Padding around the house in warm wool socks is a cozy comfort that can sometimes be slippery -- and socks' feet can get damp and dirty. For more solid footing, add soles.
Tools and Materials
Thick socks
Scrap of cardboard
Pencil
Scissors
Sewing pencil
Sueded fabric
Fusible webbing
Iron
No-Sew Slipper Socks How-To
1. Pull the socks onto your feet. Stand on a piece of cardboard, and trace both feet with a pencil; cut cardboard along lines. Remove socks. Use a sewing pencil to trace the templates on sueded fabric and fusible webbing, a material that bonds fabrics together; cut them out.
2. Slide a cardboard template into each sock, positioning it where you want to iron on new soles. Place fusible webbing between sueded fabric and sock's sole; iron according to webbing directions, and remove cardboard.
I agree with DirtChicKids, it is much better to trace shoes because they fit the socks perfectly. I made these for my sons and DIL's to include in their stockings. I used rag wool socks since we live in CO. They loved them and are still holding up even after washing!
A sewing pencil is a pencil that goes on fabric easier than reg pencils.
What is a sewing pencil ???
I made these last night with my crafting BFF. It was so fun. I used some pink cashmere socks and brown sueded fabric from a Vintage coat I had. I also did some pretty detail sewing around the edges in red. The fusibale webbing I bought is not promised to hold up in the wash. So make sure you check your directions. Also, I found that it was easier to trace a shoe. It fit the socks better during ironing. I'm all about aftful frugality and crafting. Check out my blog at dirtchic.com.
I love this idea all I need is to buy the sueded cloth and I think I'll make the socks and make some crocheted lace at the top Great gifts !
Thank You Martha your the best !
What a smart idea! Leave it to Martha, hip hip hooray!!!
You could even add a thin layer of foam just to add a little bit of structure and padding, or a layer of quilt batting.
Would the suede actually be water-proof? Maybe more so, if you sprayed it with Scotch-guard.
I have been working on crocheting slipper socks for my grandsons but now will put that project aside, buy socks tomorrow and have these done and ready for this for their weekend visit. They will love having slippers that are the same as what Granna and Papa wear!
I have an old suede leather coat that is worn out as a coat but still has lots of material that could be used for this project . I already wear socks around the house, but find myself wishing they were warmer on the colder winter days. With this craft idea I can add some left-over fusible webbing I already have and be wearing warm slipper socks by this evening. Thanks for the great idea!
If you use puffy paint, write the child's name on the bottom and they will know who the slippers belong too. Will also help little ones learn to recognize and write their name.
For those of you who have made these, can you please tell me how they do in the wash, when you wash them over and over and over.
I like things to last a while and if I make them to give as gifts I don't want to hear, how they fell off after a couple of washes.
Thank you
I love this idea! Great idea especially for kids to make and give a homemade gift. BUT, I would love to make it and keep or give to my sisiter....sometimes the time and thought of making it...far outweighs what could be cheaper etc. Great job MARTHA! And the variations that I have read on here are great as well! Puffy paint....awesome for the non sewers. :~)
Although this craft may be more expensive than similar slippers that can be purchased at big box stores, I enjoy things that are handmade and personal. These days, most handcrafted items are more expensive to make than comaprable items that are store-bought. I do crafts for the love of the art, not for economic reasons.
To Suzyq2u-The template is only in the sock to see where to place and attach the sueded soul. You remove it after the soul is attached.
er Suzyq2u - the directions clearly say "remove cardboard" They're INSIDE the sock, just to hold the shape.......hope that helps.
continued, ..not between the fabric and the sock. That's where the fusible webbing goes.
Think you've misread the instructions, Suzyq2u. The carboard is only slipped inside the sock to give a guide to where you iron on the soles and to help hold the shape while you iron - you then remove it. These should be washable according to the most gentle of the washing instructions - be that the sock, webbing or suedette.
@Suzyq2u: The cardboard template is inside the sock, to give it shape, not between the fabric
It seems wasteful to me. You would never be able to wash them, the cardboard would fall apart. If the floor is damp, then the cardboard will start to fall apart then, as well.
These are great. With wood floors, this will help with the slippage. Fun.
I like Janbears idea; however Martha's idea is good, in that the socks will stay dry, Staying dry, means staying warm...we do have a few water drops a day. I know you can buy cheaper ones, but you wouldn't have lovely wool slipper socks--so essential on a day when it is -50 with a windchill factor. I know my woolies get thin very quickly--and with the vinyl, suede or leather sole you can even traisp around in the storage area without sweeping first!
I was going to agree that these would end up costing more then just buying a pair.. But after reading some of the comments, I had to add that Janbear's idea is a great one.. Thanks for that neat tip..
This project looks unfinished to me. And the cost of sueded fabric, fusible webbing and woolen socks is far more expensive than just a cute pair of gripping socks from your local department store. If you simply *must* do this project, my thoughts are to pick a color closer to the color of the sock so it blends?
This is good, however, place cardboard INSIDE the sock, take "PUFFY" paint and make dots or lines or round swirls. whatever, on the bottom-outside of sock let dry, remove cardboard and here you have no skid slippers...and washable as well
Nice idea, but I have found the slipper socks in Target with the feet cheaper than the socks themselves!
Just make sure the socks stay on well and the fake suede material is not itself slippery, especially on polished wood, ceramic tile, or shaggy carpet! The grippy stuff is a better idea, IMHO, even if you have to sew around the edges. ( and a good TV-watching project!)
What a great idea, i can't wait to make these no-sew slipper socks, I have the materials at hand..first thing after lunch TODAY, Thank you Martha and all.
You could also use the non-slip material that is used for pj feet available at your fabric stores. Just remember to iron from the inside out so you don't melt the grippy dots on the fabric. Slip stiching the edges with yarn or floss would be such a nice touch.
Great idea to slip stitch the edges. You could probably use a coordinating thick yarn to make it look decorative. I'm going to make these for my family. We take shoes off the minute we walk in the door and it would save a LOT of pairs of socks!!
Great idea. Socks are always the most comfortable anyway. I think that once the sole is fused on, I will slip stitch around the edge for added security.