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)
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Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in next 10 sc; on Foundation Round sts sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, turn. (13 sts)
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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
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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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Carol says
Your website is very slow and the last video was not coming up on at all. Very slow and can't load up the video and then play it completely all at once. Very frustrating. I also had problems trying to buy your pattern and each field wouldn't let me finish typing in my need info. Tried to type passwords and it wouldn't go to the next field. ?????????
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Carol,
I'm sorry you had trouble purchasing the pattern. Did it end up working out? Those fields you're mentioning are not actually on my site, they're on LoveCrochet.com, which is what I use to sell my patterns. I will look into if other people are having that issue.
As for the last video, I will check into what might be happening there. I definitely want you to be able to load all the videos!
Jess
Jan paxton says
I made these boots and I started my decreases earlier so fits closer to my foot. I wear 11 , bought 10flipflop. I left the straps on just slip your foot in no problem. Also added a loopy stitch last couple of rows for top to add fluff. Have another pair started and I'm going to put eyelash in top part with yarn. Thanks for the pattern. Jan
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Awesome! Thanks so much for letting others know what worked for you. I hope your toes enjoy your new boots! 🙂
alex says
Sooo... I made the right boot, but it was to fat, so I took it apart and am starting again, and trying to narrow more, (I have skinny but long feet) However the videos on the site I can't get to work. I paid the 2.50 and have the printed version, but videos help me understand a lot more
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Alex,
Thank you so much for letting me know about the video issue. I just checked and am seeing the same problem. I'm quite frustrated and I imagine you are too. I’ve sent an urgent message to the company that hosts my videos to find out what is going on. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience! I hope to get this sorted out asap!
In the mean time, I'd suggest starting the single crochet decreases a little earlier in the pattern so that the boot hugs your foot better. You might also try a slightly smaller hook if you have one.
Jess
Heidi Kreider says
Hi Jess! My daughter loves these and I'm in the process of making them for her. I bought the pattern, and you're right, it's so easy to follow. I watched the videos a couple of days ago to get the gist of it but now I can get the videos to play, just the ad at the beginning. Do you have any idea why?
Thanks so much!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks for your purchase, Heidi!
Thank you so much for letting me know about the video issue. I just checked and am seeing the same problem. I’m quite frustrated and I imagine you are too. I’ve sent an urgent message to the company that hosts my videos to find out what is going on. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience! I hope to get this sorted out asap!
Delanie says
Hi, these are so cute! I'm so excited to make a pair or two! I know that you've spent a lot of time working on the logistics of the pattern. I noticed in the pictures that there's a bit of excess fabric on the sides of each foot closest to the flip flop. Would it be possible to increase the distance between the holes to have them fitted more closely to my foot?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Delanie,
That's a great question. I think that extra fabric is partly due to just the natural slouching that happens because the fabric isn't entirely stiff. I think that to avoid it, you might want to try doing more decreases overall so that it fits even closer to your foot. So, either start the decreases on the toe earlier or maybe once you do start decreasing, do an additional decrease on either side, more toward your arch and outer foot for a few rows (in addition to the other decs the pattern calls for) in order to just tighten up that section. I'd love to know what you come up with and if it works out!
Jess
Amber Mandler says
I was wondering if when you start each new row is the first single crochet in the slip stitch of the last row? I have been trying this for the last few days and its just not turning out.
Thanks in advance
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Amber,
Which section of the boot are you talking about? I'm not exactly sure where the slip stitches are that you're referencing. Let me know and I'd be happy to help you out!
Jess
Shannon says
I am wondering the thing. It's in the back of the boot . After the hdc, DC and slip such the row together. The next rows call for the SS and chain one and then sc. Is the SC supposed to go in the SS or the next space? Either way I do it, the back looks a little funny.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Shannon,
I'm wondering which row you're referring to when you say, "The next rows call for the SS and chain one and then sc." I'm a little confused.
After the hdc, dc and ss, you should begin the next row by sc into the same stitch you sl st into. So you're working into the first stitch of the round.)
Hope that is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarification. And I will say, my boots have a small imperfection in that spot just because of how they have to be joined in the back. It's not noticeable once you crochet a few more rounds, but it may just not be quite as smooth as we'd wish because there is a half more round on one side of the boot than the other.
Gail Thurman says
These look really fun! I'm a knitter, but know a little about crochet... and now want to try these! Thank you for sharing your creative ideas!
MiQuelle Meshishnek says
Jess,
I love these!! I can't wait to make them for my girls and I. Quick question....are the flip flops you bought grey or black?
Also just an FYI Target online has their flip flops on clearance right now for $2.38.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Wow! That's an awesome deal at Target. I just found some at Old Navy on Black Friday for $2 as well. I'm glad we can still get flip flips in the winter!
My soles are grey. I got them at Walmart for 98 cents this summer. 🙂
Bobbi says
Jess, can I substitute cascade eco wool bulky worsted for the Lion thick and quick?
Christie Berg says
Really cute idea. Thanks for sharing.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
You're welcome, Christie! I hope you enjoy the pattern!
E.L. says
Thank you, these are great! Where do you find the 110 yards per skein of the Wool Ease Thick and Quick called for in the pattern? It's just that I've only been able to find that in 106 yards per skein.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey E.L.
It's the same! I think there might have just been some discrepancy between different listings online of how much the skein has in it, but we're talking about the same thing. 🙂
Kelsey says
This seems to be a very easy pattern. I am a self taught crocheter and a knitter. I was wondering, my sister loves to go to football games. I am in the process of making her a crochet Bengals blanket for her to keep warm. She found this pattern and asked me to make her some. Instead of using one color do you think its possible to use maybe two colors? Like get a black flip flop and use black wool for the foot, a orange at the beginning of the ankle and black at the top. so she could wear them with her blanket when she goes to the Bengals game? just thought to make them more personal for her that it would be a nice gift to go along with her blanket. Have you tried using two different colors or do you think it would look to busy?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Kelsey,
What an awesome gift! I would love to receive a football afghan (in Broncos colors for me! 😉 I think you could totally use two colors for the boots. Maybe one color for the bottom half and then another for the section called "ankle". Also, it might be cute to use orange flip flops and then entirely black yarn for the boot. It could be Bengals inspired, but not run the risk of being too busy? I'd love to see a pic of whatever you try if you'd like to share one!
Jess
Jennifer England says
Hi Jess. I did make this in two colors. I have a lavender flip flop and used purple veriegated yarn for the foot and gray for the boot. Funny thing is I somehow got turned around on the boot and my flap is backwards. It's OK though they are still neat looking. Just a tad different with the colors. I will find someone to love them if not me! How do I send a pic of these to you? Oh I found really sturdy flip flops at Hobby Lobby for $1.99. I bought several. I have already made several of the flip flop shoes. I also use a hole punch tool to make the holes. The one I have makes several sizes and I use the smallest. Works great. Thanks for your site and your pattern ideas.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks for the tip about Hobby Lobby! It's great to know where to buy flip flops this time of year. I'd love to see a pic of your "backwards" flaps. You could email it to me at jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com or tag me on Instagram (@makeanddocrew).
Thanks for the note!
Jess