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white cotton crochet espadrilles
Crochet

DIY Crochet Espadrilles: Your Ultimate Summer Craft

by Mari Gio

Are you looking for a unique pair of shoes for the summer? Follow our step-by-step tutorial to create fresh, crochet espadrilles decorated with mini tassels. Simple, comfortable, and trendy.

There is nothing better than wearing something handmade during the hot summer days. White cotton espadrilles, thanks to their breathability and lightweight design, are an essential accessory to complete any summer outfit. In this article, we will guide you through making a pair of crochet espadrilles, a fun project that combines creativity and comfort, perfect for adding a personal touch to your wardrobe.

Espadrilles originate from the peasant tradition of the Pyrenees, between Spain and France. Traditionally, they were worn by agricultural workers and soldiers due to their practicality, low cost of materials, and ability to keep the foot cool and breathable while working under the sun.

They are footwear designed primarily for the summer season and are often worn on vacation; thanks to their breathable and lightweight nature, they are very comfortable. They represent a fundamental element of the summer wardrobe, perfect for casual and informal outfits, such as beach wear or city strolls during the warmer months. They are ideal for those looking for comfortable and “easy-chic” footwear for hot days. The crochet version, in particular, is a creative way to customize your summer look with a handcrafted touch.

How to wear them Today, espadrilles can be worn in different ways, depending on the style:

  • Basic models: Worn as simple slip-ons, ideal for a quick walk or a day at the beach.
  • Laced models: As described in the file “cotton espadrilles.pdf,” these often include laces that allow you to secure the shoe better to the ankle, also making them a more aesthetically refined accessory.
  • Care: Since the sole is made of rope, it is important to avoid getting them excessively wet, as moisture can damage the jute structure.

Materials

  • Crochet hook: 5 mm
  • Yarn: 100% cotton (50g/85m): two balls of your preferred color
  • Accessories: A pair of Prym espadrille soles
  • Tension/Gauge: Approx. 15 stitches and 16 rows per 10×10 cm worked in single crochet (sc).

Sizes The pattern is written for 3 sizes:

  • Size S: UK 3-4 (EUR 36-37)
  • Size M: UK 5-6 (EUR 38-39)
  • Size L: UK 7-8 (EUR 40-41)

Abbreviations

  • single crochet (sc): mb (maglia bassa)

The espadrilles are made in 2 parts:

  1. A front part to cover the toes.
  2. A back part to cover the heel. The lacing is added to the top of the heel section and the fringes are added to the front. Each piece is sewn to the sole using a sturdy, pointed yarn needle.

The pattern below refers to the smallest size, with alternative instructions for larger sizes indicated in parentheses, e.g., S (M: L).

Instructions

FRONT PART (MAKE 2) Ch 8 (10: 12). Row 1: 1 sc in the second chain from the hook, 1 sc in every ch to the end, turn. [7 (9: 11) stitches] Row 2 (Right side): 1 ch (does not count as a stitch), 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in every stitch to the end, turn. [8 (10: 12) stitches] Repeat row 2 another 7 (9: 11) times. [15 (19: 23) stitches] Next row: 2 ch, 1 half double crochet (hdc) in the next stitch, *1 ch, skip 1 stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch; repeat from * to the end of the row, turn. Next row: 1 ch, 1 sc in every stitch, turn. Repeat the last 2 rows another two times. Next row: Work slip stitches (sl st) in every stitch along the edge loosely. Fasten off.

BACK PART (HEEL) (MAKE 2) Ch 19 (23: 27). Row 1 (Right side): 1 ch, 1 sc in the second ch from the hook, 1 sc in every stitch to the end, turn. [18 (22: 26) stitches] Row 2: 1 ch, 1 sc in every stitch, turn. Rows 3-5: Repeat row 2. Row 6: 1 ch, skip the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 15 (19: 23) stitches, skip 1 stitch, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. [16 (20: 24) stitches] Row 7: 1 ch, 1 sc in every stitch, turn. Row 8: 1 ch, skip the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 13 (17: 21) stitches, skip 1 stitch, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. [14 (18: 22) stitches] Row 9: 1 ch, 1 sc in every stitch, turn. Row 10: 1 ch, skip the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 11 (15: 19) stitches, skip 1 stitch, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. [12 (16: 20) stitches] Row 11: 1 ch, 1 sc in every stitch. Fasten off.

LACING Chain 50; with the right side facing you, work slip stitches (sl st) in every stitch along Row 11 of the heel, chain another 50. Fasten off.

FRINGES The fringes along the top of the front part consist of a row of mini tassels. The tassels are inserted every two slip stitches along the top edge of the front part.

  1. Cut 5 strands of yarn, each 10 cm long.
  2. Fold the strands in half, use the crochet hook to pull the folded ends partially through the stitch.
  3. Pass the ends of the strands through the loop and pull tight to secure.
  4. Repeat along the entire top edge of the front part, every two stitches, then trim the fringes with scissors. Hide all yarn ends.

FINISHING Pin the front and back parts to the soles, ensuring they are positioned evenly. Once satisfied with the placement, sew them to the sole. Hide any remaining yarn ends.

Creating your own crochet espadrilles is a great way to exercise your manual skills and get personalized footwear, perfect for summer walks. Thanks to the breathable design and the playful touch of the mini tassels, you will be ready to face the season with style and comfort. Happy crocheting!