January 13, 2026

How to Knit Slippers with Knitting Needles – Detailed Tutorial

Absolutely! Let’s go step by step with a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on knitting slippers with needles. I’ll make this clear, so even if you’re new to knitting, you can follow it easily.


How to Knit Slippers with Knitting Needles – Detailed Tutorial

Knitting slippers is a cozy and satisfying project. This tutorial will focus on simple slippers worked flat and seamed, perfect for beginners.


Materials You’ll Need

  1. Yarn: Medium weight (worsted) yarn is perfect. Acrylic, wool, or blends work well.

  2. Knitting needles: Usually 4.0–5.0 mm (US 6–8), depending on your yarn.

  3. Scissors

  4. Tapestry needle for sewing seams

  5. Measuring tape or ruler

Optional:

  • Stitch markers

  • Non-slip grips for soles (optional for safety)


Basic Stitches You Should Know

  • Cast on (CO)

  • Knit stitch (K)

  • Purl stitch (P) – optional for ribbing or texture

  • Bind off (BO)

  • Basic decreases: K2tog (knit two together)

This pattern mostly uses knit stitches, which keeps it beginner-friendly.


Step 1: Measure Your Foot

  • Foot length: heel to tip of toes

  • Foot width: around the widest part (usually the ball of the foot)

This helps you determine how many stitches to cast on.


Step 2: Cast On

  1. Cast on enough stitches to fit the width of your foot.

    • Example: For an adult medium slipper, about 30–40 stitches, depending on your gauge.

  2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) or stockinette stitch (alternate K and P rows). Garter stitch is great for beginners and gives a stretchy fabric.


Step 3: Knit the Sole

  • Work back and forth in rows until your piece reaches the length of your foot sole, from heel to ball of foot.

  • Optional: You can slightly taper the toes by decreasing 1 stitch at each end every few rows for a better fit.


Step 4: Knit the Top of the Slipper

There are two ways: a simple flap or a more fitted top.

Option A – Simple Top Flap:

  1. Continue knitting a rectangle that covers the top of your foot.

  2. The width should be slightly narrower than the sole so it hugs your foot.

  3. You can make it in garter stitch or add a ribbing pattern (K1, P1) for stretch.

Option B – Fitted Top:

  1. Knit fewer stitches than the sole for a snugger fit.

  2. Decrease gradually at edges until it reaches the width of the ball of your foot.


Step 5: Form the Heel

Simple Folded Heel (Beginner-Friendly):

  1. Fold the slipper piece in half so the short ends meet.

  2. Seam the back of the heel using mattress stitch or whip stitch.

  3. This forms a rounded heel.

Alternative: Short-Row Heel (Slightly Advanced):

  • Work partial rows to create a heel cup, similar to sock knitting.


Step 6: Form the Toe

  1. Bring the front edges together.

  2. Seam along the top to close the toe.

  3. For extra comfort, you can round the seam neatly or decrease before closing.


Step 7: Finish the Slippers

  1. Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle.

  2. Optional: Add a cuff or ribbing around the ankle for a snug fit.

  3. Optional: Sew non-slip grips or felt pads on the soles for safety.


Tips for Beginners

  • Use stitch markers to keep track of the edges.

  • Knit loosely so the slippers stretch comfortably over your foot.

  • Practice on a small swatch to check gauge before starting the full slipper.


And there you have it! A simple pair of cozy, hand-knitted slippers.


If you want, I can also create a step-by-step diagram showing the knitting pattern for these slippers, making it even easier for beginners to follow.

Watch video:

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