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?
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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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Sara says
Hello. Do you start your crocheting in the same stitch as the chain one or do you go into the next? Thanks!
B Carroll says
Hi there!
It's been ages since I've crocheted anything more complicated than a scarf or baby blanket. I saw your boots on my Facebook page and I KNEW I had to try them. I purchased the pattern to be sure that I would space the holes properly. The modest price was worth every penny because I felt confident with knowing I had the soles properly spaced.
Your videos are a great complement to the printed pattern. I'm one of those folks who do well with visual cues.
One thing I'm wondering about: I am left handed which is why I rarely try to follow a pattern. Most of the time I get so confused because I have to reverse the directions, etc. It really does help to have the visuals. Anyway, I watch your video and follow the instructions and I find that I am ending up working the stitches from the interior of the shoe instead of from the outside of the shoe. That has made it a bit more difficult to create a smooth, non-bulky toe especially. I don't mind ripping the stitches out and starting over because the yarn is thick and goes quickly.
Do you think that it is looking less "finished" because I am working from the interior rather than the outside?
Thanks again for such great instructions.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey!
Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
I do think that working them from the inside will make a difference in how the "fabric" looks. If you start over, I think you should be able to work on the outside of the sole by simply joining the yarn and then heading left. This will mean that the video will look sort of backwards to you, but I'm wondering if you will still be able to follow it since now you've practiced the basic techniques.
Lmk if I can be of more help! I don't want lefties to be left out of the making! 🙂
Jess
Debbie says
I can't find the download for the slippers I purchased. It brings up the hat that I didn't buy
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. How weird. Is that happening via a link from LoveCrochet.com? (That's the site I use to sell my patterns.) I haven't heard of anyone else having this issue. If you can let me know exactly where you're running into the issue, I can def help you trouble shoot. (Also, if you send me an email at jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com, I can make sure you get the pattern directly.)
Alisha says
If you had to rate this crochet pattern on a scale of 1-10, where would you put it? I'm just starting out crocheting and fear it will be too hard.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Alisha,
Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet! The skills used in this boot are not very complicated. It's mostly all single crochet, with some decreases here and there. The complex part is just the funkiness of crocheting on a flip flop. I think if you're up for a fun adventure, you could def tackle it. The videos give a lot of detailed instructions that will help you and you can always let me know if you have questions. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Annalisa says
4-5 at most. Following the video is very easy!
laurel jellema says
i am excited to try to make these!!!! you're video makes them seem fairly simple. you do a great job explaining and demonstrating 🙂 my biggest concern at this time is getting the hole angled consistently. would it work to copy the hole pattern and take 2 together and fold one half over the top and poke into a dot on the side thru a dot on the top? thought i would practice on some old flip flops to try and get it right.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Laurel,
I think if you practice on a scrap pair of flip flops, you'll get the hang of it before you try your "real" flip flops. It's not imperative that the angle is exactly the same on each hole as long as you make sure your poker comes out far enough away from the edge of the flip flop that your yarn won't tear through. 1/4" is about good. Have fun and keep experimenting!
Jess
Sue Campbell says
I have curved espadrille needles as well as straight espadrille needles. Do you think these might for making the holes. Thanks in advance
Sue Campbell says
I used the straight one. It worked great
Helen Schmidling says
Hi Jess, I love these boots! I have watched the video and I'm going to download the printable instructions. Meanwhile, I just got some high grade Sanuk flip-flops from my local bike shop - at a tremendous markdown! They are men's size, so a little wider than normal - but I do have a wide foot. They are actually comfortable for me, and I can't wear standard dollar-store flip-flops. The flip-flop straps are inset on sides about 1/4 inch; and the straps are nylon with a soft knit inside. ... my question ... is it OK to leave the really nice straps on the flipflop, and work the punch holes alongside them? I think the foot straps would help stabilize my feet inside the boots once they are knit. I think I could poke holes all the way along the sides. The strap between the toes is of a soft knit fabric, again, more comfortable than the standard plastic thong-thingy. These are the first comfy flip-flops I've found, so I hope they'll work for boots!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Wow, awesome find, Helen! I think you could def try leaving the straps on. One reader mentioned that she was able to leave the straps on inside the boot with no issues. If you get going and decide you don't like having them in there, you can cut them out before you start the ankle section. Have fun!
Jess
Helen says
Thank you, Jess. Another question ... have you ever tied felting these or any of the flip flop patterns?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I haven't, Helen, but I really want to! I'm curious how it would work when the wool shrinks around the flip flop sole. Do you think it would work? I've also thought about crocheting the top part, felting it and then sewing it to the sole at the end. I'd love to hear any ideas you have. 🙂
Lenie says
I'm trying to make smaller boots 6/7. After the first 9 rows it goes to making size 8 and larger but what do you do if you are not making 8 or larger? I can't skip to row 19 or there is not enough material on the bottom?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lenie (I love your name, btw!),
So the intention there is that if you're a size 6/7, you just move onto the next section. So yes, move on to row 19. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "not enough material on the bottom." Do you want to explain that a little more?
Hope that's helpful!
Jess
Lenie says
If you stop at row 9 then pick up at 19 where the 'flap'and buttons start, that part is right on the heel since there is only 2/3 rows on the heel.......there is no building up to that part. Does that make sense? It makes them really short ankle boots. Anyway, I am tweaking it so that 8 get the height needed for me. Thanks! I love your patterns. I have a list of people waiting for slippers and now a few wanting boots! I hope I get the boots made before the end of winter!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes, I totally see what you mean. That's a great point. Will you mind sharing the details of how you tweaked yours in case it's helpful for others? I'd really appreciate it!
Leslie Dudman says
Love these boots. I adjusted the pattern to make them for a toddler. They turned out super cute! Thank you fo sharing!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Leslie--I'd love to see a pic if you'd like to share! I bet they're adorable!
Mel says
I love these boots! Mine have turned out way too bulky. If I start over and add some decreases, can I do that in the middle of rows? When I transition from the decreases to the adding SC on the row below. I have a gap or space in the boot, where it's extra bulky. Is that normal? Just want to make sure I'm doing it right. Thank you!
Nicole says
I wear a size 6 shoe and the flip flop I am using is a 5/6. I tried making these 2 times so far and they keep coming out way too big. The second time I used an I hook but the front of the boot was still so giant. I have a total of 62 on my foundation row. Any suggestions on how to make it fit? They don't look as nice as yours and I don't know what I am doing wrong.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Nicole,
I'm curious if you used the little printable ruler in the pattern pdf? If not, I'm wondering if maybe your holes are a little too close together. For reference, mine are a size 8 flip flop and I poked 64 holes. If you don't feel like you can repoke the holes, I would just do some decreases evenly around that first row as you crochet onto the sole. If you need to do more decreases as you're working the toe section, I'd try adding them around your arch and the corresponding outside area of your foot to make the boot fit closer to the top of your foot. I hope that is helpful! These are def not an exact science, so keep experimenting!
Jess
Tiffany Currier says
I am having the same problem with the same size shoe not sure what else to try I did not use your ruler but I have 62 stitches spaced out 6 every 2 inches. Help
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
What size flip flop are you using, Tiffany? My holes are slightly further apart than .33 inches. Perhaps yours ended up just a little close together? (For reference, my boots are a size 8 flip flop and have 64 holes.)
tiffany Currier says
The shoe is a size 6 how many holes would you suggest? I am going to be buying the pattern tonight and using a size 8 shoe and trying it again.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Tiffany,
Thanks in advance for your purchase. 🙂
If you're buying the pattern, I'd just print the "ruler" on the last page of the pattern and use that to guide your hole poking. Then, whatever size flip flops you use, you'll have the holes spaced at an appropriate distance to achieve the gauge.
Have fun!
Jess
Mel says
Love this! I think I have followed the pattern but my boot is much bulkier at the toe region, definitely not curving nicely like yours. I used the guide to make the holes. When you Any suggestions? I've already started over once and I really want this to work! Perhaps I could send you a picture of my boot?
Mel says
Hi again! So I am guessing you will suggest adding decreases. Can I add these in the middle of a row? It seems like I have gaps when I transition from a decrease to starting SC in the row below. Not sure if that makes sense. Thanks for your help!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Mel,
Sure, you could def send me a pic of your boot. That would be really helpful in "diagnosing" the issue. I know what you mean about the transition onto the sole after the decrease. I had to work those really carefully and a bit tighter than the other stitches. Have you watched the videos? I mention this a bit in the videos--I think it's in the Part 2.
Also, in the videos I talk about how to make it fit a bit tighter to your foot if necessary. I think you have the right idea by adding more decreases. If you feel like you need to start decreasing asap (because the toe is just immediatly too high up), I'd do a dec in the middle of each row or every other while for a little while as you work the toe. If it's looking too loose as you further back in the toe section, then I'd add some extra decreases near your arch and the corresponding outside of your foot while you're working the other decreases on the top section of the toe.
I hope that is helpful! These are def not an exact science, so keep experimenting! And send me a pic if you'd like! 🙂
Jess
Mel says
Thanks so much, Jess! The boot I emailed about yesterday is long gone. Decided to rip it out and start over. I have watched the videos and am going to be more mindful as I go, tightening it up, here and there as needed. I had wanted to make 5 pairs before Christmas. For now, I would be happy with 1 good boot! Appreciate the feedback and will keep tweaking it. Great pattern, videos, etc. Well done!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha, I'm glad you didn't wait for me to just take some action! I think once you figure out the tightness and customizations that work for you, you'll be able to crank these out. It's all sort of a big experiment 🙂 Just be sure to keep notes as you go if you change up the pattern so you can repeat them on the other boot. (I learned this the hard way, lol!) It might also be useful to size down a hook size if you're finding them looser than you like.
Good luck! Send me a pic when you finish if you'd like!
Tracy King says
Bought, downloaded and printed 🙂 Wish me luck. I am NOT good at following patterns because I tend to be a visual learner but since you have the videos I went for it. Thanks so much Jess!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I hope the videos help, Tracy! I think that looking at the pattern and video together might actually help with learning to follow patterns for visual learners like you. (I'm def the visual type too!)
Good luck!
Jess