How to Make Simple Knitted Slippers for Beginners – A Step-by-Step Guide

Absolutely! Let’s create a detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial on making simple knitted slippers. I’ll break it down step by step with tips, techniques, and illustrations in words so even a complete beginner can follow along.

How to Make Simple Knitted Slippers for Beginners – A Step-by-Step Guide

Skill level: Beginner
Materials needed:

Medium weight yarn (worsted weight works well)
Knitting needles (size recommended for your yarn, usually US 8/5mm)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional)
Measuring tape or ruler

Finished Size: One size fits most (adjustable by adding or subtracting stitches/rows)

Step 1: Choose Your Yarn and Needles

For beginners, it’s best to choose a smooth, medium-weight yarn because it’s easier to see stitches. Avoid fancy textured or very slippery yarns for your first attempt. Use needles compatible with your yarn (check the yarn label).

Step 2: Take Foot Measurements

Measure the length of your foot from heel to toe.
Measure the width of the widest part of your foot.
These measurements will help you determine how many stitches to cast on.

Beginner tip: For worsted weight yarn, most adult slippers are around 30–40 stitches for width (depending on gauge) and 30–40 rows for the foot length.

Step 3: Cast On

Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on the number of stitches for your slipper’s width.
Make sure your cast-on edge is neither too tight nor too loose—comfort is key.

Step 4: Knit the Sole

The sole is the bottom part of the slipper. For beginners, a simple garter stitch (knit every row) is easiest.

Knit every row until the piece is the length of your foot.
Check often by placing your foot on the knitting to see if it’s long enough.

Optional: You can knit in stockinette (knit one row, purl one row) for a smoother texture.

Step 5: Knit the Upper

Once the sole is done, you’ll knit the upper part of the slipper:

Pick up stitches along the edges of the sole (if knitting flat) or continue in the round if using circular needles.
Knit in stockinette or garter stitch until the upper covers the top of your foot.
For the toe area, you can decrease gradually to shape the slipper:
- Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the row every 2 rows until you have around 6–8 stitches left.

Step 6: Knit the Heel/Back

There are different ways to do the heel:

Flat heel (simplest for beginners):
1. Knit back and forth to create a rectangle that will wrap around your heel.
2. Seam it later with a tapestry needle.
Short-row heel (more advanced):
- This method gives a more contoured fit, but beginners can skip it initially.

Step 7: Bind Off

Once the upper and heel are the right size, bind off loosely. You don’t want the edge to be tight and uncomfortable.

Step 8: Assembly

Fold your slipper in half so the sole aligns with the top.
Using a tapestry needle, sew the back seam (heel) and optionally the sides.
Weave in all loose ends neatly.

Step 9: Optional Embellishments

Add a pom-pom, button, or simple embroidery.
You can also knit a ribbed cuff at the ankle for extra comfort.

Step 10: Try Them On

Slide your foot in to make sure the slipper fits comfortably.
Adjust if needed for tighter or looser fit by adding rows or stitches next time.

Tips for Beginners

Check your gauge: Knit a small swatch first to see how many stitches per inch.
Keep tension consistent: Not too tight, not too loose.
Practice small pieces first: Try knitting a small square or rectangle to get comfortable with knit and purl stitches.
Patience: The first slipper may take a bit longer—practice makes perfect!