Crochet espadrilles have such a lovely handmade feel to them. They are relaxed, stylish and a little bit special than regular slippers or sandals because they are a mixture of texture, comfort and that classic casual shoe look in one project.
The tutorial I selected shows you how to make espadrilles from scratch with crocheted jute soles and leather soles. So this is a perfect project for someone looking for real handmade footwear rather than a decorative cover for an existing pair of sandals.
The video shows the shoes as cute and comfy, with a detailed build that walks you through the sole and the overall structure in a practical way.
This type of project is especially satisfying if you like wearable crochet and want to try something a little different. The completed espadrilles have a natural, earthy aesthetic that is perfect for warmer weather, lounging at home, or casual everyday wear.
Why You’ll Love This Project
This is a special project as you are creating real shoes from scratch with a handmade espadrille look. This is imaginative, functional and perfect for crocheters who want to move beyond hats and scarves into something unique and wearable.
Materials Required
Sole of jute or of tough natural fibre
Yarn for the upper part
Crochet hook
Material of the bottom of the sole or leather soles
Scissors
Yarn needle
Progress markers
Measuring tape.
Pick a yarn and hook size that will give you the fit and texture you want.
Yarn Choice for This Project
When it comes to crochet espadrilles, it is useful to think of it in two parts. A strong fibre like jute is perfect for the sole because it provides the shoe with structure and that traditional espadrille feel. The tutorial describes specifically jute crochet soles and leather soles, so that sturdy base is part of the design.
You want a yarn for the top part that feels good against the foot. A smooth cotton or cotton blend is often a good choice as it is breathable and prevents the shoe from feeling too heavy. You want something that will hold its shape but soft enough to make the shoe wearable.
Level of Skill
This project is perfect for confident beginners or intermediate crocheters.
The tutorial I chose is long, but it’s about making the soles of shoes and putting together an entire wearable thing from scratch, so it requires more patience than a very simple crochet project. As long as you know your basic stitches and can keep your tension fairly even you should be able to work through it step by step.
Size & Fit Guide
Getting the sizing right for crochet espadrilles is important. Work measure the foot length and compare your sole. Since the shoe is built from the ground up, the sole should fit the foot well, not too short, not too narrow.
As you go, keep checking the width and how the upper will sit over the foot. If you need more room, slowly add length or width as you build the sole. You can tighten the upper later a little or shape it more snugly if it looks too loose. Try the piece on the foot often instead of waiting until the end.
Used Stitches
The stitches are simple, but practical. Judging by the tutorial style and the structure of the project, such as:
Chain,
Slip stitch (sl st)
Single crochet
Half double crochet or other basic shaping stitches maybe
Repetitions were useful for structure and fit
The way to do it
Step 1: Start with the Sole
The project starts with the sole, the heart of the espadrille. This tutorial is for jute crochet soles and the first goal is to make a strong base that will be able to bear the rest of the shoe.
You will often start with a chain to start with and then build around it to make an oval sole shape. This section requires a lot of work, because the size and balance of the sole influences everything that follows. Make sure it’s flat and keeps its shape even at the toe and heel.
Jute can be a bit stiffer than regular yarn so take your time with it. Even work. And even stitches. Your tension might be a little too tight and the sole curls. If it is too loose the sole may look floppy and lose the neat espadrille shape.
Step 2: Build the sole assembly
Once the first rounds of the sole are completed, keep adding rounds until the sole reaches the size you want. This is when the shoe begins to have more personal touches for the wearer. Don’t rush.
Try it on over a well-fitting shoe or put your foot in the sole. The sole should be comfortable with enough room, but not too much. Espadrilles are always best when they fit tightly and trimly and have a clean not clunky outline.”
If you are making a pair, make one sole, and then make the second sole as close as possible. Count rounds and mark the starting place. Make sure they are equal length and width.
Step 3: Top part addition
Once the sole is finished, proceed to the top of the espadrille. This is what makes the flat base a real shoe. Depending on the exact style you choose for the tutorial, the upper may cover the toe more fully and leave the top more open, giving that classic espadrille feel.
Upper work needs comfort to be king. It should hold the foot without biting. Neat, even stitches will be best here, especially around the front where the shape is most visible. The smooth upper also gives the finished shoes a cleaner, more polished look.
Step 4: Build the Toe and the Opening
As the upper gets taller, start checking the shape across the front of the foot. You want the toe to look smooth and natural—not too flat or pointy. If it’s a tutorial that builds coverage by simple shaping or repeated rows, follow that shape slowly, instead of attempting to force a dramatic curve all at once.
You should also check the opening of the shoe at this point. The foot should slide in easily but the espadrille should not be so loose that it falls off easily. Little tweaks to stitch placement or row height can make a big difference here.
Step 5: Connect and Assemble the Parts
We have chosen a tutorial for making espadrilles from scratch, with jute crochet soles and leather soles, so the assembly is an important part of the project. The crocheted structure is finished, the shoe needs a careful finishing, but with enough weight that it feels like it can be worn.
When attaching the upper to the sole area make sure both sides are level. Check the symmetry and work around the edges gradually. If one side begins to get tighter then the other, stop and fix that before continuing. Handmade shoes always look better when the right side and left side are a nice mirror of each other.
Step 6: Attach Outer Sole & Finish
The leather outsoles of this project add a more complete shoe like quality rather than a slipper feel to the final finish. The tutorial specifically mentions vegetable-tanned leather soles as part of the build.
Finish off when all ends are woven in securely. Look inside for heavy joins that could be uncomfortable. The finished espadrilles should be neat, natural, a little rustic, with a strong base and a well-fitting, handmade upper.
Hints & Tips
Regarding the sole, take your time, it determines the fit of the whole shoe.
If you are using jute, work steadily and keep your hands relaxed as the firmer fibre can feel stiff.
Often compare both shoes to get the pair to match well .
Before closing the instep always try the shoe on the foot.
Use stitch markers to remember where shaping is to be done.
Be sure the sole is securely attached to the bottom before you wear them.
Things You Should Not Do
Making the sole too thin in hope that it will stretch.
Work too tightly with rigid fibre such as jute
Not comparing the second shoe with the first
Letting the upper be too loose about the foot.
Get the assembly moving fast and make uneven sides
keeping the bulky ends in the shoe and rubbing Possibly
Tips for customising
You can go the natural and simple route with these espadrilles or dress ’em up. Choose soft neutrals or stripes for a fun summer finish for classic handmade style. You could add a little tie, a button accent, a scalloped edge, or a slightly higher upper for a little more coverage. For a rustic feel, natural beige, cream, sand or muted terracotta look lovely.
Styling concepts
Crochet espadrilles look great with linen trousers, casual dresses, light skirts, cropped jeans, or relaxed summer outfits. They are also a nice handmade gift for someone who enjoys comfortable house shoes or artisan-style accessories. They have a warm but put together vibe in the house.
Care Instructions:
Spot clean as necessary. If the uppers require additional cleaning, wash by hand, but do not soak any leather parts. Allow them to air dry – do not subject them to high heat. Lay them out flat to keep their shape.
Length of time
Depending on your speed, materials, shoe size and how comfortable you are with shaping and assembly this could take several hours.
Conclusion
Crochet espadrilles are such a satisfying project if you want to make something wearable, creative, and a little different from everyday crochet pieces. They have that charming handmade look that feels both rustic and stylish, and you can adjust them to suit your own fit, color choices, and comfort. Take your time with the sole, keep checking the fit, and enjoy the process of turning simple materials into a beautiful pair of handmade shoes.
FAQs
1. Is this beginner-friendly?
It is manageable for confident beginners, but it is a bit more involved than a simple crochet accessory because you are building real footwear from scratch.
2. What fiber works best for the sole?
A firm fiber like jute works well for the sole because it gives structure and creates that classic espadrille look. The selected tutorial uses jute crochet soles.
3. Can I adjust the size?
Yes. Measure the foot first, compare the sole often, and make small adjustments as you work so the fit stays comfortable.
4. Do I need a separate outer sole?
For this tutorial, yes. It includes leather soles as part of the finished espadrille construction.
5. Are these better for indoors or outdoors?
They can work nicely as light casual footwear, but durability depends on your materials and how securely the outer sole is attached.