Finding cute shoes for babies and toddlers can be hard sometimes. I'm always on the lookout for adorable footwear, but often I'm unwilling to pay the high price for something I know my kiddos will only wear for a season or two. I came across this tutorial last year for felt baby shoes, and realized I could slightly modify this pattern for kid's moccasins made from leather scraps!
1. To create a pattern for your moccasins, trace around an existing pair of shoes. Measure the perimeter of the sole piece to get the dimensions for the top piece. You can cut it down if needed. 2. Connect the top piece at the toe and stitch a short line along the toe. You don't have to pin this, but if you do make sure it is on the seam where you will be sewing. 3. (optional) Tape off the sole of the shoe with masking tape and paint. Let dry and remove the tape. 4. Flip the top piece and sole inside-out and line them up. You can pin this as well, but if you do make sure you pin where you will be sewing. 5. Sew around the outside of the shoe with a sewing machine. Flip right-side-out. 6. Add any embellishments you want and enjoy your new moccasins with your favorite little one! 
Tips: *Because you are sewing with a machine and flipping them right-side-out, make the toe of your shoe extra wide. It took me a couple of pairs to realize that. Even though it might look funny in the beginning stages, it is necessary to get a wearable shoe.
*Painting the bottom of the shoe is best for babies who don't walk. Make sure you use non-toxic paint for little ones, though. Babies love to put those little toes in their mouths! (I used Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint)
*For any trim you may want to add, use a Crop-A-Dile tool. It will save your hands!
*If you are new to sewing leather, you may want to check out this post on tips for sewing leather.
*If the top part of your shoe is a bit large you can insert a pleat at the back and tie it tight with a leather cord.
I've been making these sweet little shoes for every little one I know. These are going to make the cutest gifts this holiday season!!
xoxo. Katie
these are the CUTEST. <3
Posted by: chantilly | October 30, 2012 at 09:15 PM
OH - those moccs are so cute, and I bet they're comfy!
XOXO
-Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
http://psbananas.com
Posted by: Daisy Nguyen | October 30, 2012 at 09:33 PM
These are adorable. Poe is such a cute little model.
Posted by: LARY @ Inspiration Nook | October 30, 2012 at 09:34 PM
LOVE THIS! Will be welcoming a few babies in the new year so I better get to making these as presents
Posted by: Ms George {Life at the Coop} | October 30, 2012 at 09:51 PM
These are the cutest things! They will make such perfect gifts for baby showers!
Fang Ting
http://ftashion.blogspot.sg/
Posted by: ftashion | October 30, 2012 at 10:21 PM
These are sooo cute!!! what a great idea! So bad that I'm not crafty at all :( lol
http://www.loveshoppingmiami.com
Posted by: Steph | October 30, 2012 at 10:57 PM
These are so awesome! I wish I had the sewing skills to make them.
Posted by: Dean Corno | October 30, 2012 at 11:24 PM
Oh so cute! If I only knew people with little children... I would make moccasins for them all!
Posted by: Kathie | October 31, 2012 at 12:37 AM
O M G. So CUUUUUUTE!!!
Posted by: katrina | October 31, 2012 at 12:47 AM
Holy Cow, these are ADORABLE!
xxx Sabrina
http://bbutterflybrain.blogspot.de/
Posted by: Sabrina | October 31, 2012 at 01:53 AM
So cute! I could even think of making a pair for myself :-)
Posted by: Linn | October 31, 2012 at 02:25 AM
She's the cutest thing in the world!
Posted by: Margherita | October 31, 2012 at 02:51 AM
lovely ! I'm going to pass the link on to my sister :)
Posted by: emilie | October 31, 2012 at 03:01 AM
this is so cute! i really have to try for my little one.
Posted by: amoremiobello | October 31, 2012 at 03:09 AM
This is the most adorable thing ever! :D
Aoife x
http://aoife-blake.com
Posted by: Aoife Blake | October 31, 2012 at 04:33 AM
I love these! So adorable :)
Posted by: abby | October 31, 2012 at 05:00 AM
Aaaaw, so cute! Especially love the green ones! xx
www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com
Posted by: Eva | October 31, 2012 at 05:01 AM
Wow. So great idea. I would like to try it too. Great.
Have a nice day.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
Posted by: Denisa | October 31, 2012 at 05:55 AM
What a brilliant idea, thank you for sharing! Now I just need some little ones to make these for. [:
Posted by: Kitty | October 31, 2012 at 06:12 AM
Oooh I"m bookmarking this to make for my nephew!! I love getting my nieces and nephews adorable little shoes, but you're right about the cost. Unless they get handed down fifty times, it doesn't seem worth it!
Posted by: Mel | October 31, 2012 at 06:36 AM