Knitting cozy felted loafer slippers is a satisfying project that yields a warm and comfortable pair of shoes perfect for chilly days. This knitting pattern is ideal for knitters with intermediate skills looking to create a practical and stylish item. If you’re looking for additional cozy projects to enhance your winter wardrobe, you might enjoy this cozy oatmeal shoulder warmer knitting pattern.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project requires familiarity with knitting techniques including increasing, decreasing, and basic seaming.
Materials
- Yarn: 260–320 yd bulky 100% non-superwash wool (oatmeal), 25–35 yd espresso wool for trim
- Needles: US 10 / 6.0 mm straight or circular needles
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Optional: nonslip sole dots
Abbreviations — US Terms
- K – knit
- P – purl
- M1 – make one
- SSK – slip, slip, knit
- K2tog – knit two together
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Special Stitches
M1 (Make One)
To make one stitch, lift the yarn between the two stitches on your left needle and knit into the front of it.
SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit)
Slip the next two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then insert the left needle into the front of these two stitches and knit them together.
K2tog (Knit Two Together)
Knit two stitches together as if they were one.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will help ensure your slippers fit well.
Finished Size
Approximately size small to medium. If you wish to customize the size, adjust the number of stitches cast on accordingly, ensuring it remains an even number for the toe shaping section.
Pattern Notes
- The project consists of two main sections: the sole and the upper of the slipper.
- Work all rows on the right side (RS) and left side (WS) as indicated.
- You may want to place stitch markers to help identify the beginning of rows or key points in your knitting.
Crochet Instructions
Sole — Make 2
Row 1
- Cast on 12 stitches using the oatmeal yarn.
- Knit 1 row.
Increase Row
- Row 2 (RS): K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, K1.
- Total Stitches: 14
- Repeat this Increase Row every right side row until you have 22 stitches.
Garter Stitch Rows
- Work garter stitch (knit every row) evenly for 34 rows.
Decrease Row
- Row 35 (RS): K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
- Total Stitches: 20
- Repeat this Decrease Row until you have 12 stitches left.
Bind Off
- Bind off all stitches loosely.
Upper – Make 2
Row 1
- Cast on 40 stitches in the oatmeal yarn.
- Work 6 rows in garter stitch for back/side stability.
Stockinette Stitch
- Continue in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next) until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge.
Toe Shaping
-
Next RS row: K2, *K2tog, K6; repeat from * across the row.
- Total Stitches: 34
-
Purl the next WS row.
-
Repeat the decrease rows every other RS row until you have 24 stitches remaining.
-
Work 2 rows evenly, then bind off loosely.
Assembly
- Center the shaped upper over the front half of the sole. Pin in place.
- Seam the upper to the sole using either mattress stitch or whip stitch.
- Sew the heel seam closed, leaving a low loafer-style opening.
Trim
- With the espresso yarn facing the right side, pick up stitches around the opening.
- Knit 2 garter rounds, then bind off firmly.
Felting
- Wash the slippers in hot water with agitation, checking every few minutes.
- Stop—once the stitches blur, and the slippers are slightly smaller than desired.
- Rinse, press out water without wringing, and shape to the final size.
- Air-dry completely. Add optional nonslip dots to dry soles for added safety.
For knitters looking to explore more patterns or complementary projects, consider trying the two-needle cozy baby socks knitting pattern for a delightful addition to your knitting repertoire.
Tips for the Best Result
- Use stitch markers to keep track of your increases and decreases.
- Keep the tension consistent to ensure a snug fit.
- When felting, inspect the slippers frequently to avoid over-felting.
Common Mistakes
Uneven Slippers
Make sure you are consistently using the same tension throughout both pieces. If you find one slipper is larger than the other, check your rows for discrepancies.
Difficult Increases and Decreases
If your increases or decreases are difficult to see or feel awkward, take time to practice the M1, SSK, and K2tog stitches separately.
Finishing
In addition to binding off, make sure to weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle and block the slippers if needed to help shape them according to your preference.
Care
As they are made from felted wool, it’s best to hand wash your slippers in warm water and lay flat to dry to maintain their shape and cozy quality.
With these clear instructions, you should be able to create a beautiful pair of cozy felted loafer slippers that will keep your feet warm and stylish for years to come. Happy knitting!
