in top of ch 2 to join= 36 hdc.
RND 5: Ch 2. 1 hdc in each of next 7 hdc. 3 hdc in each next 3 hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. (Dec working 1 hdc in next 2 hdc at the same time) 4 times. 1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc. 3 hdc in each of next 3 hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 7 hdc. Sl st in top of ch 2 to join.
ROW 6: Sl st in each of next 9 hdc. Ch 4 (first dc, ch 1), turn. Sk next st, 1 dc in next st. *Ch 1, sk next st, 1dc in next st. Rep from * 8 times. Equals 10 dc.
ROW 7, 8: Ch 5 (first dc, ch 2) turn. 1 dc in next dc. *Ch 2, 1dc in next dc. Rep from * across.
ROW 9, 10, 11: Ch 6 (first dc, ch 3), turn. 1 dc in next dc. *Ch 3, 1 dc in next dc. Rep from *across.
EDGING:
ROW 12: Working alongside edge of the top of the boot, ch 4, turn. *Sc in top of next dc, ch 4. Rep from * 5 times. Sl st in same st as beg dc of RND 6 to equal 6 ch 4 lps. Break off leaving a 4 yard length of cotton unworked.
ROW 13: Join in opposite side and rep ROW 12. Finish off.
ROW 14: Pick up end from ROW 12. Ch 1, turn. *Work 4 sc in first ch 4 lp. (Sl st in next ch 4 lp, ch 1, 3 sc in same lp) 5 times. *(4 sc in ch 3 sp) 9 times. Rep from * to *. Finish off.

Take the heel piece and pull it over the straw to stretch it out. Take all pieces of boot and soak it in the stiffening solution till each piece is saturated. Remove from solution. Stuff the toe portion of the boot with saran wrap to get it to stay in boot form. Shape the remainder of the boot and place saran wrap in this part to create a form. Pin the boot heel to the pinning board. Pin the remainder of the boot to the heel. Allow the entire boot to dry completely. When dry, glue the heel to the boot. Decorate your boot and enjoy. This makes an excellent Christmas tree ornament or every day decoration!