I used size 5 perle cotton and a size 7 hook....smaller hook and thread would be suitable for a preemie....the size used is great for a full term baby.

Chain 22.

Row 1: (right side of work)-7 dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 17 ch, 8 dc in last ch, then dc in back loop of the next 17 ch-slip st in top of beginning ch.

Row 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in the next 7 dc; dc in next 17 dc, 2 dc in the next 8 dc, dc in the next 17 dc, slip st to the top of ch 3.

Row 3: ch 3, dc in same st, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) 7 times; dc in next 18 dc, 2 dc in next dc (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) 7 times; dc in next 18 dc, slip st to ch 3.

Rows 4, 5: ch 3, dc in each dc around, slip st to ch 3.

Row 6: ch 3, dc in next 35 dc, mark st for instep-dc in each st around, join with a slip st-break off.

Row 7: join with a slip st to the marked dc, ch 3 ,dc in next dc, dec 16 times (to decrease: * yo, insert hook in next dc, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops; repeat from * once more, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook), ch 3, turn.

Row 8: skip 1st st, dc in next 8 sts, ch 3, turn.

Row 9: * yo, inset hook in next dc, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, repeat from * 7 more times, yo and draw through all 9 loops on the hook.

Row 10: ch 1, sc in same space, sc in each st around (mark center back stitch with a piece of scrap thread for back loop reference).

Row 11: * ch 3, 2 dc in same sc, skip 2 sts, slip st in next st; repeat from * to center back st- in center back st, slip st, ch 6,slip st, ch 3, 2dc, skip 2 sts,slip st in next st; repeat from * around, ending with a slip st to base of first shell, end off-weave in ends, slip an 8" to 10" length of narrow satin ribbon through back loop for ankle tie.