Is there any other website that sells less expensive wool felt? Or is there any other material that would work just as good for these slippers?

I had some trouble with sizing as well, just worked it out with some scrap felt. The video is a must to watch www.http://vimeo.com/32458552
Also, I used a thinner but textured felt that I lined with "Warm & Natural" cotton batting adhered by Aleene's "Tacky Spray" all purchased from Michael's. Super simple, cute & warm too!

@Amy you can buy slipper grippers from Joanns http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd48294 Just add a layer on the bottom of the pattern it works great!

@ Amy... Well, this design is originally a Native American moccasin. In that spirit, I am trying to make a slipper using soft deerskin
. They are gorgeous.

I was planning on making my older brother a pair for the holidays becausde they are his style, but I wanted to add something besides felt to the bottom of the slipper so he could wear it in more versatile places. Any ideas? much appreciated!

@KatieOR. I tried to make myself slippers using the sizing suggestions from Martha's signt last night, and the sizing is way off! I couldn't even get the slipper on! Thank you for the tip. Which sizing method did you use?

I've attempted these slippers several times now with felt that I made from wool sweaters. The sizing on the template IS off, which is why I've had to experiment so much.
This sizing chart: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_size works if you add an inch to it to account for the heel.
If you're making your own felt, I recommend making it extra thick - otherwise you'll end up with floppy slippers.
I also found this video: http://vimeo.com/32458552 that shows the process from start to finish :)

The size template on this is next to horrible! I made one pair that was way too small. I started a second pair after adjusting and making my own "pattern" based from this one.
I used fleece as a lining and also sewed on some "footie pajama" no slip stuff to the bottom. I used a sewing machine to make these, all except for the cuffs which i hand stitched (all the way around). Turned out great, all in all took about 1 1/2 hrs to complete. I used this sizing chart as a guide http://www.ehow.com/way_5183370_inches-shoe-size-conversion.html

Please post a how-to video. I am not quite sure how to handle the heel and these look so very lovely. I need to make several pairs for the holidays! Thanks

My 11 year old made a pair for herself. These are really easy and fun to make.

Did anyone else try to use a sewing machine but with the felt? I can hand so but I need to make four pairs and using my machine would be much easier. Also if you made a size 7 or size 9 and can share insite on how big you needed to make the templete it would be extremely helpful. Thanks!!

I tried using an old shrunken sweater. Didn't work as it stretched and made the edges 'wavy' I thought the felt didn't seem very cozy. I might try lining them with the sweater (?) I used my sewing machine...are these to be hand sewn? That could be where I went wrong.

...2 You should give the finished size from the original length of the template. Like: Using an 8" template will give you a child's size 11, finished length 71/4". My test pair was for my husband, size 8 and they fit me, woman's size 7. This is an expensive mistake to make.

Hey All: Am I the only one who is having major issues with the sizes? I have had issues with Martha's templates in past so I made a test pair. My shoe size is 7, my feet are almost 10" long, if you look at the sizing chart, I should have size 10 feet! I have wasted one piece of felt making what should have been size 11 boys, which are obviously size 8; finished length: 6 1/2", should be 7" at least. Man, you guys!

Also having trouble with these....more step by step instructions and photos would be a big help. thank you

I am having trouble with step 3...pinch heel closed. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you very much.

Dear Martha Staff, My daughter and I are attempting to make these for Christmas gifts. We are not sure how to get the template the right sizes. How are we supposed to do that. We were also stuck on the heal portion until my 14 year old daughter totally got it so way to go Abi. Is there any way you could help a little more in the template area and maybe some step by step pics of the felt slipper project? Or maybe you could up load a video? Thanks I hope you respond cuz these are really cute

I made a pair of these this weekend. Overall a pretty fun and easy project for an entry level sewer. Details posted on my blog: http://escapefrombk.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/sewn-felt-slippers/

if you are having trouble with the heel. you sew the back beginning at the top and leave one third of the seam open. then you are going to sew the last bit in the opposite direction. ( the first seam is vertical, so pinch the fabric horizontally). there will be an overlap (two small triangles on each side) i cut these off. then trimmed the remainder of the flap (NOW it's a flap) to be rounded like a half circle and sewed it down. good luck!

As an alternative to buying the wool felt, you could felt an old wool sweater. It costs about $2 to get one at a thrift shop. I'm planning to try it out this weekend.

does the 18 X 18 piece of felt make One pair or just one slipper?

@pugmom2002 - You can buy non-slip grip glue and tape that is meant for fabric at the fabric store.

@everyone - I am having trouble figuring out how to enlarge the template - any tips/suggestions?

for the grip on the bottom us the craft gel paint in the drawing tubes.

I am about to give these a try, but was thinking about adding a fleece lining...good idea/bad idea!?! Also trying to think of a no-slip grip.

Do you have to use 100% wool felt for these slippers or can you use a wool blend/synthetic felt for these? 100% wool felt is EXPENSIVE! ($50 or more per yard)

Are these meant to be hand sewn or by machine?

(continued from below)...outside of the slipper. Look at the picture that shows the back/heel of the slipper. It might make more sense then. Hope this helps!!

I just ordered my felt, and I was looking at the instructions on the heel.. this is what I can make out of it:

If you look at the third picture, where it shows the side of one shoe, follow step three. So pinch the back of the slipper and heel closed, and sew all the way down, leaving either a half inch or inch open at the bottom. Right below where you stopped your sewing on the heel, make a slit. (You can kind of see it in the picture.) This is how the flap/tag is created that's sewn to the...

Check out the pictures 3&4 and it will help with the heels. To add a non slip sole you might be able to hot glue or fabric glue on one after slipper is done....give it a try, and let us know

Does anyone have an idea on how to add a non-slip sole? These look so great and cozy, but I need a safety factor too.

I did a size 8 but there is no way it will fit my husband figured out the size to increase but it is way small help I need also for size 9.5

I am having trouble with the heels as well. Help anyone?

I tried to make these slippers but am having trouble understanding how to do the heels. Can anyone help me. I absolutely adore these.

I made these last night, took about an hour to complete a pair. The hardest part, was figuring out the correct amount of zoom I needed on the template. Super cute and comfy. Going to make these for my nieces and nephew for Christmas. I got the wool felt at Michael's. Total cost was about $6.00. Pretty cozy too! The instructions were easy to follow.