purlJam

# **NAUTICAL SAILOR SLIPPERS**

A cozy pair of beginner-friendly slippers featuring classic navy and white stripes inspired by sailor uniforms. These comfortable house slippers are worked flat and seamed, making them perfect for knitters new to slipper construction.

**Finished Measurements:**
Sole length: approximately 9.5" (24 cm) - fits women's shoe sizes 7-9 or men's 6-8
Width: approximately 3.5" (9 cm) at widest point

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium)
- Color A (Navy): approximately 100 yards (91 m)
- Color B (White/Cream): approximately 50 yards (46 m)

**Shown in:** Any worsted weight acrylic or wool blend (recommended: washable acrylic for easy care)

**Needles:** US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (worked flat)
*Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge*

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional, helpful for marking center stitches)
- Fabric paint or puffy paint for non-slip sole (optional)

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch, blocked

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if needed.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **CO** = cast on
- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **kfb** = knit into front and back of same stitch (1 stitch increased)
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- **ssk** = slip, slip, knit (slip 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit together - 1 stitch decreased)
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side
- **BO** = bind off

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Each slipper consists of two pieces: a sole and an upper piece.
- The sole is worked lengthwise with shaping for toe and heel.
- The upper wraps around the foot and is seamed to the sole.
- Slippers are reversible (can be worn on either foot) unless you choose to add directional embellishments.
- Striped pattern for upper: 6 rows Color A, 4 rows Color B, repeated.
- Carry yarn loosely up the side when working stripes; no need to cut and rejoin.
- All slipped stitches are slipped purlwise with yarn in back unless otherwise noted.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### SOLE (Make 2)

**With Color A, CO 16 sts.**

**Setup Rows:**
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.

**Toe Shaping:**
Row 3: K1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. *[18 sts]*
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. *[20 sts]*
Row 6: Purl.

**Foot Section (work even):**
Rows 7-50: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 44 rows. *[20 sts remain]*

*Math check: 6 shaping rows + 44 even rows = 50 rows total = 8.33"*

**Heel Shaping:**
Row 51: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *[18 sts]*
Row 52: Purl.
Row 53: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *[16 sts]*
Row 54: Purl.
Row 55: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *[14 sts]*
Row 56: Purl.
Row 57: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *[12 sts]*

**BO all sts.**

*Total length: 57 rows = approximately 9.5"*

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### UPPER (Make 2)

**With Color A, CO 40 sts.**

**Stripe Pattern:**
Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) with Color A.
Rows 7-10: Change to Color B, work in garter stitch.
Rows 11-16: Change to Color A, work in garter stitch.
Rows 17-20: Change to Color B, work in garter stitch.
Rows 21-26: Change to Color A, work in garter stitch.
Rows 27-30: Change to Color B, work in garter stitch.

*[30 rows completed = 5" height]*
*[40 sts × 18 sts/4" = 8.9" width]*

**With Color A:**
Row 31: Knit.
Row 32: BO all sts knitwise.

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## FINISHING

### Assembly

1. **Block pieces lightly** to measurements if desired, though blocking is optional for this project.

2. **Seam upper to sole:**
   - Fold the upper piece in half widthwise to find the center (20 sts on each side of center).
   - Place the center of the upper piece at the toe end of the sole (the wider end).
   - Using Color A and tapestry needle, whipstitch or mattress stitch the long edges of the upper to the outer edges of the sole, working from toe to heel. The upper will wrap around the sides of the sole.
   - At the heel end, seam the back edges of the upper together to close the heel. The upper may gather slightly at the heel, which is normal and helps create a comfortable fit.

3. **Weave in all ends** securely on the wrong side.

4. **Optional - Add non-slip coating:**
   - Using fabric paint or puffy paint in a coordinating color, paint dots or lines on the bottom of the sole.
   - Allow to dry completely (24 hours) before wearing.

### Optional Embellishment: Simple Anchor

**With Color B, embroider a simple anchor on the top of each slipper:**
1. Using duplicate stitch or chain stitch, create a vertical line approximately 1" long for the anchor shaft.
2. Add a horizontal line near the top for the crossbar (approximately 0.75" wide).
3. At the bottom, create two curved lines extending outward and down for the anchor flukes.
4. Add a small ring or circle at the top of the shaft.

Alternatively, purchase small anchor buttons or charms and sew to the top of each slipper.

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## SIZING ADJUSTMENTS

**For smaller slippers (women's 5-6 / youth):**
- CO 14 sts for sole (instead of 16)
- Increase to 18 sts (instead of 20)
- Work foot section for 36 rows (instead of 44)
- CO 36 sts for upper (instead of 40)

**For larger slippers (women's 10-11 / men's 9-10):**
- CO 18 sts for sole (instead of 16)
- Increase to 22 sts (instead of 20)
- Work foot section for 52 rows (instead of 44)
- CO 44 sts for upper (instead of 40)

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry, as this may cause excessive shrinkage or damage to any non-slip coating.

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## DESIGN NOTES

These sailor slippers are inspired by classic naval uniforms with their timeless navy and white stripes. The garter stitch upper provides excellent stretch and comfort while being reversible and beginner-friendly. The simple construction method makes these perfect for gift knitting - create a fleet of cozy slippers for family and friends!

**Skill Level:** Beginner (requires only basic knit, purl, and simple shaping skills)

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*Pattern © 2024. For personal use only.*