Making your own slippers is a great way to personalize a casual look and get a custom fit. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can use this free printable slipper pattern to make yourself some cozy ballet-style house shoes.
How to Make the Slippers
This slipper pattern fits women with shoes sizes 6-8. You don't need a lot of previous sewing experience to create this design, but it is helpful if you're already familiar with the basics. Expect to spend about two hours making your slippers.
Things You'll Need
- Downloadable pattern
- Printer
- 1/3 yard fabric for slipper exterior
- 1/3 yard fabric for slipper interior
- 1 and 1/2 yards of half-inch wide ribbon
- 1/4 yard of fusible interfacing
- Sewing machine and matching thread
- Sharp scissors
- Pins
- Iron
What to Do
- Begin by downloading the free pattern. Simply click on the image of the pattern and save it to your computer. Then print the file.
- Cut out the pattern pieces and use them to cut out your fabric pieces, as indicated on the pattern.
- If you'll be using interfacing to give your slipper sole a little extra body, fuse it to the interior slipper sole pieces at this time. Use the manufacturer's instructions for your brand of interfacing.
- Fold each slipper ribbon loop in half lengthwise and sew a seam 1/4 inch from the edge along the long side. Turn each piece right side out and press with the seam in the back. Set these aside.
- Place one slipper sole interior right side up on your work surface. Position the slipper body piece with the fabric fold at the toe of the slipper sole piece. Pin it in place, working from the toe toward the heel. Sew it using a 1/4 inch seam allowance and repeat with the other slipper interior.
- Repeat step five with the slipper exteriors. You'll now have four slipper sections in progress, not including the ribbon loops from step three.
- Sew up the back of each slipper piece.
- As marked on the pattern, sew an angled dart on each side of each slipper toe. This will shape the fabric to fit your foot. At this point, try on one of the slippers and adjust the fit as needed.
- Carefully clip the curves of each slipper in the seam allowance. Be careful not to clip through your stitching.
- Turn the two slipper exteriors right side out. Press as needed to give them the appropriate shape. Carefully slip the interiors into each one.
- Fold the raw edges into the space between the interior and exterior, using pins to hold them in place. You'll want to fold them over by about 1/4 inch. Carefully fold the ribbon loop in half and pin it in place at the heel.
- Top stitch 1/8 inch from the edge all the way around both slippers. Remove the pins.
- Cut the ribbon in half to get two 3/4-yard pieces. Trim the ends at an angle and thread each ribbon through the loop at the slipper's heel. Your slippers are done.
Helpful Tips
Keep these tips in mind as you sew your slippers:
- Try the slippers on as you work so you can account for any variations in the size and shape of your foot.
- Use a cozy fabric, such as cotton flannel, to line the slippers and a coordinating pretty fabric for the exterior.
- Consider a non-slip material for the sole, such as textured vinyl or thin suede.
- Add bows, flowers, or beads to the toes of the slippers to give them some additional personal style.
More Free Slipper Patterns
You can also find other great slipper patterns online. Try one of these free options:
- Cozy Slippers from AllFreeSewing - These easy-to-sew slippers feature pointy toes and open backs. You can make them out of fleece fabric to keep your feet warm this winter.
- Recycled Felt Slippers from SewGreen - This pattern is easy to use if you're a beginner. It shows you how to make a pair of very simple slippers from recycled felt fabric.
- Slipper Pattern from Sew-ing.com - Although the translation of this pattern is a little awkward, the design is adorable and simple. These slippers are lined with cozy fur.
- Slipper Tutorial from Sew Can Do - This tutorial shows you how to make your own custom pattern to create basic slippers in any size.
Create the Slippers of Your Dreams
When you make your own slippers, you don't have to be limited by the styles available in the store. You can create a pair to match any bathrobe or pajamas, and you can use fun and funky fabrics from your stash. Personalize your design to create the slippers of your dreams.
