How to Make Very Simple Knitted Slippers

Here is a clear, detailed, and beginner-friendly tutorial for making very simple knitted slippers. This pattern is worked flat on two needles, uses basic stitches only, and is perfect even if you are new to knitting

How to Make Very Simple Knitted Slippers

A Detailed Step-by-Step Tutorial

Skill Level

Beginner

Finished Size

Adult medium (easy to adjust for any foot size)

Materials Needed

Yarn: Medium-weight yarn (Category 4 / worsted weight)
Choose soft, warm yarn; wool or acrylic blends work well
Knitting needles: Two straight needles, size US 7–8 (4.5–5 mm)
Yarn needle (for sewing seams)
Scissors

Basic Knitting Skills Used

Cast on
Knit stitch (k)
Purl stitch (p)
Knit two together (k2tog – simple decrease)
Bind off
Sewing seams

Knitting Abbreviations

k – knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit two stitches together
st(s) – stitch(es)

Stitch Pattern

Garter Stitch (knit every row)
Does not curl
Easy to count
Perfect for slippers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cast On

Cast on 36 stitches.

Tip: For wider feet, cast on 40 stitches. For smaller feet, cast on 32 stitches.

Step 2: Knit the Sole

Knit every row (garter stitch)
Continue until the piece measures about 9 inches (23 cm) or the length of your foot from heel to toe

This flat rectangle will form the sole of the slipper.

Step 3: Shape the Toe

To shape the front of the slipper:

Knit 2 stitches together at the beginning of the row
Knit until 2 stitches remain, then knit 2 together
Knit the next row normally (no decreases)

Repeat these steps until 20 stitches remain.

Step 4: Knit the Top of the Foot

Knit all rows (garter stitch) for 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm)

This section covers the top of your foot.

Step 5: Shape the Heel

Knit across 10 stitches, then turn
Knit back across these 10 stitches only
Continue knitting back and forth on these stitches for 2 inches (5 cm)

This creates the heel flap.

Step 6: Bind Off

Bind off all stitches loosely.

Cut yarn, leaving a 10–12 inch tail for sewing.

Step 7: Assemble the Slipper

Using a yarn needle:

Fold the piece in half
Sew the toe seam
Sew the heel seam
Turn the slipper right side out

Repeat all steps to make the second slipper.

Optional Finishing Touches

Pick up stitches around the opening and knit K1, P1 ribbing for a snug cuff
Add non-slip fabric dots to the sole
Sew on a button, pom-pom, or small bow

Adjusting the Size

Smaller feet: Cast on fewer stitches and knit a shorter sole
Larger feet: Cast on more stitches and knit a longer sole

Always match the sole length to the foot length for best fit.

Beginner Tips

Use light-colored yarn so you can see stitches clearly
Keep tension even but relaxed
Try the slipper on as you knit
Don’t worry about small mistakes—slippers are forgiving!

Congratulations! You’ve made a pair of very simple, cozy knitted slippers using basic stitches and two needles.

If you’d like, I can:

Create a one-page printable pattern
Adapt this for kids or babies
Show a no-sew version
Add pictures or diagrams

Watch video:

How to Make Very Simple Knitted Slippers