Crocheted Footprint

This Footprint was made with size 10 nylon yarn and size 6 crochet hook.  Adjust the size of yarn and hook to adjust the size of the Footprint.

Legend:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
ss = slip stitch
st = stitch
dcr sc = decrease single crochet
yo = yarn over

To make a decrease single crochet: Draw yarn up in each of the next two stitches (three loops on hook), yo and pull through all three loops at once.

Special Note: When I crochet, I never count the chain-up for a new row as a stitch.  I just leave it go and crochet in the first stitch of the row below as I start a new row, ignoring the chain-up at the end of the last row.  I just find this much easier than trying to work stitches into the chain-up which usually winds up pulled tighter than the other stitches in the row.

Instructions:

Begin working Footprint at the big toe, working the five toes first and then working your way to the heel.

Toes
Row 1: Ch 6, ss in sixth ch from hook (big toe Picot completed).  *Ch 5, ss in fifth ch from hook.  Repeat from * one time (second and third toe Picots  made).  Ch 4, ss in fourth ch from hook (fourth toe Picot made).  Ch 3, ss in third ch from hook (little toe Picot made). (Five toes completed.) Ch 1 and turn.

Ball of Foot
Row 2 (starts below little toe): Sc in bottom of each Picot stitch (5 st).  Ch 1 and turn.

Row 3 (starts below big toe): 2 sc in each st across (10 st).  Ch 1 and turn.

Row 4 (starts below little toe: Sc in each st across (10 st).  Ch 1 and turn.

Row 5 (starts below big toe): Dcr sc over first  2 st.  Sc in each remaining st (9 st). Ch 1 and turn.

Row 6 (starts below little toe): Dcr sc over first 2 st.  Sc in each of the next 3 st.  Dcr sc over the next 2 st.  Dcr sc over the last 2 st.  (6 st)  Ch 1 and turn.

Row 7 (starts below big toe): Dcr sc over first 2 st.  Dcr sc over next 2 st.  Sc in last 2 st.  (4 st.)  Ch1 and turn.

Arch
(I maintain two st on each row, but create a bit of a curve in by decreasing on the side of the little toe and increasing on the side of the big toe through the arch.)

Row 8 (starts below little toe): Dcr sc over first 2 st.  Sc in same st as end of dcr sc.  (2 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 9 (starts below big toe): Sc in first st.  Dcr sc in same st as last st worked and next st.  (2 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 10: Repeat Row 8. (2 st)

Row 11: Repeat Row 9. (2 st)

Heel
Row 12 (starts below little toe): 2 sc in first st.  3 sc in next st.  (5 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 13 (starts below of big toe): 2 sc each of the next 2 st.  Sc in the next 2 st. 2 sc in the last st. (8 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 14 (starts below little toe): Sc in each st. (8 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 15 (Starts below big toe): Dcr sc over first 2 st.  Sc in next 4 st.  Dcr over last 2 st. (6 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 16 (Starts below little toe): Dcr sc over first 2 st.  Sc in next 2 st.  Dcr over last 2 st. (4 st) Ch 1 and turn.

Row 17 (Starts below big toe): Dcr sc over first 2 st.  Dcr sc over last 2 st. (2 st).

Finish off and weave in ends.

These can be stiffened using Stiffy (found near the Mod Podge in craft stores). Just use a sponge brush, apply to both sides and allow to dry.