Easy Slippers

Get the pattern here. See the video here. Get the free child size pattern here.

Download the Pattern:

Download the pattern and print it Actual Size. For directions to do this, click here. If you are having trouble finding your pattern, see Etsy’s directions here. If the pattern won’t download, review the security settings on your device to make sure it isn’t being blocked.

Prepare the Pattern:

To assemble the large and extra large pattern pieces, cut out and match hash lines on the pattern, then tape together.

Prepare the Fabric:

You will need a fabric for the outside and a fabric for the inside. I have used placemats, blankets, towels and jeans as fabric (some things repurposed from the linen closet, and some that were bought half price at the thrift store). It is recommended that all fabric be washed and dried before cutting. This will minimize shrinkage or shifting, in the wash, once the project has been completed.

Cut the Pattern:

When cutting the pattern, cut the notches in the fabric where indicated. There is one notch on the inside of the sole and one at the heel of the sole. The notch on the inside of the sole will help identify the left and right feet. The notch on the heel will help place the slipper top to the bottom.

Cutting on the Fold:

When cutting the tops of the slippers, be sure to place the designated edge against the fold. The cut slipper top will unfold to look like a “U.”

A word about seam allowance and other details:

For the entire pattern, sew with the edge of the presser foot against the edge of the fabric (about 3/8″). Use a straight stitch of moderate length to accommodate sewing thick layers of fabric. If using fleece, you may want to pick up a specialty machine needle for this purpose. Machine needles for fleece are designed with rounded tips to better sew fleece fabric. Use caution when sewing, as needles tend to break when sewing thick layers. To avoid needle breakage, sew slowly and firmly guide the fabric under the presser foot.

Prepare the Soles:

Once the pieces have all been cut, it is time to start pinning. First, Identify the right sides of the fabric. For the soles, place the right sides down and lay the lining on top, right sides up. The “wrong sides” should be facing each other, while the “right” sides will be on the outside. Pin.

Sew the Slipper Tops:

Place the slipper tops, right sides together and pin.

Sew the inside of the “U” of the slipper top on both slippers.

Clip the Curves:

Once the inside curve has been sewn, it will need to be clipped so the seam will lay smoothly when folded. Using a sharp pair of scissors, snip the seam from the edge, being careful to not cut the stitching. Make frequent cuts along the entire curved edge of the slipper top, in the “U”.

Turn and Press:

Turn the slipper tops out, pin them near the seam, and press using an iron on the appropriate settings for the fabric. Careful – fleece is mostly plastic and will easily fry with a hot iron. I like to use copious amounts of steam to press the seams super flat. Once the slipper tops have been pressed trim all the edges so both layers are the same. Flip them over and trim both sides.

Pin and Sew Heels:

Next, pin the heels together. Make sure the right sides are facing each other! While sewing this area, be sure to firmly, but slowly, guide the fabric under the needle. The center seam will be very thick, so use caution to avoid breaking a needle.

Trim the Center Seam:

That thick center seam will need to be trimmed in order for the heel to be sewn in a comfortable fashion for the wearer. Using a pair of sharp scissors, trim the center seam of the heel.

Turn and Pin:

Fold over the heel portion of the slipper top with wrong sides facing, and pin to the slipper sole.

Line up the heel seam with the notch on the heel portion of the sole. Pin the right side of the slipper top to the right side of the slipper sole.

When it is pinned, your slipper should appear to be inside out. Start at the heel and work around the perimeter of the slipper until all the edges are lined up. If the edges don’t line up exactly, trim them so they do!

Sew the slipper top to the sole:

When sewing the sole to the slipper top, use caution to prevent a needle break. The layers will be thick and require some firm guidance through the machine, but go slowly. Try to keep the edge of the presser foot against the edge of the fabric to maintain size consistency with both slippers.

After each slipper has been sewn together, trim the seam for comfort and turn the slipper out.

Your super home made slippers are now ready for some toasting action! I have made many pairs of these slippers (that I designed!) over the years and they tend to be fairly durable, depending on the materials you use. I had a pair that lasted five years and was made of canvas left over from a client’s upholstery project. My new pair, pictured below, were made from a couple of placemats for the outside, and an old fleece jacket for the inside.

I highly recommend using repurposed fabrics for this project. It’s a great way to use up old clothes that are probably sitting in a garbage bag in your trunk, waiting to be donated. I made a pair of slippers for my son from an old pair of his fleece pajama pants (that I made) that no longer fit. In this way, I am reusing fabric and incorporating some sentiment into the project.This is a great project for beginner sewists and a great gift idea.

See the tutorial here: