CraftPals
Slippers
Crocheted Slippers
I did several different ones (from a couple of Leisure Arts
books for slippers).
The most *popular* ones were the ones
I made from granny squares:
1 large granny and, I think, 4
smaller ones for each foot (this is when I got sick of
granny squares :-). The *easiest* ones I did I made up
myself, and you'll have to experiment with different size
hooks and different lengths for different size feet
I worked each slipper lengthwise, starting at *, increasing
on subsequent rows till close to the half-way point, then
levelling off for a few rows, then decreasing till original
length (sides A and B should be the same length because they
will be joined across the top of the foot; size C and D
should be the same length because they are the sides of the
slipper; side E will be folded in half and stitched for the
back of the foot).
To decide how many rows, experiment with your favorite hook
(I like H). [By the way, this is all with regular acrylic
yarn, not baby yarn.] You can whip one slipper out in 1/2
hour (I'm guessing here; I don't really remember) so you can
do lots of mind-changing and tearing back without wasting a
lot of time. Keep trying it up against your own foot and
keeping track (writing down the number of stitches). Once
you've got one that fits YOU, you can extrapolate other
sizes. (I don't exactly remember, but the number 40 rings a
bell with me for the length of the starting chain; I wear a
7 1/2 shoe.)
Now for the stitch: to get the ribbing, stretchiness, and
thickness (cushioning) that you need in a slipper, I used
HDC (half-double-crochet) IN THE BACK LOOPS ONLY of the
preceding row.
The back-loops-only part is
very important! Try it both ways (not in back loops) and
you'll see what a difference it makes.
Finishing: Fold and stitch side E (you probably don't even
have to end off your yarn if you wind up at point +); then
stitch side A to side B.
Decoration, if desired: with contrasting color, do a row of
SC (single crochet) around the top, then for the next row do
a scalloped stitch (if memory serves, 1 sc in next stitch, 6
dc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch, 6 dc in next stitch,
etc) to make a ruffle. You can put a tassel or other
decoration on the toe, if desired also.
You will be amazed how fast these slippers go once you get
rolling.