You’ll be a DIY goddess of cozy with these crochet boots with flip flops for soles! They make excellent slippers or UGG-like sweater boots to wear around town. As always, you’ll find the free crochet pattern and video tutorial below or you can purchase a convenient ad-free, printable PDF.
This crochet sweater boot pattern is a collaboration with my friends at Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.
I went to college at the University of Colorado in Boulder. It’s pretty much everything you might imagine. Incredible views. Hippie kids. Yuppie kids. And kids (a lot of them) who literally wore flip flops all year round. Yes, in the snow. Yes, when it was three degrees. Blame it on the snowboard culture, or the need to rebel, or sheer stupidity.
Well, today I offer a little more practical alternative to the students of CU Boulder and everyone else who loves to wear flip flops. Crochet boots with flip flops as soles! I knew the cozy factor would be high on these when I started designing them, but honestly, wearing them is like a yarn dream come true. They combine the freedom of flip flops with the snuggle of chunky yarn. Winning!
If you’ve been following along here for a while, first of all, thank you, and secondly, you know I have been having so much fun designing crochet patterns that use flip flops. If you love the idea of crocheting your own shoes as much as I do, you’re definitely going to want to check out these other free crochet flip flop patterns:
Find Your Next Crochet Pattern on Flip Flop Soles
Crocheting on flip flops can fast track your feet straight to comfort-ville. Flip flops offer functional, non-slip soles for your crochet slippers. They also allow you to crochet shoes customized for your particular feet.
See more free crochet flip flops patterns →
I’m thrilled to be adding these crochet boots with flip flops to the mix because not only do they look like crochet UGG boots you’d buy in a store, they also will work as legit shoes for the winter. (And if you like the look of UGGs, be sure to check out my free Breckenridge Boot flip flop patten as well.) Some creative readers came up with the idea to glue the round “plug” from the flip flop straps back into the sole, which ensures that your flip flop sole will function pretty much like any other knit boot sole would.
Whether you wear them outside as boots or inside as slippers, you’re going to have some incredibly warm, stylish and happy toes.
UPDATE: Many readers have asked how these crochet boots with flip flop soles hold up over time. I’ve answered that question (with photos!) and many more in my FAQs about crocheting on flip flops.
NEW! So if you’ve made any of my past flip flop crochet patterns, you know that the distance between the holes you poke in the sole has a big impact on how the gauge of your shoe turns out. That is why I’m really excited to share that the inexpensive, printable PDF of this pattern now contains a “ruler” to guide your hole poking. The ruler helps ensure you have the perfect number of holes to achieve the gauge regardless of what size flip flop you use.
Please find the video tutorial and free written pattern below. Even if you prefer to learn by video, you’ll want to have the written pattern handy because the right and left ankle sections vary slightly. If you prefer crocheting on the go (or on the couch!), you can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF of the pattern. It’s great for mobile and tablet viewing too.
“Cabin Boots” – Free Crochet Pattern using Flip Flops
Sizes: Adult women’s 7 and up
Supplies:
So you can spend more time making boots and less time shopping, this pattern contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick – 2 skeins (220 yards total) – color: Grey Marble (MC)
• Approx. 10 yards of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Yarn or other worsted weight yarn in color to match flip flops (SC)
• Tapestry needle
• Size B [2.25 mm] crochet hook or size needed to fit through flip flop holes
• Size K [6.5 mm] crochet hook (I really like this affordable set!)
• Size L [8 mm] crochet hook
• 1 pair of flip flops (One size smaller than you wear normally. See pattern notes.)
• Sharp tool to poke holes in flip flops (skewer, thin drill bit or tapestry needle)
• ¾ inch (19mm) buttons (6)
• Sewing needle and thread
• Stitch markers
• Sharp scissors
• Strong glue like E6000 (optional)
• Measuring tape or “ruler” from printable pattern
Gauge:
• 6 holes per 2 inches on flip flop sole
• Boot Base: 6 sc = 2 inches, 6 rows = 2 inches
Gauge will vary a bit based on distance between poked holes on flip flop sole. Use the “ruler” in printable pattern if you want to ensure gauge.
Abbreviations and Glossary:
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stich
hdc – half double crochet
scblo – single crochet back loop only
MC – main color
SC – sole color
dc – double crochet
ch – chain
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
Sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)– [Insert hook into next st and pull up a loop] two times, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Overall Pattern Notes:
- Transforming flip flops into slippers isn’t an exact science! Unlike other crochet patterns, these slippers have some variables, most significant of which is the size of flip flops used and the number of holes poked. Use the “ruler” that’s available in the printable pattern if you’re struggling with hole spacing.
- The flip flops pictured are a women’s size 7-8 and they have 64 holes poked on each sole. To make shoes with bigger or smaller flip flops, just adjust the number of holes, poking them slightly further apart than every ⅓ inch.
- Find inexpensive flip flops on Amazon or at Walmart. Dollar Tree’s $1 flip flops tend to be a bit too flimsy, but can work if you are careful.
- Pattern explains locations on the flip flop as if it’s a clock where the top of the toe is midnight and the heel is 6:00.
Boot Base (Right and Left Foot)
Notes;
• The base of the boot pattern is crocheted tightly, similar to amigurumi. Make a deliberate effort to keep your stitches tighter than you might usually. Check your gauge if you’re unsure.
• If at any point your boots are feeling too roomy, watch part 3 of the video tutorial for suggestions on how to make them better fit your foot.
To begin:
Trim straps off flip flops. Save the rubber plugs that connect the straps to the flip flop soles. Print “ruler” on page 8 of the printable pattern and trim, tape pieces together and tape ruler around flip flop sole. With your sharp instrument, poke holes in each dot on the ruler. OR using your measuring tape, poke holes slightly less than 1 cm apart. You want the hole to go at an angle from about the middle of the way down the sole to about ¼ inch into the top of the sole. (Reference Part 1 of the video tutorial for help or see photo toward the bottom of this boat shoes pattern.)
Using smallest hook (B), attach SC yarn at the back of the heel by inserting your hook from the top of the flip flop toward the bottom of the sole, grabbing the yarn and pulling through to the top. Ch 1 through the loop you’ve created to attach the yarn to the flip flop. (See video Part 1 or photos in this boat shoe pattern for help.)
SC Round: Using Size B hook and SC, sc in each hole around sole, join with a sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Using size medium-sized (K) hook and MC, join to previous round with a slip stitch at position 11:00 if you’re right handed and position1:00 if you’re left handed.
Foundation Round: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st to first sc. Do not turn.
Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in next 10 sc, turn. (10 sts)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in next 10 sc; on Foundation Round sts sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, turn. (13 sts)
Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in next 13 sc; on Foundation Round sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, turn. (16 sts)
Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, sc in next 16 sc; sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc, turn. (20 sts)
Row 5 (RS): Ch 1, sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog (place marker in created stitch), sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog (place marker in created st), sc next 5 sc; sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc, turn. (22 sts)
Row 6 (WS): Ch 1, [sc in each sc to 1 st before marked st, sc2tog (place marker in created stitch)] twice, sc in each sc to end of Row 5; sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc, turn. (26 sts)
Row 7 (RS): Ch 1, [sc in each sc to 1 st before marked st , sc2tog (remove marker)] twice, sc in each sc to end of Row 6, sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc, turn. (30 sts)
Place marker at position 6:00 at back of heel.
Row 8 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each sc of Row 7; sc2tog, sc in each sc to marked st, turn.
Round 9 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each sc of Row 8; sc2tog, sc in each sc to 1 st before marked st, hdc in next sc, dc in marked st, sl st in last st of Row 8 to join. Do not turn.
Sizes 8 and larger:
Round 10 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to join.
Sizes 10 and larger:
Repeat Round 10.
Place markers at positions 10:00 and 2:00, with 8 stitches between them. The following rounds are worked without turning.
Rounds 11 – 17 (RS): Ch 1, [sc in each sc to marked st, sc2tog (place marker in created st)] twice, sc in each sc to end of round, sl st to join. (2 sts decreased each round)
Sizes 8 and larger:
Round 18 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to join.
Left Boot Ankle
Place marker at position 8:00. Use largest hook (L).
Row 19 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each sc to marked st, turn. (This row is intentionally very short.)
Row 20 (WS): Ch 1, scblo in each sc to marked st, (remove marker), ch 8, turn.
Row 21 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in next 6 ch, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Row 22 (WS): Ch 1, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Row 23 (RS, Buttonhole Row): Ch 1, scblo in next 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Row 24 (WS): Ch 1, scblo in each st across, turn.
Rows 25-26: Ch 1, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Rows 27-34: Repeat Rows 23-26 two times. (3 total buttonholes created)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Right Boot Ankle
Place marker at position 4:00. Use largest hook (L).
Row 19 (RS): Sc in each sc to marked st, ch 8, turn.
Row 20 (WS): Sc in second ch from hook and in next 6 ch, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Row 21(RS): Ch 1, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Row 22 (WS): Repeat Row 21.
Row 23 (RS, Buttonhole Row): Ch 1, scblo in each sc to last 3 sts, ch 1, sk 1 st, scblo in next 2 sc, turn.
Row 24 (WS): Ch 1, scblo in each st across, turn.
Rows 25-26: Ch 1, scblo in each sc across, turn.
Row 27-34: Repeat Rows 23-26 two times.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing
Attaching Buttons: Sew on buttons, ensuring ridges in ankle section appear lined up when boots are buttoned.
Plugging Flip Flop Holes: If you’d plan to wear your boots outside, consider gluing the small rubber circles that connected your flip flop straps to the sole back into their original holes.
Fancy Feet: Tap those cozy toes together because you just crocheted your own sweater boots!
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting boots patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
More Free Crochet Patterns Using Flip Flop Soles
- FAQS: How to Crochet on Flip Flops – and will they fall apart?
- Lightweight Crochet Slippers with Flip Flop Soles
- Free Crochet Ugg Boot Pattern
- Crochet Espadrilles Pattern
- Crochet Slip On Shoes Pattern
- Crochet Mukluk Slipper Pattern
- Crochet Slipper Boots Pattern
- Crochet Summer Slippers with Flip Flop Soles
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Vincent West says
What a neat idea! Who would’ve thought those cheap flip flops at Walmart could actually be put to some sort of good use?
There’s no way I could ever make these myself, but it’s cool just to see that it can be done.
Amber says
First off I want to thank you for making the video tutorials to go along with the pattern, that has helped me so much. Sometimes just seeing someone else do it really helps get past that mental block I develop all too often. I am struggling with the toe part of the boot, it is coming out really poofy, not at all flat like yours does and that you describe that it should. I have taken the stitches out, used a smaller hook and even decreased more times than you recommend and the result is the same. I have measured everything and my gauges are right, I am confused and frustrated. I really want to make these for my daughter – but continue to fail. Any suggestions?
Amber says
Thank you for the super quick response! Can I use this pattern for the foot part of the boot then switch over to the Cabin Boot Pattern? If so where would I switch over?
Amber says
I think I may have found the problem as I tried the other pattern that you referred to and the same thing is happening. I am using a pair of size 5 womens flip flops and the toe is HUGE and shaped like a bubble instead of flat and tapered like what your pictures and videos show. Could it be the size of flip flop that is causing this issue? Do I need to add more decreases? I am sorry to be a pest, I really want to make these but they are frustrating me and I don’t want to give up. It seems a couple of the other ladies were having the same problem.
Gwynn Bedford says
Hi I hate to say this since lots of others are having such fun with their boots. I tried and tried to decipher the instructions but nothing worked. I tried for 2 weeks to make a pair for my daughter and it just didn’t work out. Finally I asked a friend if she’d help me and she did but they turned out way too Big. Now it’s almost Christmas and I don’t have the gift for my daughter finished. Will you please rewrite the instructions for me to see if that helps? Several friends tried to help but could not understand the way it was written. Thanks for the help and I hope you can reply soon so that they may be finished while it’s still chilly outside. Or you could send me a finished pair which would be a size 91/2. For all this despair maybe you’ll send them free. my name is Gwynn Bedford, 956 Cty Rd 3, RR! Belleville, On. K8N4Z1.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Gwynn,
I’m so sorry to hear your boots didn’t turn out the way you hoped. Is there a specific section of the pattern you’d like to ask a question about or offer feedback on? I spend a lot of time on the video tutorials in hopes that they will be helpful to the most number of people, but I’m open to your feedback about what didn’t work for you. (I wish we could just sit on the couch and I could show you step-by-step, but vid tutorials are the next best thing in this day in age. 🙂 )
Jess
Tabitha says
Have you ever crocheted a lining into the boots?
M.K. says
So wonderful to see someone who went to CU! I’m here for grad school and can vouch for the year-round sandals. 😉
Can’t wait to wear these around campus!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hahaha! I’m glad you totally get it. This year has been warm enough for even the sane people to wear flip flops, but I think these boots are way comfier!
Go buffs!
Jess
vicki says
Oh, My!!!! I just discovered your blog! Dang! Love , love, love!!! Can’t wait to read more!
Take care
Vicki
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Vicki!
Welcome! I’m so happy you’re here. 🙂
Jess
Gaby Hart says
Hello! I just found and watched your cabin boot tutorials. Your video instructions are so clear and easy to follow, you definitely have a wonderful way of explaining everything. I can’t wait to get started! I’m sure ill be able to get my first pair done without difficulty. I will let you know how it goes. I am your newest fan! Thank you. Gaby
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thank you so much, Gaby. I’m happy to have you here!
Jess
Darcie says
Hi Jess and Thanks for making this pattern available for such a reasonable cost AND for the video to help me follow along.
Ive had the yarn for a couple of weeks now. Im so afraid that I’ll go to all of this work and the stitches will just rip out of the flip flop! Is that an issue?
I want to make these for my family for Christmas and have GOT to get going on these. Ugh Im such a worry bug!
Monique says
Hello Jess!! I love your work, but I have one question. Does it matter the type of yarn you use? Does it have to be chunky yarn or any size yarn will do? Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thank you! It def matters what type of yarn you use because the yarn thickness will influence the gauge (the tightness of the stitches). If you don’t have access to the Wool-Ease Thick and Quick I used for the pattern, you could search YarnSub.com for a suitable replacement that is the same weight. 🙂
Jess