Thursday, July 12, 2012

Making Slip-On Slippers: A How-To


Who doesn't love a pair of fun slippers for lounging?  Even better when you can make some to match your favorite pajamas:
Today I'm going to show how to make some comfy slippers that look good inside and out.
You'll Need:
- 1/4-3/8yd each of outer fabric + inner fabric (depending on the length of foot to fit)
- 1/4yd Jiffy Grip fabric (more info below)
- 1/4yd heavy weight sew-in stabilizer
- 1/4yd fusible fleece
- Sewing Notions (pencil, paper, shears/rotary cutter, tape measure pins, iron, thread & sewing machine, hand sewing needle)
- Sneaker or similar style shoe for sizing

What is Jiffy Grip?  It's a heavy weight fabric with raised dots that is meant for anti-slip applications like footwear & rug backing.  You can find it in most fabric stores, but check for it in the utility fabric section - on the bolt - instead of a pre-packaged piece.  You can get a lot more, and for a better price, when buying it cut from the bolt.  Of course, you could do the "puff paint on any fabric" no-slip alternative, but this is much easier, looks more professional and won't wear off, so personally I think it's worth getting.
To make the slipper sole pattern simply trace around the shoe bottom.  I then made mine more oval so it was easier to piece things together than remember which piece was for the left or right.  Next to make the top pattern piece measure across the middle of the shoe and then from tip to top near tongue.
Mark a "t" with those measurements on the paper.  Then measure across again, but just about an inch from tip and mark this line on the paper.  Draw a "U" shape with a curved top. 
Cut out the following:
A pair of top pieces, from the inner fabric, outer fabric and two pairs of fusible fleece
A pair of soles from the inner fabric, Jiffy Grip, sew-in stabilizer and two pairs of fusible fleece 
Trim down the heavy-weight stabilizer and one pair of fusible fleece for the soles so they are 1/2 inch smaller than the sole fabrics:
Next press the fusible fleece to the wrong side of each of the top fabric pieces, the inner fabric sole and the heavy weight stabilizer sole with an iron.  Pair up an outer and inner fabric top piece and with right sides facing sew together at the wide curve with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Clip along the curve & repeat with other top.
Turn tops with right sides facing out and press along seam.  Then baste together around the rest of the top 1/8 inch from raw edges.
Top stitch 5/8 inch from the upper edge.  To give a nice rounded shape, press over the narrow end of a tailor's ham (this is totally optional, but gives a nice finish when using cotton fabrics).
 Matching up the tip of the top pieces and inner fabric soles, pin then baste pieces together.
Place the Jiffy Grip sole over the top of the slipper and pin all the way around.  Sew layers together with a 1/4 seam allowance, leaving a 2 inch gap at the heel portion for turning.  Clip around curves and turn right side out.
 Now take the heavy-weight soles and insert into the opening:
Fold open raw edges inward, pin and hand stitch closed with a slipstitch.  Now slip them on and enjoy your new slippers!
Sharing this with my FAVE LINK PARTIES too-
Click HERE to check them out!

25 comments:

  1. So cute! I think I might try these with some cute leftover gear fabric for Aidan!

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  2. Love these! Thanks for the great tute!

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  3. How adorable! I'd love to make these for all the members of the family, custom, of course!

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    1. These are so cute and such a wonderful idea. Would love to make some.

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  4. extreme cuteness!!!!!!Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop.xo P.S. the new giveaway has started!

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  5. I love, love, love that fabric! I'm part Danish :)

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  6. Love this project! Definitely going on my 'to make' list for Christmas presents this year! Thanks so much for sharing at Etcetorize this week~

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  7. great idea! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  8. Adorable, I gotta get sewing so I can make a few pairs for each of my kids....they're always looking for their crocs, but these would be great substitutes! thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday, great to see you!

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    1. Thanks so much and it's great to see you too. Looking forward to sharing more over at your party again soon:)

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  9. These look great! We'd love to feature them on CraftFoxes.com. If you're interested, email me at bethany@craftfoxes.com.

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  10. These are so cute! My kids would love custom made slippers! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. When I get some made (wish me luck!) I'll be sure to post and link back to you. Thanks again!

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    1. Thanks so much and kids do love them. Can't wait to see those!

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  11. Brilliant! I never thought of making my own slippers! It doesn't look too tricky!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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    1. It is surprisingly easy Jill - definitely give them a try:)

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  12. How cute are these?!? Love the slippers!!
    Thank you so much for sharing @ {nifty thrifty sunday}! You will be featured at this week's party!
    xo! Vanessa

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    1. Thanks so much Vanessa. I'll be sure to add your button to my Featured On page!!

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  13. Omg, these slippers are so frigging cute!!

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  14. These are seriously adorable! Love the viking pattern and paired with the viking hat.. priceless!
    Thanks for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party..
    xoxo
    Amie @ Pinkapotamus

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  15. These are so great. We are a BIG slipper wearing family so I can see making some of these for all of us. Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday! Hope to see you again.

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  16. Hello! I found you at Claiming Our Space. How cute are these slippers? I'm thinking of making a pair for myself! Thanks for sharing!!

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  17. Thanks for linking up to last week's Tuesday Confessional Link Party. You've been featured! Congrats!
    http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/07/features-from-last-weeks-tuesday.html
    ~Macy

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  18. I don't have kids yet, but I guess I could use what you've taught here for myself. Won't be meeting with a toe doctor for a while if I start wearing these cutesies.

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Getting your comments brightens my day. I'd love if you left one:)

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