Homemade slippers of thick wool felt make a heartwarming (and foot-warming) gift. Felt is the ideal fabric to work with, since it won't unravel when cut.
Felt Slippers How-To
1. Use our templates. Trace onto 1/8-inch-thick wool felt, and cut out (you will need 2 sole pieces and 2 upper pieces per slipper; remember to flip the soles over for the opposite foot). Stack the sole pieces.
2. Place the upper pieces together, then sew the heel and the instep with a straight stitch, 3/16 inch from edge. Open, and pin to the sole pieces, first at the heel and toe, then along the sides. Sew all the way around, through all layers, 3/16 inch from the edge.
3. Add a decorative stitch with embroidery floss, like the X pictured on the big red slipper opposite. To add custom fabric name tags, print them on iron-on tape using a label maker, and apply to top layer of sole before sewing slipper.
Is the sole a double layer of felt?
I had a lot of trouble printing the templates the right size too- "Procraftinate" 's directions got me going but I also found Ihad to use "fit" under size options and "portrait" for the orientation (landscape makes it larger than % put in ! ) I found I could also rotate the piece of the template under "view" ( keep it at portrait !) to get more of the pattern and less paper waste-also its easier to line up as you have more to work with - hope this helps ppl like me who aren't too techy : )
I had a lot of trouble printing the templates the right size too- "Procraftinate" 's directions got me going but I also found Ihad to use "fit" under size options and "portrait" for the orientation (landscape makes it larger than % put in ! ) I found I could also rotate the piece of the template under "view" ( keep it at portrait !) to get more of the pattern and less paper waste-also its easier to line up as you have more to work with - hope this helps ppl like me who aren't too techy : )
I made these for my toddler grandson and my husband out of cast-off jeans. They were really simple to make and are really comfy. I'll probably put some no-slip dots on the bottoms of the next pair. Also, the wash-ability factor is good too. :)
Absolutely fantastic..
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My sewing machine could not handle the thickness of the felt (ironic, because it's a Martha Stewart Singer!), so I hand-sewed the felt. Anyone got a thimble? LOL.
You don't need Photoshop or a photocopier to get these the right size. Open the template in Adobe Reader, in the zoom box type in the value you need to enlarge to in order to get the desired shoe size, and then pan to a section of the slippers. Then go to Print... Under Print Range, select "current view." I printed off enough views to tape them together and then cut out for my pattern. The sizing worked really well.
Hope this helps!
I was so excited to try these. But my pieces didn't line up. The finished size was too small. I used regular felt for a child, not wool. I didnt even bother making the other slipper. I don't know what happened.
If you are savvy on Photoshop you can screen copy the template, and then enlarge your template by stretching the image from the corner. Make sure you click your View tab, and make the ruler visible. Measure the bottom of your foot, heel to toe. Then (making sure you enlarge both patterns in one image) enlarge the sole pattern to your foot measurement plus 1/2". The upper will automatically enlarge the correct percentage. You can then print your patterns from your computer.
i like the felted sweater idea! i've always wanted to make these...this will be the year.
I have made these slippers by buying wool sweaters and at second hand store and shrunk them down to the thickness I wanted and then decorated them with needle work.
You could knit(or crochet) a block of yarn that is 70-80% wool if not wool and felt it yourself then cut out the templates. It is more work. I have not seen the thick felt but I bet your Yarn stores will have a web site or may order it as well.
I have called around and can not find 1/8" thick wool felt. Is there a specific place to purchase this material? Anyone know where I can find it and in different colors?
The template is in the above paragraph 1, its the highlighted word "templates"
Diana
I am so surprised at the number of nasty comments I've seen on this website!If you are so disgusted by it why do you bother to even use it? This is certainly NOT a useles website! Don't forget...they come up with soooo many ideas every day of the year...some are bound to be better than others.
you should probably look a little harder.......in #1 the word TEMPLATE is in blue for easy finding......good luck with your project....
ps..this is a GREAT website!!!!!
purlsoho.com has wool felt in great colors.
This was such a fun and simple project to make. I posted a blog with my design on stitchtacsew.com. Adorable!
Donnajeangifford, To enlarge the template you first have to print it out. Then you have to have access to a copying machine. There will be a button which will allow you to increase the size using a percentage;simply refer to the chart for this number.
What would be a good substitute if you are allergic to wool? Is fleece too thin?
I made the slippers with 100% wool, plant-dyed felt. I enlarged the template to 1/2 size smaller than the receipiant's normal shoe size, then hand sewed the pieces using a blanket stitch. Because the seams are sewn on the right side, no seam allowance is needed. The use of embroidery floss in contrasting colors is very appealing to the eye.
Please, how does one enlarge the template. Thanks!
When I had this enlarged acording to the chart on the side the did not fit, probably just my foot.
I made these from an old wool sweater I had felted. The felt was very thick, so I trimmed off the upper seam allowance. I butted the two edges together and put a piece of twill tape underneath and did a wide, dense, multiple zig-zag stitch instead.I then embellished with yarn - loved them and so did the rest of my family
could someone tell how to enlarge template for sleepers. I am new to computer.
Thanks
If you "right click" on templates (#1 above), then click on "save target as...," you can save the template as a ".pdf" file and open it in adobe reader. sometimes pdf files just won't open directly from aol or internet explorer.
Hello I have tried 3 times to get felt slippers template and will not workk please help martha thanks
you have a great show watchit when ever I can
pat
Click on "templates" under "Felt Slippers How-To " on first line of #1 above
how does one access the template? I have tried and cannot get it.
Check out this website for Premium Wool Felt: http://www.achildsdream.com/handwork_supplies/felting_crafts/wool_felt.htm
They say it's heavyweight, and it comes in a lot of colors.
I tried to make these last year as a gift with a thinner wool felt--the results were not good, so I'd be interested too as they would make great travel slippers.
Felt can be purchased at any fabric store, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and Wal-Mart.
Where can one purchase this felt?