Knitted Slippers Made by Granny

 

This pattern, or some variation thereof, has been around forever.  The knitting is simple.  It is knit flat and the shaping is done as it is sewn up. This is my family's version.  They look cute trimmed with pom poms or a twisted cord bow.  ( I have not trimmed this pair for reasons which I will reveal at the end of the pattern).

These slippers are made to fit a five-year-old. For this pattern I used a skein of Paton's Shetland Chunky and size 8 needles.

This slipper is knit using two strands of the chunky yarn knit together.  Using a long-tail method, cast on 30 stitches.  The remainder of the tail will be used to sew up the heel.

Row 1: Knit 10 stitches, purl 1, knit 8, purl 1, knit 10

Row 2: Knit across

Repeat these two rows 11 times.  You should have 12 garter stitch ridges. 

 

With right side facing (you will know it is the right side because of the two stockinette stitches) begin the ribbbing section.  Purl 2, knit 2 across row ending with purl 2.  You will notice that the two aforementioned stockinette stitches "flow" into knit 2 ribs).  Continue the ribbing for 18 rows. 

 

This is how the slipper should look at this point when the work is laid flat.

With right side facing, purl 2 together, knit 2 together across the row.  Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.

  Using a needle suitable for the doubled yarn, run the yarn tail through the remaining 15 stitches, beginning with the first stitch on the needle.  Draw this tight and secure with a knot.  This creates the toe of the slipper.

 

Use the tail to sew the seam along the ribbing on the top of the foot.  Using a ladder stitch and working from the right side of the mitten results in a seam that is nearly invisible.  When you reach the garter stitch section, knot the yarn and run the needle on the wrong side of the slipper to conceal the end of the yarn.  Cut the yarn.

Using the tail left over from casting on, sew the heel with a whipstitch.  When you reach the stockinette stitches, secure the seam with a knot. 

Using the sewing needle, pick up the 8 cast on stitches between the stockinette stitches.  ( Only 4 stitches are pictured here)

Gather these heel stitches and secure with a knot.  Pull tightly to form a nice heel.

N.B.: As it happens, this granny has gone a little soft in the head.  I knitted one of the sample slippers with size 8 needles and the other one with size 10 needles.  I need to knit another mis-matched pair. If the yarn holds out, I'll trim them with the pom poms or twisted cord I mentioned earlier.  The size difference in needles resulted in about an inch difference in length.  And, continuing in the spirit of full disclosure, for the picture, I stuffed the toes with tissue paper.

Comments

[Sondra]

Yeah!! You finished them!!! They turned out great and not nearly as giant as I'd expected!

Don't you just love that wagon? I scooped it up last year at the Clarence Flea Market. Fun, fun, fun!!

[Maureen]

Those slippers looks so cozy!

[jan]

My grandmother made us those same slippers. Then she taught me how to knit and I made them. I still have a pair she knitted me. She used to take a contrasting color and somehow put a loopy fringe around the top. Sometimes she would attach a sole to the bottom so that they would last longer.

Thanks for bringing back those memories.

[angela aiello]

HI there,
THanks so much for all the above information. Do you mind if i use you picture on my blog?

Cheers,
Angela
www.angeswineblog.blogspot.com

[puma speed cat]

Great write up. It is indeed the chance encounters with friends that can be really enjoyable.