Slippers – for the knitting of!
They come in one simple design – although there are variations to be found if you go looking.
They can be brightly coloured- soft and gentle – or even strong and sturdy
With these it’s whatever takes your fancy – or more likely whatever’s on hand
Several readers mentioned the slippers I showed recently so here are the instructions I was given by a friend many years ago. I thought it was from online but I was wrong.
(These photos are from a post I did years ago on another blog)
Click/ tap or finger slide to enlarge
The top one shows how they look on the final row
The lower one how they look when sewn and finished
The instructions suggested using 8ply/dk yarn
(doubled – 2 strands knitted together to give the thickness for warmth)
and uk size 8/4mm knitting needles
but I’ve also made them in very chunky handspun wool for men – adjusting needle size and length
Begin by casting on 3 stitches.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Inc in 1st stitch, knit
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit.
Repeat rows 2 + 3 + 4 until 12 stitches.
That forms the heel section
Now you are about to make the foot part – the sole.
Cast on 11 at the beginning of the next row.
Knit 11, P1, knit to last stitch, P1 turn.
Cast on 11 stitches (34 stitches)
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: K11, P1, K10, P1, K11.
Repeat rows 1 + 2, 17 times.
This is where you can lengthen if needed
– but remember they will stretch –
Then on to the toe area.
Row 1: K2, (P1 K1) x 5, K11 (P1 K1) x 5, K1.
Row 2: (K1 P1) x 6, K10, (P1 K1) x 6.
Repeat rows 1 + 2, 8 times.
Next row: K2 together to end of row (17 stitches)
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2 together to last stitch, K1 (9 stitches)
Break off yarn (leaving a rather long tail) and draw through stitches
Fasten off as tightly as you can
don’t cut the yarn short as you will need it to sew up the front
Now sew the cast on sides to heel gusset. You may have to ease to fit
Using the long tail where the toe is gathered
sew the ribbing up front to where garter stitching begins
turn right side out and hey presto – nice snug slippers (or bedsocks)
Yes, they are very basic
For a special gift you could use a circular needle
Pick up all the way round the opening and knit a collar
Or put a pompom at the front opening
These are simple and easy to make
Just the way I like them
Still Waters 