Free Vintage Slippers Knitting Pattern

Easy Vintage Slipper Pattern

We’ve certainly had our share of cold winter weather of late, so what a great excuse to spend a few hours knitting up a pair of cosy slippers for yourself, or a family member, with this super easy knitting pattern.

This beginner friendly vintage slipper pattern was originally published in the 1950s, but still looks fashionable today.

As it is an American pattern, I’ve converted the original yarn type and needle sizes used, into the UK equivalent. 
I've also altered some American terminology and added a few extra instructions where it may be unclear.

Here’s how to make your Retro knitted slippers:

Instructions are for Child's size, changes for Women's and Men's sizes are in brackets

Wool/Yarn used:  Chunky Knit

Size Needles: 8mm (or size to achieve gauge below)

GAUGE: 3 sts = 1 inch

 

To begin:

Cast on 25 (29-35) sts.

Row 1 - wrong side - K 9 (10-12), p 1, k 5 (7-9), p 1, k 9 (10-12) sts.

Row 2 - K all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows until 3½ (4-5) ins. from beg., end on wrong side.

Next row - Cast off 3 (3-4) sts at beg. and end of next row; 19 (23-27) sts. Break off. Turn, join yarn, work even until 5 (6-8) ins. from beg. or 2 (2½-2½) ins. less than desired finished length, allowing the 2 (2½-2½) ins. for toe, end on right side.

TOE - Row 1 - wrong side - K 1, * p 1, k 1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 - P 1, * k 1, p 1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat last 2 rows 0 (1-1) times; repeat row 1 once.

First dec. row - right side - Work 3 (5-7) sts, * slip, k and pass (slipped stitch over), k 1, k 2 tog., work next 3 sts, slip, k and pass, k 1, k 2 tog., work 3 (5-7) sts; 15 (19-23) sts.

Next row - Work 3 (5-7) sts, p 3, work 3, p 3, work 3 (5-7) sts.

2nd dec. row - Work 2 (4-6) sts, k 2 tog., k 1, slip, k and pass, k 1, k 2 tog., k 1, slip, k and pass, work 2 (4-6) sts; 11 (15-19) sts.

Draw end through all sts twice, fasten off securely.

FINISHING - Fold cast-on edge in half and sew edges tog, on wrong side for back of heel, gathering the centre securely.

Sew side edges of ribbing and foot tog. to end.

POM-POMS –

You can use a Pom Pom maker or follower original instructions to make a Pom Pom with cardboard.

Wind yarn 40 times around a 2-in. cardboard, cut at one end, place strands flat on table, cut Art. 028 at one end of card and place strands on top of first color, with separate strand of yarn tie strands tog. securely at centre, leaving an end for sewing. Trim ends. Make 2. Sew on front of slippers as illustrated.

If you have wooden floors or lino, it’s worth noting that knitted slippers really can be a slip/fall hazard.

To avoid this I use Puffy fabric paint, dotted liberally over the outside foot of the slipper. This then alleviates the problem completely.