purlJam

# COZY FELTED SOLE SLIPPERS

A beginner-friendly slipper pattern featuring simple flat-knitted side panels that attach to felted soles with decorative blanket stitch. These slippers work up quickly and provide a comfortable, customizable fit.

## SIZES
Small (Medium, Large)
- Small: Women's shoe size 5-6 / sole length 9-9.5"
- Medium: Women's shoe size 7-8 / sole length 9.5-10"
- Large: Women's shoe size 9-10 / sole length 10.5-11"

Note: Pattern can be adapted for other sizes by adjusting panel length.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Panel width: 4" (10 cm)
Panel length: 14 (16, 18)" / 35.5 (40.5, 45.5) cm before attaching

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Approximately 100 (120, 140) yards worsted weight yarn
  - Sample shown in Red Heart Super Saver (100% acrylic, 364 yds/198g)
  - Choose a durable, washable yarn for slippers
- **Needles**: US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions**: 
  - 1 pair felted slipper soles (purchased or handmade)
  - Tapestry needle for seaming
  - Stitch markers (optional)
  - Scissors
  - Coordinating yarn or embroidery floss for blanket stitch (can use same yarn)

## GAUGE
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch (knit every row) after blocking

**TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE** - Gauge affects the fit of the panels to your soles.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side

## PATTERN NOTES
- Each slipper requires one knitted panel that wraps around the sides of the foot
- Panels are worked flat in garter stitch for durability and reversibility
- Simple toe shaping creates a comfortable fit
- Felted soles can be purchased from craft stores or online, or you can felt your own
- The blanket stitch both secures and decorates the edge
- Make sure your felted soles are approximately 1/4" thick for best durability

## INSTRUCTIONS

### SIDE PANEL (make 2, one for each foot)

**Cast On**
Using long-tail cast on, cast on 18 sts.

**Body of Panel**
Row 1 (RS): Knit all sts. (18 sts)
Row 2 (WS): Knit all sts. (18 sts)

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures:
- Small: 12" (30.5 cm) from cast-on edge [approximately 72 rows]
- Medium: 14" (35.5 cm) from cast-on edge [approximately 84 rows]
- Large: 16" (40.5 cm) from cast-on edge [approximately 96 rows]

**Toe Shaping**
Continue in garter stitch while decreasing as follows:

Decrease Row 1 (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (16 sts remain)
[Math check: 18 - 2 = 16 sts ✓]

Row 2 (WS): Knit all sts. (16 sts)

Decrease Row 3 (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (14 sts remain)
[Math check: 16 - 2 = 14 sts ✓]

Row 4 (WS): Knit all sts. (14 sts)

Decrease Row 5 (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (12 sts remain)
[Math check: 14 - 2 = 12 sts ✓]

Row 6 (WS): Knit all sts. (12 sts)

Decrease Row 7 (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (10 sts remain)
[Math check: 12 - 2 = 10 sts ✓]

Row 8 (WS): Knit all sts. (10 sts)

**Bind Off**
Bind off all 10 sts loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6" tail.

Weave in ends on knitted panel.

Repeat for second slipper.

## FINISHING

### Blocking
Wet block or steam block panels to finished measurements. This is important for achieving the correct dimensions and ensuring the panel fits the sole properly.

### Positioning the Panel
1. Lay felted sole flat with bottom (textured) side facing down
2. Find the center point of the sole's length
3. Position the cast-on edge of the knitted panel at the heel end of the sole, centered across the width
4. The panel should extend along the sole and the shaped toe section should align with the toe of the sole
5. The panel will wrap around the sides of the foot when worn
6. Pin panel in place along the outer edge of the sole using sewing pins if desired

### Blanket Stitch Attachment
Thread tapestry needle with approximately 3 yards of yarn (you may need to rethread as you work).

**Starting at the heel:**
1. Position panel along the edge of the sole, with the panel extending upward
2. Bring needle from bottom of sole up through both sole and edge of knitted panel, about 1/4" from sole edge
3. Working from left to right (reverse if left-handed):
   - Insert needle from bottom through sole and panel edge, approximately 1/4" to the right of previous stitch
   - Before pulling tight, bring needle through the loop of yarn created
   - Pull snug to create the characteristic blanket stitch edge
4. Continue around the entire perimeter of the sole, spacing stitches approximately 1/4" apart
5. At the toe, you may need to ease the shaped panel slightly to fit; distribute any fullness evenly
6. When you return to the starting point, secure yarn by weaving through several stitches on the wrong side
7. Weave in all ends securely

**Blanket Stitch Tips for Beginners:**
- Keep stitches evenly spaced for a professional look
- Maintain consistent tension - not too tight or too loose
- The "ridge" of the blanket stitch should sit along the edge between sole and panel
- If you make a mistake, it's easy to pull out a few stitches and redo

### Seaming the Back (optional)
Some knitters prefer to seam the back heel seam of the panel for a snugger fit:
1. With slipper positioned as it will be worn, bring the two side edges of the panel together at the back heel
2. Use mattress stitch or whip stitch to seam together for approximately 1-2" at the heel
3. This creates a more fitted heel but is optional

Repeat for second slipper.

## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
- **Color blocking**: Work the panel in stripes of different colors
- **Texture**: Substitute seed stitch or ribbing for garter stitch (note: gauge may change)
- **Embellishment**: Add a pompom, button, or embroidered design to the top of foot
- **Non-slip sole**: Apply fabric paint or puffy paint dots to the bottom of felted sole for traction
- **Size adjustment**: To adjust for different sole sizes, measure the perimeter of your sole and multiply by your row gauge to determine how many rows to work before toe shaping

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Roll in towel to remove excess water. Reshape and air dry flat. Do not machine wash or dry, as this may further felt the sole or distort the knitted panel.

## SKILL BUILDING
This pattern teaches:
- Even tension in garter stitch
- Simple decreasing techniques (k2tog and ssk)
- Blanket stitch embroidery/finishing technique
- Attaching knitted fabric to other materials
- Blocking knitted fabric

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*Pattern & Design © 2024. For personal use only.*