Here is a pattern for a simple knitted slipper-sneaker style shoe. It’s designed to be relatively easy for those new to knitting shoes.
Easy Knitted Slipper Sneaker Pattern
This pattern creates a comfortable, sneaker-style slipper using basic knitting techniques.
Skill Level: Easy
Size: Women’s Medium (approx. US size 7-8 / 9-9.5 inches sole length)
Note: To adjust the size, you will need to change the number of stitches cast on for the sole and potentially the number of rows worked in different sections. Adjusting gauge may also be necessary.
Materials:
- Approximately 150-200 yards of Worsted weight yarn. A wool or wool blend is good for durability and warmth.
- Knitting needles appropriate for your yarn and gauge (typically US Size 7 or 8 / 4.5mm or 5.0mm). Use either straight needles (if working flat sections) and double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles (if working in the round). For simplicity, this pattern is written mostly for working flat and then seaming.
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, for marking decreases)
Gauge:
16 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch (every row knitted)
Please check your gauge! Knitting tension varies, and gauge is crucial for sizing.
Abbreviations:
- CO: Cast on
- BO: Bind off
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- R: Row
- Inc: Increase (knit into the front and back of the stitch – kfb)
- Dec: Decrease (knit two stitches together – k2tog)
- WS: Wrong Side
- RS: Right Side
- rep: repeat
Pattern Instructions:
Make 2 (for a pair)
Part 1: The Sole (Worked Flat)
We will knit the sole first, starting at the heel and increasing towards the toe. The sole is worked in garter stitch (knit every row) for simplicity and structure.
CO 6 stitches.
R 1 (RS): K all sts. R 2 (WS): K all sts. R 3 (RS): K1, Inc, K to last 2 sts, Inc, K1. (2 sts increased) R 4 (WS): K all sts.
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you have 12 stitches on your needle.
Continue knitting every row in garter stitch (K all sts on both RS and WS) until the sole measures approximately 7 inches (17.5 cm) from the cast-on edge. This forms the main part of the sole.
Now we will shape the toe by decreasing.
Next R (RS): K1, Dec, K to last 3 sts, Dec, K1. (2 sts decreased) Next R (WS): K all sts.
Repeat the last two rows until you have 6 stitches remaining.
BO all 6 stitches.
You have completed the sole. Weave in the cast-on and bind-off tails.
Part 2: The Upper (Worked Flat and Seamed)
We will now knit the upper part of the shoe. This section will be worked flat and then seamed to the sole and the back of the upper.
CO 20 stitches.
Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS rows, Purl WS rows) for 4 rows.
Now we will create the opening for the instep/laces (faux).
Next R (RS): K5, BO 10 sts, K to end of R. (10 sts remain on needle) Next R (WS): Purl the 5 sts. CO 10 sts onto the right needle. Purl the remaining 5 sts on the left needle. (20 sts total)
Continue in Stockinette Stitch for 8 more rows.
Now we will shape the front/toe area slightly.
Next R (RS): K1, Dec, K to last 3 sts, Dec, K1. (18 sts) Next R (WS): P all sts.
Repeat the last two rows until you have 12 stitches remaining.
Continue in Stockinette Stitch for 4 more rows.
BO all 12 stitches.
You have completed the upper piece. FO, leaving a long tail (about 20 inches) for seaming.
Video tutorial
Part 3: Assembly
- Lay the sole flat.
- Lay the upper piece flat.
- Using the long tail from the upper piece and a tapestry needle, sew the short bind-off edge of the upper piece together to form a seam. This will be the back/heel seam of the upper.
- Now you have a loop for the upper. Align the back seam of the upper with the center back of the sole (where you cast on the sole stitches).
- Using the same tail, begin sewing the upper piece to the sole. Work your way around the entire edge of the sole, attaching the upper piece. Aim for about 1 stitch of the upper for each “ridge” or row end of the garter stitch sole. Ensure the seam is neat on the outside. Stop when you have sewn the entire upper edge to the sole.
- Weave in any remaining ends securely on the inside of the shoe.
Repeat all steps for the second shoe.
Finishing:
- Weave in all remaining loose ends.
- (Optional) You can thread a yarn or ribbon “lace” through the eyelet row you created in the upper part of the pattern for a decorative touch.
