Are you ready for some flip-flop-moccasin super shoes!? In this free pattern and video tutorial, I’ll show you how to crochet shoes with flip flop soles that are super comfortable, function as shoes and/or slippers and can be customized to adult shoe size.
As always, the free pattern and video tutorial are below, or you can purchase an ad-free, printable pdf of this pattern here.
When I was a kid, we’d go to the mountainy tourist town near where we lived and in the midst of all the candy apples, weird keychains and ubiquitous screen printed t-shirts, the only thing I desperately longed for was a pair of “real” native American moccasins. The beads. The fringe. All of it. I was obsessed. For years.
But alas, moccasins in mountainy tourist towns don’t come cheap. It wasn’t until I was about 28 that I got my first pair on a trip through New Mexico. My feet have rarely been moccasin-free since.
But in all my moccasin ownership, not a single pair has been crocheted. (Hard to believe, I know!)
After I designed these crocheted summer slippers using flip flops for the sole, I knew a pair of crocheted flip flop moccasin hybrid super shoes was in my future.
So when my sister recently arrived home from a year of traveling abroad with her husband, a pair of crocheted shoes seemed like a perfect welcome home present. (Because, why not?!)
I am so psyched on how they turned out. And I’m even more excited that I have a written pattern AND a detailed video tutorial to help you learn how to make your own pair of crochet shoes with flip flop soles.
They’re comfortable. They’re bohemian. They’re inexpensive. They give you some serious hipster street cred.
I’m just going to be honest and say that editing this video took about 150 million times longer than I thought it would. This is a pretty thorough video tutorial. In it, I walk you through exactly how to make these crochet shoes.
So if you’re the type of person who prefers to learn visually or doesn’t have a lot of pattern-reading experience, you should be able to watch these videos and make yourself some totally awesome crochet shoes with flip flop soles.
(And you can check out my other video tutorials here!)
UPDATE: Many readers have asked how these crochet moccasins with flip flop soles hold up over time. I’ve answered that question and many more in my FAQs about crocheting on flip flops.
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 →
If you’re the traditional-pattern-reading type, scroll down for the full written pattern!
Crochet Moccasins with Flip Flop Soles – Free Written Pattern
Download the printable, ad-free pdf.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue.
Sizes: Adult women’s 5 and up (Pattern provides details to make any women’s shoe size.)
Supplies:
So you can spend more time making mocs and less time shopping, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton – 1 skein (100g/186 yds) – color: Camel
• Tapestry needle
• 1 pair of flip flops (One size smaller than you wear normally. See pattern notes.)
• Stitch markers
• Size B [2.5 mm] crochet hook or size needed to fit through flip flop holes
• Size E [3.5 mm] crochet hook (I really like this affordable set!)
• Sewing needle
• Sharp tool to poke holes in flip flops (skewer, thin drill bit or tapestry needle)
• Approx 2 yards leather laces cut into 1-yard pieces
• Sharp scissors
• Monofilament (fishing line) – optional
• Seed beads – optional
Gauge:
8 sts and 7 rows/rnds = 1 inch [2.5 cm] in single crochet
Gauge will vary a bit based on distance between poked holes on flip flop sole.
Abbreviations:
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stich
st – st
MC – main color
cont – continued
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. This pattern provides general guidelines and some troubleshooting tips to help keep the process fun. 🙂
- You might want to size down when buying your flip flops. Since your foot won’t be held in by the flip flop strap, your normal size of flip flops might feel a bit roomy as crocheted shoes.
- The shoes pictured are a women’s size 8-9 and they have 89 holes poked on each sole. To make shoes with bigger or smaller flip flops, just adjust the number of holes, poking them about every .25 inches. The moccasin top pattern should fit most women’s sizes. See notes in “moccasin top” section on making it wider if necessary.
- Find $1 flip flops on Amazonor at Walmart. Dollar Tree’s $1 flip flops tend to be a bit too flimsy, but can work if you are careful.
Moccasin Sides and Heel
Notes:
This section is worked in a spiral. Therefore there is no need to join or ch 1 at the beginning of each round.
To begin:
Use sharp instrument to poke holes every ¼ inch (.25”) around each flip flop sole. You want the hole to go at an angle from about the middle of the way down the sole to about a ¼ inches into the top of the sole. Make your holes far enough from the edge that the yarn won’t rip through the rubber. (See this pattern for more photos on this process.)
With smaller hook, attach MC 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 of the sole. Ch 1 through the loop you’ve created. (See Photo B.) The resulting tail inside the flip flop marks first st of this and subsequent rows. Add a proper stitch marker here if desired.
Round 1: (using smaller hook) sc into each hole on the flip flop sole, sl st to join. Do not turn.
Rounds 2-3: (switch to larger hook) sc in each sc around. Do not turn.
Rounds 4: (See diagram below for rough placement of increases. Exact location not impt.) sc in each st until front toe area, sc 2 in one of the st near where your pinky toe will go, sc in each st, sc 2 in one of the st where your big toe will go, sc in each sc to back of heel. Do not turn.
Rounds 5-8: sc in each sc around. Do not turn.
Begin Short Rows for Heel Shaping
Notes:
Place a stitch marker on either side of the moccasin, ⅗th of the way back toward the heel. (See diagram above for placement.) The following rows are worked back and forth around back of heel. Pattern notes assume flip flop is positioned with the heel toward you and the toe away from you when the “right” or “left” stitch marker is mentioned.
Row 9: (Without turning work) sc in each st until left marked st, sl st into marked st, turn.
Row 10: ch 1, sk first st, sl st into next st, sc in each st until right marked st, sl st into marked st, turn.
Row 11: (work toward left marker) ch 1, sk first st, sl st into next st, sc in each st until 1 sc of previous round remains, turn.
Row 12: (work toward right marker) ch 1, sk first st, sl st into next st, sc in each st until 1 sc of previous round remains , turn.
Begin Rows for Leather Laces “Tube”
Notes:
Remove original markers for short rows. Place markers ⅓rd of the way back from the toe on either side of the moccasin. (See diagram above for placement.) The following round is worked in the round as 1-8 were.
Work sc stitches in an even density to create a smooth edge over the “bump” where the short rows taper. Round 13 is a total of approx 1.25 laps around the flip slop sole.
Round 13: (work toward left marker and cont counterclockwise) ch 1, sk first st, sl st into next st, sc in each st around entire moccasin, ending at original marked st at back of heel. Do not turn.
Notes:
The following rows are worked back and forth. Pattern notes assume flip flop is positioned with the heel toward you and the toe away from you when the “right” or “left” stitch marker is mentioned.
Rows 14, 16, 18: (work counterclockwise) ch 1, sc in each st ending in left marked st, turn.
Row 15, 17, 19: ch 1, sc in each st ending in right marked st, turn.
Row 20: sc in each st ending at marked st at back of heel. Fasten off yarn and weave in ends.
Finishing leather laces “tube”:
Fold the flap just created over and tuck one yard of the leather laces inside. With MC yarn and a tapestry needle, sew the laces into the tube using a whip stitch. (Reference video for more detail.)
Moccasin Top
Row 1: (using larger hook) ch 19, turn.
Row 2: working into second ch from the hook, sc in each ch, turn.
Rows 3, 5, 7: ch 1, sk first sc, sc in next st, sc in each st until 1 st remains, sc 2 in last st, turn.
Row 4, 6, 8: ch 1, sc 2 in first st, sc in each st, turn.
Row 9: ch 1, sk first st, sc in next sc, sc in each st, turn.
Row 10: ch 1, sc in each st, turn.
Row 11: repeat row 9.
Row 12: repeat row 10.
Sizing Note:
If your foot is on the wider side, add 2 or 4 rows of sc here to make the top toe section wider. (Simply repeat row 10 twice or four times.)
Row 13: ch 1, sc 2 in first sc, sc in each st, turn.
Rows 14, 16, 18, 20: ch 1, sk first sc, sc in next st, sc in each st until 1 st remains, sc 2 in last st, turn.
Rows 15, 17, 19: ch 1, sc in each st until 2 st remain, sk 1 st, sc in last st, turn.
Row 21: ch 1, sc in each st until 2 st remain, sk 1 st, sc in last st. Do not turn. Place marker in last st of this row.
Note:
The follow round is worked around the entire top piece. Take care to keep stitches loose enough that the fabric doesn’t pucker. Round 22: (Without turning) work in sc around curved toe section and up the flat side of the piece. At the corner of the moccasin “point,” sc 2 in the corner and sl st down the slant of the point and back up the other slant, sc 2 in the other “point,” sc in each sc across the last flat side ending in st before marker. (See Diagram F.) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing
Sewing Together:
Block the top piece if desired. Identify the best looking side of your top piece–specifically look at the points because one edge should be smoothest due to the slip stitching. This side should face your foot—the points will be folded over, revealing the smoothest edge.
Align the toe with the shoe rim and pin using stitch markers or safety pins. Using one strand of yarn (not doubled up), attach yarn inside the shoe at right corner side of the top piece.
Whip stitch around toe, working from the top piece into the shoe rim as pictured. (See Photo G.) Work from the top down, going through the bottom loop of the top piece and the bottom loop of the shoe rim.)
Before tying off yarn, do one stitch through the moccasin top into each folded over “point” to keep them tacked down. Fasten off yarn.
Adding Beads:
Using a sewing needle, attach monofilament inside moccasin with a knot. Pull monofilament to outside top of slipper and add beads (you may, unfortunately, have to remove the needle for this and then rethread after adding the beads), putting the needle back into the shoe once one strand of beads has been added. Repeat for each spoke of the design. (See Photo H.)
Party Time:
Do a little jig—you just crocheted your own shoes! High five!
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting Moccasin slipper 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?
- Crochet Boots With Flip Flops Soles
- Lightweight Crochet Slippers with Flip Flop Soles
- Free Crochet Ugg Boot Pattern
- Crochet Mukluk Slipper Pattern
- Crochet Slipper Boots Pattern
- Lacy Crochet Sandals Pattern
- Boho Crochet Sandals Pattern
Got a kid who also has feet? They might enjoy this crocheted boat shoe slipper pattern (using flip flops, of course!)
[convertkit form=4869877]
Christine says
Hi Jess –
I made 4 pair of your moccasins for Christmas gifts this year. It was my brother’s family and they were for the 4 women in their family. I would have and still would like to make a pair for my brother. I know he would probably wear them as that is the type of shoe he wears especially around the house. Can I use this pattern to make them for him or would I need to do something different for him?
Christine
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Christine,
How generous of you! I’m glad to hear you liked the pattern. I def think you could use it for a men’s shoe. Depending on his size, you might want to work an extra couple of rounds around the sole to make it a bit higher before you make the little flap for the laces. Then you might want to add a few extra chains to the top of the shoe flap part to create a longer piece of fabric overall. Generally, you’re just trying to make it all a bit bigger for a man’s foot. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Luz M. Valencia says
Very nice pattern,I’ll want these istruccion in spanish,thank you.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks for letting me know, Luz. Maybe I’ll come across a spanish-speaking reader who would like to translate. If I do, I’ll def share the pattern here. 🙂
Jess
Lucy Wynne says
Thanks for sharing these great patterns. I’m in a wheelchair and find that many shoes have a slight heal and this becomes really uncomfortable after a few hours because my legs are not in a normal position. Now I can have comfortable shoes/sandals/boots and I can match the colours to my clothes too 🙂
Your boots I’m thinking of putting sheepskin insoles in the base and faux fur in the inside leg part folding a little over the top for extra warmth in winter.
Also trying to work out how to adapt them so that I can have them lace up the front, great for wearing with thicker socks and giving a different look
Look forward to more inspirational ideas 🙂
Lucy ~England
Kathy says
My son has been looking for a pair of ‘driving shoes’. I think these might work. Any comments on how these shoes work for men?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Driving shoes sound nice! Is your son nearby in a way you could try them on him as you work? I think they’d work great for men. You may decide to add a couple extra rounds around the entire sole to make it a bit higher if he has large feet. Similarly, if his feet are big, I might add a few stitches to the initial chain for the top of the foot section. Overall, I think if you just customize them a bit to his foot length and width, you should be in great shape!
Jess
Amy Asbury says
I am making the moccasin top and it’s way too wide. The one in your video doesn’t look 20 rows. Do you know how many you did? And if I eliminate some rows, which rows?
thank you
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I’d eliminate the middle few rows if it’s turning out too wide. The idea is that you want it to be symmetrical, so if you eliminate the last increase row, for example, you’d also want to eliminate the first decrease row.
Hope that helps!
Jess
Amy Asbury says
Love this pattern. On my first one, the moccasin top, I watched video and followed written instructions, however it is super wide. When I look at your video your piece doesn’t look like it’s 20 rows. Do you know how many you did? Should I just adjust as I think makes sense?
Thank you
Frida says
So cute! I want a pair of those moccasins! Im a knitter, but I think I might broaden my horizons for this!
Nancy says
I think I might be able to do this! Thanks for posting!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
You CAN do it, Nancy! 🙂
Krystle Siegfried says
I cannot wait to try these out I have a 10 year old little girl that love homemade things and I think it’s something we could do together! If all goes well I also have 4 Aunt s that these would make great gifts for! I’m so excited thank you for your creativity
Sylvia says
Lovely shoes! I definitely want to try them out.
The photos above the words “Begin Rows for Leather Laces “Tube”” and “Moccasin Top” show a hole in the flip flop with no stitch. Did that one pull through, or did you miss it?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha–great catch Sylvia! That one pulled through and I had to jerry-rig something to make a stitch there. It worked totally fine, but I didn’t have a second pair of flip flops in this color to photograph so I had to use these. The good news is that the moc turned out just fine! 🙂
tamara says
I love these! ty ty ty making several for Christmas presents 😀
Vasanti Pereira says
I wish the writing in the video was is in black cannot read it.
Thanks
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I understand, Vasanti. I wanted the writing to be more of a supplement than the actual focus of the video, but a few people have made similar comments so I’ll do something different in future videos. My intention was that you could reference the free written pattern so that you could see all the written instructions super clearly. Either way, I think you’ll be happier with future video instructions!