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)
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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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Mandy van der Merwe says
Hi, I’m making these as a gift and I’m so excited … I was just wondering in row 1 have written Ch1 then sc10… but in your video you just start with a sc into the sl st… so I was just wondering which I should do. I hope you can reply soon?… thanks so much for sharing your gift!
Xxx
Rose says
Hi, I want to make a smaller size. Should I use smaller hooks or/and space the holes out more? Do you have a pattern for sizes 4-7?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Rose,
Do you mean women’s size 4-7? These boots will basically work for a size womens size 6+. You’ll still want to space the holes the same as outlined in the pattern because it relates to the yarn/stitch gauge and not the size of the flip flop. Then, you might have to adjust how many rows you work in the top of the toe section before you start making the ankle. I’m sorry I don’t have exact details since I haven’t made a size 4 yet. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Che says
I haven’t tried this pattern yet because I am unclear about a couple of things: #1- I wear a size 10 flip flop. What is the purpose using a shoe that is one size smaller? I guess maybe it would allow the crocheted portion to fit more snuggly, but wouldn’t there be overhang of the foot? #2- You say that for your project you used 64 holes, so for larger sizes space the holes slightly further apart. Does that mean doing so while still having ONLY 64 holes, or should I have more? I’d appreciate some clarification because I’m really excited to get started on these.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Che–
The reason I suggest using a smaller flip flop is simply because there is often more sole overhanging your toes on a flip flop than is necessary for an actually shoe. You’re aiming for about .25″ around your foot of extra sole, so just choose whichever size accommodates that.
You actually don’t want to space your holes any further apart. They should be the same distance apart regardless of the size of shoes. The number of holes will change depending on the size though. (If you’re interested, the PDF of the pattern includes a ruler guide that makes poking the holes super easy, regardless of the shoe size.)
Hope that answers your questions. Happy crocheting!
Jess
Antje says
Hey Jess, I just fall in love with your boots and – surprise surprise – i have a pair of flip Flops here waiting.
But, I want to crochet them with DK yarn. So is it necessary to change the number of stitches ? I like to use a 4,5 mm hook.
Please excuse my english, I’m from Germany. I hope you are so kind to answer my question, because i can not wait any longer for crocheting this cute boots… lol !
Many many greetings from Germany !!
Antje
Christina Enness says
Hi I have a question for you. My mom is having some nasty swelling in her feet due to issues with her new prescriptions and I thought this would be a great idea for something for her to wear when her feet swell up, now because they are swelling up so much I had to buy size XL (11/12) womens flipflops for her to do this project. But how many holes would I need for this, 64 aren’t enough to go around doing the 1/3 of inch method or by going slightly less than 1cm, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Christina,
I’ve had a few readers make crochet shoes for swollen feet and it’s worked well. I’d space them the same distance that the pattern calls for. (If you purchase the PDF there’s a printable ruler in it that will make it super easy.) The distance of the holes is what helps get the right tension with the gauge, so I would keep it the same and then just amend the pattern as necessary to meet your mom’s needs. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Cat says
Hey there!
When I started trying this pattern, my boots came out large and bulky and I had begun to get frustrated with the pattern. I just want to say thank you to everyone else who had this issue and Jess for giving tips to help. Although it took me about 5 tries to get it the right size and shape they look fantastic and I am so happy I didn’t give up on this project! For me, the tension needed to be VERY tight in order to achieve the right size and shape. Hope that helps others if they encounter the same issue. 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Cat,
I’m so happy your persevered and found a way that worked for you! I find that working the stitches really tightly gives the shoes some good structure, but it definitely takes some getting used to. Thank you for sharing your tip!
Jess
amanda massia says
hello, about a month ago i purchased your pdf pattern, but after printing it out i thought i saved it, but can’t seem to find it anywhere. is it possible to get it again without paying for it?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Amanda,
Just send me an email and I’ll get you what you need. 🙂
Jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com
Nada says
The size of flip flop is misleading (not even sure you are aware), but it will throw and frustrate some. The ones I found had 7/8 marked on them. I attempted these and came up with 56 holes. Then going back to the store, I discovered that size 8 flip flop are also marked s 7/8. This time my holes were the correct amount.
The saving grace making the first pair was just adding 2 sc into some of the sc across the start row, evenly spacing to add 6 sc (not the initial row with the worsted weight yarn). 😀
So size 7 and size 8 flip flops can both show 7/8 on them. Well, at Old Navy anyway!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes, I’ve noticed this with my Old Navy flip flops too. I’ve noticed that the tags on the flip flops (or on the plastic hanger) say a specific size though (like 7) and those are a slightly different length from, say, a size 8. So I’ve found that it’s most helpful at Old Navy to look at the actual tag and not the number on the bottom of the shoe. It IS really kind of silly!
I’m glad you found a solution that worked for you!
Jess
Debi Temmer says
I just finished the right foot and changed it up a bit to fit my personal tastes. I added Concho instead of buttons and again posted to my blog, so go have a look see if you have time and Thanks again for such a great and fun pattern!
Angela says
I can’t wait to make these boots! I plan on using the printable ruler that came with the pattern but I’m just curious about how many holes for a size 5/6
Pam says
Hi, I made these for my daughter and they turned out great, now my granddaughter wants a pair. She is 8 and wears a size. Did you have a smaller pattern for kids yet or any ideas how to make them smaller. Would I use the same hole guide or space the farther apart and use smaller hooks, any ideas
Thanks, Pam
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Pam,
I’m so happy to hear that! I’m sharing another boot pattern later this week that I think could be a good one to resize for kids. Once you check it out, I’d be happy to brainstorm with you on how you could re-size it for your granddaughter. 🙂
Karen says
Loved this pattern, and was excited to get stared. I paid my $2.50 and down loaded the pattern, to my surprise it was all jumbled up and unreadable., so I was very disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to use the pattern!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh no! That is so strange. I really don’t know why that would be the case. Either way, I’ll send you the pdf right now to the email address associated with this comment. Please let me know if you don’t receive it.
Thanks for your purchase, Karen!
Jess