If you’re curious about how to crochet on flip flops, this post will answer many of your questions and give you some helpful tips to get started!
So you can spend more time learning how to crochet on flip flops and less time shopping, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Last week, I shared my free crochet Breckenridge Boots pattern that uses flip flops for soles. Whenever I design a new patten, I seem to get many similar questions about how to crochet on flip flops and how they hold up once you do, so I thought it might be helpful to answer them all in one place. If there’s something you’re wondering that I don’t cover here, please leave a comment and I’ll update this post with the answer!
How do crochet shoes with flip flop soles hold up? Does the yarn rip through the sole eventually?
This is by far people’s number one question. My experience has been that my boots, slippers and shoes have held up incredibly well. The trickiest part of each pattern is working the first row of single crochet in the holes on the flip flop soles. Once that this finished though, the tension is really evenly spread between the holes, which is what I think makes them durable.
I tried to photograph some of my well-worn projects so that you could get an idea of how they’re holding up. Above are my Cabin Boots, which I’ve been wearing every day as slippers since I made them about five months ago. I only wear them inside or to chase a child who has escaped outside, but in my opinion, they really look fantastic still for the fact that I wear them about 6-14 hours a day. (‘Tis the life of a work at home mom of two tiny kids. 🙂 )
Below is a photo of my Lightweight Summer Slippers, which also got about five months of wear before I transitioned to wearing the boots for the winter. As you can see, they’re pretty dirty (thanks for nothing, light blue!), but the flip flop sole is totally intact and no holes have ripped through the sole.
But what if my yarn is ripping through my sole as I work the first row of single crochet?
Working the first row of single crochet onto the soles is the most delicate part of any of these crochet flip flop projects. If you’re finding that your yarn is pulling through the holes as you work, here are my suggestions:
• Check out the next question about where to buy flip flops.
• Poke your holes with the smallest tool you have available. You want to make the least “trauma” to the flip flop as possible so that it is as stable as it can be when you crochet through it.
• Make sure you’re poking your holes far enough from the edge of the flip flop. (Mine do best with about .25″ or more from the edge.)
• Use a smaller crochet hook to work the first row of single crochet. I usually use a size B for the first row and it doesn’t rip my holes. I wouldn’t use anything larger than about a 2.25mm hook because it will put too much strain on the holes.
Where should I buy flip flops?
I’ve tried a lot of flip flops!
• Old Navy – a ton of great colors, the quality of sole is good and they are sold in stores year round. (Yay, sweater boots!) They cost about $4, but are often on sale. Old Navy has a big summer flip flop event in June where all their flip flops are $1! Stock up!
• Walmart – usually only available in spring and summer in stores and online the rest of the year. The quality of the sole is great. Last year, solid color flip flops were 98 cents and ones with a pattern on the sole were about $3-4.
• Michaels – great selection of colors in store during the spring and summer. The pair of Michael’s flip flops I used for my moccasins were slightly flimsier than others I’ve tried from different stores. They cost between $2.50-$4.
• Amazon– year round selection of great colors for about $1-$7. Great for anyone who hates to shop or who doesn’t live near a store mentioned above.
• Dollar Tree – much flimsier than the options above, but workable if you’re careful. I used Dollar Tree flip flops for my Lightweight Summer Slippers and as I showed you above, they’ve held up well. I did have to be extra careful working into the soles though because they are thin overall lower quality. Cost: $1, but you already knew that. 🙂
What should I use to poke the holes?
I usually use a sharp tool that’s meant for working with clay like this. I’ve heard of readers having success with very thin drill bits as well as awls like these.
Can I use something besides flip flops for the sole?
Of course! Crochet is one big experiment! I’ve seen readers who have used the soles of worn out Crocs and other shoes. The most important part of executing the pattern is poking the holes the recommended distance apart, regardless of what sole you use.
I love 24/7 Cotton for warmer weather projects. It’s mercerized, so it doesn’t stretch a ton and it’s durable and beautiful at the same time. Below, you can see it in action in my moccasins and a new pattern I’ve been working on.
In the interest of transparency, I’ll tell you that I do currently partner with Lion Brand, which means I get my hands on a lot of this awesome yarn! Both of these products were my preferred flip flop yarns before I started working with Lion Brand in 2017 though, which made me even more excited to about the partnership.
Substituting yarns can become slightly tricky because each pattern is based on how far apart the holes in the flip flops are poked, which is based on the yarn weight and thickness. I do understand some people have allergies, etc, and need to substitute yarns. YarnSub.com is an awesome resource for this.
Can I leave the flip flop straps on and crochet over them?
Honestly, this idea had never occurred to me until a few readers started asking me about it and telling me they had success doing it. For many of my patterns, especially boots, leaving the straps on should pose no issue. For patterns that are less substantial and more like a ballet flat, you might find that the straps are visible under the crocheting.
Do crochet shoes with flip flop soles stretch out over time?
I’ve found that my cotton slippers stretch out a bit, but not so much that they’re not comfortable or wearable. It is important to keep this in mind though as you crochet if you’re using cotton so that you begin with shoes that feel snug enough to begin with.
I haven’t noticed my crochet boots with flip flop soles stretching much at all.
My shoes/boots are turning out too loose as I crochet. What should I do?
Everyone’s feet, crochet style and flip flops are slightly different. If your project is turing out too loose, you have a couple options:
• Make sure your holes are poked the recommended distance apart. Using the printable guide in the pattern PDF is super helpful for this. If you want to start over, you can try poking your holes just slightly further apart.
• Size down in the hook you’re using and work deliberately tight stitches. (Think similar to amigurumi.)
• Work extra decreases early on in the pattern so that you have fewer stitches overall when you’re crocheting the rest of the boot.
Do you have child’s/men’s/toddler sizing for a particular pattern?
Only if it’s listed in the original pattern. I get a lot of requests for different sizing options and try to gauge interest in what the most people want additional sizes in. If you subscribe in the box at the bottom of this post, I’ll send you a note when I publish a new flip flop crochet pattern or additional sizes of existing patterns.
Do you make crochet shoes with flip flop soles to sell?
I don’t. I’m a gal who thrives on novelty and thus, I always want to make something new. Several of my readers are Etsy sellers who will customize a pair of flip flop shoes to exactly you’re liking though! Check out Mindy from Loving Lea Created if you’d like to commission a pair.
Do you have a knit version?
I am working on it! Again if you subscribe below, I’ll send you a note when I publish the free pattern.
What did I miss? If there’s anything else you’d like to know about how to crochet on flip flops, please leave a comment below!
Feel free to pin this post to reference in the future:
I absolutely LOVE my light weight summer slippers! I made a pair for myself and a friend (my granddaughter wants a pair also). I wear mine so much and they got dirty, so I threw them in the washing machine, i figured if they fell apart I would make a new pair. They came out great! Nice and clean! I didn’t put them in the dryer, I let them air dry. I can’t wait to make the cabin boots, thanks for all the patterns!
Yay! I love reading comments like this, Kathy. Thanks so much for letting me know how your flip flop slippers faired in the wash. I’ve been really wanting to try that with mine. I might update this post to include that info because I bet others would like to know too.
I love this idea! I actually made a pair 2 years ago before I knew about your pattern. Mine didn’t turn out correctly. They still work though. Now I have a definite pattern, I did mine incorrectly. Thank you for this wonderful pattern design.
I love all you tips and tricks, so very helpful, but I would like to say all the text is so light it is hard to read. I adjusted my setting and nothing worked.
I’m so sorry you’re having trouble. Do you mean the text of this article?
Sometimes when I’m struggling with legibility online, I increase the size of the page I’m looking at by holding down the command key and clicking the + sign a few times. This should work on my site too if you feel like you’d like to enlarge it.
I made the slippers for myself and my daughter, and we love them. They are so comfortable that I sometimes forget I’m wearing slippers and I’ve almost gone out with them on. I am new to crocheting so I had a little trouble with the pattern at the toe area so I simply did single crochet back and forth to fill it in instead of the pattern. Thank you for the awesome slipper pattern, can’t wait to try the boots.
Haha. I’ve totally done that too. I just start to think they’re part of my feet! I’m so happy to hear you improvised the pattern to suit your needs. I have several more flip flop patterns coming out this spring that I hope you’ll enjoy too!
I found that the flip flop soles are uncomfortable because they make my feet perspire. I solved the problem by crocheting an insole with just dishcloth cotton and it works perfect. If you would like a picture or the pattern that I used just email me and let me know.
I am interested in a knit pattern for the shoes. I have not yet learned Crochet. The article answered my questions. I will be on the lookout for thick soled flip flops.
Great! If you ever get the urge to learn crochet, I have a Modern Crochet 101 course that you can learn all the basics from. (You can take it for 99 cents with my instructor’s referral link.)
I think that the skills you learn in that course combined with my flip flop video tutorials would give you enough guidance to attempt a crochet pair. And if not, I hope to have the knit version soon!
Hi Jess! I think the one thing you missed is how you came up with the idea to crochet shoes with flip flop soles. Also, knowing that you can wear them out and stuff, would it be possible to poke the yarn down to the bottom of the flip flop instead through the side? Would it make it more sturdy or more likely to break the yarn? Thanks!
That’s a great question. I suspect the yarn might wear out quicker if it was being stepped on at the bottom of the sole. I haven’t had any issues with them breaking down easily, so I haven’t really tweaking what’s been working for me, but you should def give it a try and report back if you’d like. 🙂
I got the idea for crocheting on flip flops when I saw this really awesome Italian YouTube tutorial that shows the woman crocheting on leather soles. I can’t understand a word of it, but it sure got me inspired to figure out my own techniques, lol.
Dear Jess, I love your blog and I love your pattern for the cabin boot. I made nine pairs for Yule gifts for family, friends and me. My only issue is the large boxiness of the foot box of the boot. I saw above about reducing more stiches and using a smaller needle, …any other suggestions? I am not comfortable diverging from the patter with crochet ad I was with knitting, which I stopped years ago.
As to durability, mine are holding up wonderfully and ther has currently been no problem with the holes. Thanks you for your creativity and the ability to make free patterns which is social security folks can afford
Thanks for saying hello. I’m so impressed by how many pairs of boots you’ve made! One other thing you might try to tighten up the boxiness of the toe is poking your holes slightly further apart so that you have fewer stitches overall. Also, I’m assuming you’re deliberately crocheting pretty tightly. Keeping your stitches tight can help a lot too.
If those ideas don’t pan out in the way you’d like, you might try working the bottom half of my Breckenridge Boot pattern and then working the top ankle section of the Cabin Boots. The Breckenridge Boots have a tighter foot section overall and might be more to your liking without tweaking the pattern.
Put in for my subscription and it would not take my information. Am I doing something wrong? I will give you the information here, if you don’t mind. Thank you for your help. ( see below)
Thank you for answering all the questions about these “boots/shoes” as I was having my doubts. My Granddaughter wants me to make her a pair of the boots. Guess I’m going to have to start a pair soon.
As my partner and I re building a new home, we are making it a ‘no shoes’ home and so I have been using the flip flop sole patterns to make for our guests. They are loved by everyone and I love making them however I make my foundation row in a different way. I do a blanket stitch around the sole, then a loop through the top stitch and join the too loops together with crochet. I have found this to put less tension through the holes ensuring they do not rip. I can send you a photo if you like.
I made so many pair of these cabin boots this holiday season I could probably make them in my sleep. Lol My niece wanted a pair this Christmas season . SHE STARTED SOMETHING ! My sister put in her order as well as my 4 year old neighbor girl and her brother and mother. My niece wore them to school and her friends made their requests. After 14 pair (no joke) I am finally done and now that everyones tootsies are warm she is into messy bun beanies… Oh boy here we go. I love that she adores homemade things and shares. She is always finding something new for me to make her on make & do. I’m having a ball.
My niece shared your flip flop pattern with me, and said she wanted a pair. Turquoise is her favorite color. I live in a rural area…so its a ways to go to get flip flops. The only pair I had was orange…and the only yarn that matched was varigated (orange, yellow, white, pink, and turquoise) Peaches n Cream….I make crocheted pot holders too. The slippers turned out pretty nice. I made my Niece a pair, my sister, and have made myself three pair… white, black, and turquoise. Another Niece wanted a pair of black ones. They make wonderful gifts. All in all, I’ve make eight pairs. My feet are wide….so on the second round of stitches…at the toe, I spaced out 3 increases… also on the third round,…then on. The 6th and 7the rounds, I decreased…this gave me the fullness I needed. Thank you for this wonderful pattern…I really like it. Oh, by the way….I’m 82 years old, and very blessed.
Wow, Myrtyle, you have been crocheting up a storm! How wonderful that you share your creativity and love of crochet with your family. I have loved making these flip flop patterns and it makes me so happy to know you’re enjoying them too!
I have made several pair of slippers with flip flops and love each one. But I use a paper punch and punch my holes through the whole sole it so much Easyer and fast to do! I have never had any problem with my yarn braking away! Thank you for the free patterns, they make wonder gifts that are made with Gods Blessing, for if it was not for the blessing of my hands I would not be able to make them!!!!
Your hands are a definite blessing, Sue! I think that about my hands every single day too! We’re so lucky.
That sounds like a really intriguing idea. Do you mean the kind of paper punch that you’d use to make a hole in paper for something like a 3 ring binder? I’d love to see how that works!
I’ve made two pairs of your moccasins. The first pair was made according to your directions. I thought it was hard to work around the sole though. So, for the second pair used a marker to dot where the holes would go and then counted them. I then made the entire side and top of the moccasin independent of the sole by starting with that counted number of dots. I then used a sharp craft needle to sew the completed moccasin to the sole. Not only did I find the project easier to work but it also went much faster.
Sounds like a great idea, Linda! This is the approach I’m taking with making a pair of knitted shoes with flip flop soles. I hope it works out as well as your did!
I looked for the free written pattern and cannot find one. I made one par of slippers fro the video and on my second pair. Would like a written pattern but can’t find one.
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Thanks for the tutorial! How about the circles that are filling the hole in the bottom (after straps are cut)? Do they fall out? Do you glue them in place?
Yes, I’ve glued them in place with something like E600 glue. I’ve actually found thought that I prefer to leave the back plugs in and just cut the straps off at an extreme angle so I don’t feel them in the shoe. You can see an example in my Coachella Boots pattern. Then I glue the middle plug that goes between your toes back in as usual.
I am paralyzed from the chest down and am so excited about making my own boots. I would like to start with the slipper boots but wear two different size shoes. I got kids flip flops, the right size large and the left size medium. Can you tell me how many holes to put in each and the distance between the holes? I would love to do the holes tonight. Thanks!
I’m sorry for the delay, I’ve been really sick. 🙁 My suggestion would be to use the hole poking guide in my printable PDF for that pattern. Doing so will basically do the work for you, because it will evenly space the right number of holes per flip flop, regardless of the size. If this is a financial strain on you, please email me and we can work it out. I’d love for you to be able to make some shoes that work for you. 🙂
You can find all my printable pattern pdfs here. They’re $2.50 each.
I did use that measure – holes 0.8 cm. apart. The yarn I used had the label that matches yours but is way bulkier. I went ahead and finished one boot, but the foot is big and the height – lol- it goes almost up to my knee. I will look for different yarn and redo it, but I learned the techniques. One question: In the written instructions, on the parts where you decrease, it says “twice.” Does that mean decrease with two stitches, then do it again with the next two stitches before moving on? Thanks for your help. I hope you feel better soon. I’m on week five of the gunk. Teresa
So,I bought the yarn and other supplies you recommended, and my yarn is so much bulkier than yours. I made one cabin boot, and it’s much taller and bigger than it should be. I don’t know how to post a photo. I’m not sure what to do. This boot is huge!
If you used the exact same yarn as me, I’m wondering if maybe you crocheted a bit looser than I do? Did you use the hole poking ruler in the printable pattern? That’s pretty helpful in achieving the gauge. Also, these are intended to be crocheted similar to amigurumi, so really pretty tight. You might consider sizing down your hook to help you crochet tightly.
All of that said, I think my Breckenridge Boot pattern is less bulky overall and you might prefer to try the base of that boot combined with the ankle section of the Cabin boot. Just some thoughts for you to mull over. 🙂
Excuse me if this is a sill question, but I bought the pattern ? Bought the yarn that just came today, and now am eager to get started. I’m hoping to wear my Coachella boots outside, so was wondering if a glue gun would work to fill in the holes? Was thinking I would leave the plugs in and just fill in with the glue. My fear is the glue might melt the sole? I might need a trip to the craft store tonight lol also debating adding felt or a crocheted sole
Thanks for your purchase! I haven’t tried hot glue, but I do wonder the same thing about it melting the sole. I’ve found that if you cut the mid-sole straps at an extreme angle (as pictured in the pattern instructions), you won’t even feel them and you can just leave them there. Then I use a really strong glue, like E6000 to glue the toe plug back in at the end.
Totally makes sense! I’m opting not to use the glue gun, followed your direction for the back straps, and added a crocheted sole. I made the mistake of showing my friends the 1 shoe I have finished yesterday and they all want me to make them a pair lol. Thanks for your help, I love the pattern ? Super fun
Do you mean the little “plugs” that are left when you cut the straps off? If so, they’re actually pretty easy to just pop out through the foam sole. That’s what I did on my first few pairs and it works great, especially if you just intend your shoes to be inside slippers.
Thank you for sharing your creativity–all of these shoes and boots are SO CUTE! I would love to see a knit pattern since I much prefer to knit. These are all so adorable I will, however, have to break out my crochet hooks and get started on these. ? Thank you for the patterns!!
Thanks for this! I have a pair of old shearling boots that the soles crumbled and broke off. I was trying to figure out how to fis them. I think I will “re sole” them with flip flops to wear as slippers!
Hi Jess, Before Christmas I found your pattern for the Cabin boots! Just loved it… so I made them. Unfortunately I don’t think they turned out. First thing I noticed was that all the side picutres of the boots show the toe as curving up ward but mine never did that and the toe itself just seemed too big and bulgy. You’ve answered the question of watching the tension and incorporating more decreases in the section about “too loose” above. but should the toe just naturally curve up? or am I missing something?
Hmm. Do you mean that the flip flop near the toe is curving up a bit? Or do you mean that the toe section sort of tapers toward the ankle? In either case, I do think keeping really tight tension and working extra decreases could help. Another idea is to use the bottom half of the Breckenridge Boot pattern and then the top/ankle section of the Cabin Boots pattern. The Breck Boots fit a little tighter to your foot to begin with, so you might find that they work better for your feet and crochet style. 🙂
(What a beautiful name, btw!) I think it depends on how thin your needle is. Most size needles will be too thick. If you have something like a very thin awl or even a wooden skewer, like for shish kabobs, I’d try that first.
Serendipity–after seeing you making the moccasins, I was at a rummage sale and found two old ice picks, and thought to myself, WAAAAAY COOL! they look perfect to punch the holes in the flip flop soles. I’m waiting for some cotton yarn to be delivered, but I was wondering–could I add a thin elastic in the top two rows?
I LOVE those serendipitous thrift store and rummage sales finds! They’re my favorite! Yes, I think you could definitely add some elastic if you’d like, although I’m not sure it would create a stretchy edge (just because of the cotton being less stretchy). The leather lace is pretty effective at keeping the shoe on your foot though and you can always tie it tighter if necessary.
Hola! Ahora si, aclaradas todas mis inquietudes. Voy a ponerme manos a la obra y quiero hacerme un par de botas. Muchas gracias por ser tan generosa compartiendo tus saberes. Cuando tenga listo mi primera obra te mando foto. Besos y bendiciones!
Hey Trish–thanks so much! And I appreciate you letting me know about the knitting patterns. It’s proving to be harder than crochet because of the limitations of knitting needles. I’ll absolutely share them here when the pattern is up to snuff though. 🙂
I made the moccasins, it took three tries to get them looking like your picture. After they were finished my foot slid forward passed the flip flop and the toe eventually (after about 4 weeks) wore a hole in the yarn. I tried smaller flips, larger ones and even place theholes closer and then farther apart. Nothing works. Any suggestions???
I appreciate all your experimentation! These flip flop shoes can def be an experiment. Can I ask what yarn you used? I haven’t had my yarn get a hole in it until about a year of wear. I’m wondering if that first pair the flip flops were a bit too big and that’s why your toe slid forward? With smaller flip flops and tight stitches, I wouldn’t expect your toe to slip forward. And I think avoiding having your toe hit the ground when you walk will help keep your yarn safe longer.
Hi!! Thank you so much for the tips and tricks. I love your Coachella Boots, but had trouble figuring out how to start; now that I found these tips, plan to do them right now! Do you have some advice for me about the yarn? I´m from Argentina so I´m not looking for brands, but quality or composition of the yarn… I would really really appreciate it if you could help me with this! Ba-bye! Sol
Hello from Colorado! I’d look for a cotton yarn that is mercernized if possible. The yarn I used is slightly lighter than a worsted weight, so if you could find something like a DK weight or light worsted weight, that would work well.
hi, a friend wants me to make the boots for her. so i thought i would have a go at making the slippers for myself first to get my confidence up and because they are a smaller project. I am a size 6. she is a size 7 so i am assuming I will need to use a smaller hook for myself. Anyway, If I buy the pdf version for the slippers is the hole marker the same as the one in the boot pattern please so i dont need to buy 2 patterns? many thanks for your time.
Hi,I stumbled across your article on Pintrest. I would love to know when you come up with knitting patterns as I haven’t crotchet in about 30 years. I am a size 8-8.5 but I know many people who would be interested in these so if come up with the pattern with various sizes that would be most appreciated.
I found your article through Pintrest. I knit,haven’t crochet in 30 years. Size 8-8.5 however if it includes multiple sizes that would be greatly appreciated.
I made myself a pair of slipper socks this winter and would love to be able to wear them outside. Do you have a way to add soles to a completed project? I debated gluing them on but thought that might not work… TIA! I look forward to making some of your patterns for next winter.
That’s such a wonderful idea. Crochets on a flip flop, are they common? I mean I have heard about this first time on this article but tbh they look really cool to wear. I’ll try making my flip flop crochet soon.
99 Comments
Kathy LeValley
February 24, 2017 at 4:14 amI absolutely LOVE my light weight summer slippers! I made a pair for myself and a friend (my granddaughter wants a pair also). I wear mine so much and they got dirty, so I threw them in the washing machine, i figured if they fell apart I would make a new pair. They came out great! Nice and clean! I didn’t put them in the dryer, I let them air dry. I can’t wait to make the cabin boots, thanks for all the patterns!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:41 pmYay! I love reading comments like this, Kathy. Thanks so much for letting me know how your flip flop slippers faired in the wash. I’ve been really wanting to try that with mine. I might update this post to include that info because I bet others would like to know too.
Thanks for sharing!
Jess
Dorothy Tanner
March 7, 2017 at 11:13 amPlease send me your knitted pattern when you have it completed.
Donna W.
March 20, 2017 at 5:42 pmhow do you get the yarn through the punched hole to start with?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 24, 2017 at 5:04 pmHey Donna,
I have some step by step photos in the Coachella Boot pattern that are helpful in understanding this part. 🙂
Mary Baribeau
February 28, 2017 at 5:38 amI love this idea! I actually made a pair 2 years ago before I knew about your pattern. Mine didn’t turn out correctly. They still work though. Now I have a definite pattern, I did mine incorrectly. Thank you for this wonderful pattern design.
Karen Archamboult
February 28, 2017 at 6:19 amI love all you tips and tricks, so very helpful, but I would like to say all the text is so light it is hard to read. I adjusted my setting and nothing worked.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:37 pmHey Karen,
I’m so sorry you’re having trouble. Do you mean the text of this article?
Sometimes when I’m struggling with legibility online, I increase the size of the page I’m looking at by holding down the command key and clicking the + sign a few times. This should work on my site too if you feel like you’d like to enlarge it.
I hope maybe that’s helpful!
Jess
Sue Beck
May 16, 2018 at 6:40 amJess, You can easily enlarge a page simply by holding down the Control / Command key and use the mouse wheel.
Sue
Bonita
July 25, 2017 at 5:01 pmI had the same trouble. I did make the text bigger but its the lightness of the print that is the issue..not the size of it.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
August 9, 2017 at 9:45 pmHey Bonita,
Are you having trouble viewing one of my pattern PDFs or the text on the website? I’d love to know so I can improve the experience. 🙂
Jess
Mary Ann
October 23, 2017 at 3:32 pmThere are several add-ons available for browsers that will help with that. They change the contrast on the pages so they are easier to see.
Tricia Keenan
February 28, 2017 at 7:33 amI made the slippers for myself and my daughter, and we love them. They are so comfortable that I sometimes forget I’m wearing slippers and I’ve almost gone out with them on. I am new to crocheting so I had a little trouble with the pattern at the toe area so I simply did single crochet back and forth to fill it in instead of the pattern. Thank you for the awesome slipper pattern, can’t wait to try the boots.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 4, 2017 at 8:27 pmHaha. I’ve totally done that too. I just start to think they’re part of my feet! I’m so happy to hear you improvised the pattern to suit your needs. I have several more flip flop patterns coming out this spring that I hope you’ll enjoy too!
Happy crocheting, Tricia!
Jess
Rose Meixl
February 28, 2017 at 7:54 amI found that the flip flop soles are uncomfortable because they make my feet perspire. I solved the problem by crocheting an insole with just dishcloth cotton and it works perfect. If you would like a picture or the pattern that I used just email me and let me know.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:34 pmWhat a great solution! I’d love to see a pic. I’ll send you a note now.
🙂
Tammy McDermott
February 28, 2017 at 8:12 amI am interested in a knit pattern for the shoes. I have not yet learned Crochet. The article answered my questions. I will be on the lookout for thick soled flip flops.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:33 pmGreat! If you ever get the urge to learn crochet, I have a Modern Crochet 101 course that you can learn all the basics from. (You can take it for 99 cents with my instructor’s referral link.)
I think that the skills you learn in that course combined with my flip flop video tutorials would give you enough guidance to attempt a crochet pair. And if not, I hope to have the knit version soon!
Jess
Jane
February 28, 2017 at 8:51 amHi Jess! I think the one thing you missed is how you came up with the idea to crochet shoes with flip flop soles. Also, knowing that you can wear them out and stuff, would it be possible to poke the yarn down to the bottom of the flip flop instead through the side? Would it make it more sturdy or more likely to break the yarn? Thanks!
-J
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:32 pmHey Jane,
That’s a great question. I suspect the yarn might wear out quicker if it was being stepped on at the bottom of the sole. I haven’t had any issues with them breaking down easily, so I haven’t really tweaking what’s been working for me, but you should def give it a try and report back if you’d like. 🙂
I got the idea for crocheting on flip flops when I saw this really awesome Italian YouTube tutorial that shows the woman crocheting on leather soles. I can’t understand a word of it, but it sure got me inspired to figure out my own techniques, lol.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Janie Felix
February 28, 2017 at 9:11 amDear Jess, I love your blog and I love your pattern for the cabin boot. I made nine pairs for Yule gifts for family, friends and me. My only issue is the large boxiness of the foot box of the boot. I saw above about reducing more stiches and using a smaller needle, …any other suggestions? I am not comfortable diverging from the patter with crochet ad I was with knitting, which I stopped years ago.
As to durability, mine are holding up wonderfully and ther has currently been no problem with the holes. Thanks you for your creativity and the ability to make free patterns which is social security folks can afford
Yours,
Janie Felix
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:28 pmHey Janie!
Thanks for saying hello. I’m so impressed by how many pairs of boots you’ve made! One other thing you might try to tighten up the boxiness of the toe is poking your holes slightly further apart so that you have fewer stitches overall. Also, I’m assuming you’re deliberately crocheting pretty tightly. Keeping your stitches tight can help a lot too.
If those ideas don’t pan out in the way you’d like, you might try working the bottom half of my Breckenridge Boot pattern and then working the top ankle section of the Cabin Boots. The Breckenridge Boots have a tighter foot section overall and might be more to your liking without tweaking the pattern.
Hope that helps. Happy crocheting!
Jess
Linda Sawyer
February 28, 2017 at 11:02 amPut in for my subscription and it would not take my information. Am I doing something wrong? I will give you the information here, if you don’t mind. Thank you for your help. ( see below)
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:25 pmOh no, really? That is not what we want. 🙂
If it’s still not working for you, you can send me an email at jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com and I’ll add you manually.
Sorry for the trouble!
Jess
Suzanne Jepson
February 28, 2017 at 11:24 amThank you for answering all the questions about these “boots/shoes” as I was having my doubts. My Granddaughter wants me to make her a pair of the boots. Guess I’m going to have to start a pair soon.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:24 pmI’m so glad it was helpful, Suzanne. I’ve been so impressed with how mine have held up that I thought other people might like to know too.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Karen Stone
February 28, 2017 at 12:21 pmCan’t wait to see a knit version or the boots!
Eunice Paschke
February 28, 2017 at 1:15 pmAs my partner and I re building a new home, we are making it a ‘no shoes’ home and so I have been using the flip flop sole patterns to make for our guests. They are loved by everyone and I love making them however I make my foundation row in a different way. I do a blanket stitch around the sole, then a loop through the top stitch and join the too loops together with crochet. I have found this to put less tension through the holes ensuring they do not rip. I can send you a photo if you like.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:17 pmI’d love to see a photo! That sounds like a really smart idea, Eunice. You can email me at Jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com.
Our house is a no-shoes home too, which is why my flip flop slippers are often worn about 14 hours a day!
Congrats on your new home!
Jess
norma ostlund
February 28, 2017 at 9:32 pmI like the pattern of the boots you made please send me the pattern
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:20 pmHey Norma,
You can get the grey Cabin Boots here and the brown Breckenridge boots here.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Npepperc
February 28, 2017 at 9:47 pmI made so many pair of these cabin boots this holiday season I could probably make them in my sleep. Lol My niece wanted a pair this Christmas season . SHE STARTED SOMETHING ! My sister put in her order as well as my 4 year old neighbor girl and her brother and mother. My niece wore them to school and her friends made their requests. After 14 pair (no joke) I am finally done and now that everyones tootsies are warm she is into messy bun beanies… Oh boy here we go. I love that she adores homemade things and shares. She is always finding something new for me to make her on make & do. I’m having a ball.
Myrtle Futch
March 1, 2017 at 1:42 amMy niece shared your flip flop pattern with me, and said she wanted a pair. Turquoise is her favorite color. I live in a rural area…so its a ways to go to get flip flops. The only pair I had was orange…and the only yarn that matched was varigated (orange, yellow, white, pink, and turquoise) Peaches n Cream….I make crocheted pot holders too. The slippers turned out pretty nice. I made my Niece a pair, my sister, and have made myself three pair… white, black, and turquoise. Another Niece wanted a pair of black ones. They make wonderful gifts. All in all, I’ve make eight pairs. My feet are wide….so on the second round of stitches…at the toe, I spaced out 3 increases… also on the third round,…then on. The 6th and 7the rounds, I decreased…this gave me the fullness I needed. Thank you for this wonderful pattern…I really like it. Oh, by the way….I’m 82 years old, and very blessed.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 1, 2017 at 10:21 pmWow, Myrtyle, you have been crocheting up a storm! How wonderful that you share your creativity and love of crochet with your family. I have loved making these flip flop patterns and it makes me so happy to know you’re enjoying them too!
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Sue
March 2, 2017 at 12:48 pmI have made several pair of slippers with flip flops and love each one. But I use a paper punch and punch my holes through the whole sole it so much Easyer and fast to do! I have never had any problem with my yarn braking away! Thank you for the free patterns, they make wonder gifts that are made with Gods Blessing, for if it was not for the blessing of my hands I would not be able to make them!!!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 4, 2017 at 1:49 pmYour hands are a definite blessing, Sue! I think that about my hands every single day too! We’re so lucky.
That sounds like a really intriguing idea. Do you mean the kind of paper punch that you’d use to make a hole in paper for something like a 3 ring binder? I’d love to see how that works!
Linda
March 3, 2017 at 10:21 amI’ve made two pairs of your moccasins. The first pair was made according to your directions. I thought it was hard to work around the sole though. So, for the second pair used a marker to dot where the holes would go and then counted them. I then made the entire side and top of the moccasin independent of the sole by starting with that counted number of dots. I then used a sharp craft needle to sew the completed moccasin to the sole. Not only did I find the project easier to work but it also went much faster.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 4, 2017 at 1:47 pmSounds like a great idea, Linda! This is the approach I’m taking with making a pair of knitted shoes with flip flop soles. I hope it works out as well as your did!
Jeanette
March 5, 2017 at 9:12 amI looked for the free written pattern and cannot find one. I made one par of slippers fro the video and on my second pair. Would like a written pattern but can’t find one.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 10, 2017 at 9:01 pmHey Jeanette,
Which pattern are you looking for? Do you know the name? Here’s where you can find all my free flip flop patterns:
When you go there, just click on the title of any of them that you’re interested in and the free pattern will be toward the bottom of the post. 🙂
Jess
Yolanda
March 11, 2017 at 7:59 amme gusta mucho sus trabajos Quisiera hacer las sandalias tiene tutorial o explicaciones. Gracias mil Saludos desde Canada
Yolanda
March 11, 2017 at 10:21 amMe encantaus. Trabajos utilizando las base de. Sandalias .Me gustaría. Hacer las sandalias Que público en público. En facebook
. No las Veo. En su página. .Sería.a. Amable. Y ponerlas. En su web?…Gracias. Y saludos. Desde Canada
Chris
March 13, 2017 at 7:37 pmThanks for the tutorial! How about the circles that are filling the hole in the bottom (after straps are cut)? Do they fall out? Do you glue them in place?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 14, 2017 at 2:44 pmHey Chris,
Yes, I’ve glued them in place with something like E600 glue. I’ve actually found thought that I prefer to leave the back plugs in and just cut the straps off at an extreme angle so I don’t feel them in the shoe. You can see an example in my Coachella Boots pattern. Then I glue the middle plug that goes between your toes back in as usual.
Hope that helps!
Jess
ann
March 14, 2017 at 7:14 pmI really had a hard time with these when it came to doing the top could not really understand the directions so I am making one up to finish
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 15, 2017 at 11:31 amGreat–I’m glad you found a way that works for you, Ann.
Teresa Kusmierczyk
March 21, 2017 at 5:43 pmI am paralyzed from the chest down and am so excited about making my own boots. I would like to start with the slipper boots but wear two different size shoes. I got kids flip flops, the right size large and the left size medium. Can you tell me how many holes to put in each and the distance between the holes? I would love to do the holes tonight. Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 24, 2017 at 4:52 pmHey Teresa,
I’m sorry for the delay, I’ve been really sick. 🙁 My suggestion would be to use the hole poking guide in my printable PDF for that pattern. Doing so will basically do the work for you, because it will evenly space the right number of holes per flip flop, regardless of the size. If this is a financial strain on you, please email me and we can work it out. I’d love for you to be able to make some shoes that work for you. 🙂
You can find all my printable pattern pdfs here. They’re $2.50 each.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Teresa Kusmierczyk
March 24, 2017 at 5:47 pmI did use that measure – holes 0.8 cm. apart. The yarn I used had the label that matches yours but is way bulkier. I went ahead and finished one boot, but the foot is big and the height – lol- it goes almost up to my knee. I will look for different yarn and redo it, but I learned the techniques. One question: In the written instructions, on the parts where you decrease, it says “twice.” Does that mean decrease with two stitches, then do it again with the next two stitches before moving on? Thanks for your help. I hope you feel better soon. I’m on week five of the gunk. Teresa
Teresa Kusmierczyk
March 23, 2017 at 10:31 pmSo,I bought the yarn and other supplies you recommended, and my yarn is so much bulkier than yours. I made one cabin boot, and it’s much taller and bigger than it should be. I don’t know how to post a photo. I’m not sure what to do. This boot is huge!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 24, 2017 at 4:36 pmHey Teresa,
If you used the exact same yarn as me, I’m wondering if maybe you crocheted a bit looser than I do? Did you use the hole poking ruler in the printable pattern? That’s pretty helpful in achieving the gauge. Also, these are intended to be crocheted similar to amigurumi, so really pretty tight. You might consider sizing down your hook to help you crochet tightly.
All of that said, I think my Breckenridge Boot pattern is less bulky overall and you might prefer to try the base of that boot combined with the ankle section of the Cabin boot. Just some thoughts for you to mull over. 🙂
Jess
Ethel
March 27, 2017 at 5:46 amInterested in a knitted pattern when available.
Thanks.
Dee
March 30, 2017 at 12:41 pmExcuse me if this is a sill question, but I bought the pattern ? Bought the yarn that just came today, and now am eager to get started. I’m hoping to wear my Coachella boots outside, so was wondering if a glue gun would work to fill in the holes? Was thinking I would leave the plugs in and just fill in with the glue. My fear is the glue might melt the sole? I might need a trip to the craft store tonight lol also debating adding felt or a crocheted sole
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 3, 2017 at 10:35 amHey Dee,
Thanks for your purchase! I haven’t tried hot glue, but I do wonder the same thing about it melting the sole. I’ve found that if you cut the mid-sole straps at an extreme angle (as pictured in the pattern instructions), you won’t even feel them and you can just leave them there. Then I use a really strong glue, like E6000 to glue the toe plug back in at the end.
Does that make sense?
Jess
Dee
April 3, 2017 at 1:26 pmTotally makes sense! I’m opting not to use the glue gun, followed your direction for the back straps, and added a crocheted sole. I made the mistake of showing my friends the 1 shoe I have finished yesterday and they all want me to make them a pair lol. Thanks for your help, I love the pattern ? Super fun
Rebecca Blessing
April 5, 2017 at 10:31 amHi, I would like to know if you leave the rubber/plastic tabs on the soles, if so, is there a way (if you know) how you can remove these?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 5, 2017 at 10:46 pmHey Rebecca,
Do you mean the little “plugs” that are left when you cut the straps off? If so, they’re actually pretty easy to just pop out through the foam sole. That’s what I did on my first few pairs and it works great, especially if you just intend your shoes to be inside slippers.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Carol Handley
April 8, 2017 at 5:22 pmI am interested in a knitted version
marianne
April 16, 2017 at 4:32 amLove the boots,but would also love to receive a knitting pattern for boots when you have one please.Thank you
Marsha Moore
April 17, 2017 at 4:19 pmReally enjoyed your tutorial. Thanks for the inspiration. Gotta try it.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 23, 2017 at 2:33 pmThank you Marsha! So happy to hear this was helpful for you! I’d love to hear if you decide to make a pair!
Jess
grace
April 27, 2017 at 1:29 pmhi… I have a question… when you remove the straps what do you do with the holes where the straps were. I am worried about water sipping through
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
May 3, 2017 at 12:58 pmHey Grace,
You can just glue the little strap plugs back in with a glue like E6000. 🙂
Jess
Patti T
May 9, 2017 at 12:18 pmAm interested in the knitting version when available. Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
May 11, 2017 at 2:10 pmThanks for letting me know, Patti!
Alice
May 19, 2017 at 9:03 pmThank you for sharing your creativity–all of these shoes and boots are SO CUTE! I would love to see a knit pattern since I much prefer to knit. These are all so adorable I will, however, have to break out my crochet hooks and get started on these. ? Thank you for the patterns!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
May 24, 2017 at 4:31 pmHaha, I’m glad I could convince you to dust off the ol’ crochet hooks! 🙂
I’m working on a knit version. It’s just a little trickier to figure out because of the needles, etc.
Happy return-to-crocheting!
Jess
Jane
May 21, 2017 at 5:51 amThanks for this! I have a pair of old shearling boots that the soles crumbled and broke off. I was trying to figure out how to fis them. I think I will “re sole” them with flip flops to wear as slippers!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
May 24, 2017 at 4:30 pmThat sounds awesome, Jane! I love being able to recycle things like that.
Deb
June 4, 2017 at 1:28 pmHi Jess,
Before Christmas I found your pattern for the Cabin boots! Just loved it… so I made them. Unfortunately I don’t think they turned out. First thing I noticed was that all the side picutres of the boots show the toe as curving up ward but mine never did that and the toe itself just seemed too big and bulgy. You’ve answered the question of watching the tension and incorporating more decreases in the section about “too loose” above. but should the toe just naturally curve up? or am I missing something?
Thanks for this opportunity to ask…
Sincerely Deb
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 4, 2017 at 8:56 pmHey Deb!
Hmm. Do you mean that the flip flop near the toe is curving up a bit? Or do you mean that the toe section sort of tapers toward the ankle? In either case, I do think keeping really tight tension and working extra decreases could help. Another idea is to use the bottom half of the Breckenridge Boot pattern and then the top/ankle section of the Cabin Boots pattern. The Breck Boots fit a little tighter to your foot to begin with, so you might find that they work better for your feet and crochet style. 🙂
I hope that’s helpful! Happy crocheting.
Jess
Peace
June 9, 2017 at 7:40 pmHi…I was wondering whether it’s ok to poke the holes with a knitting needle…?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 18, 2017 at 3:01 pmHey Peace,
(What a beautiful name, btw!) I think it depends on how thin your needle is. Most size needles will be too thick. If you have something like a very thin awl or even a wooden skewer, like for shish kabobs, I’d try that first.
Happy shoe making!
Jess
Samantha
June 11, 2017 at 7:30 pmSerendipity–after seeing you making the moccasins, I was at a rummage sale and found two old ice picks, and thought to myself, WAAAAAY COOL! they look perfect to punch the holes in the flip flop soles. I’m waiting for some cotton yarn to be delivered, but I was wondering–could I add a thin elastic in the top two rows?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 18, 2017 at 2:54 pmI LOVE those serendipitous thrift store and rummage sales finds! They’re my favorite! Yes, I think you could definitely add some elastic if you’d like, although I’m not sure it would create a stretchy edge (just because of the cotton being less stretchy). The leather lace is pretty effective at keeping the shoe on your foot though and you can always tie it tighter if necessary.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Maricel
June 24, 2017 at 8:10 amHola! Ahora si, aclaradas todas mis inquietudes. Voy a ponerme manos a la obra y quiero hacerme un par de botas. Muchas gracias por ser tan generosa compartiendo tus saberes. Cuando tenga listo mi primera obra te mando foto. Besos y bendiciones!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 25, 2017 at 9:23 pmMuchas gracias, Maricel! I hope you love your boots as much as I love mine!
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Trish Preedin
June 24, 2017 at 11:59 amI would love to see a knit version of you flip flop moccasins and cabin boots. Love your website and all the fun patterns you create!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 25, 2017 at 9:22 pmHey Trish–thanks so much! And I appreciate you letting me know about the knitting patterns. It’s proving to be harder than crochet because of the limitations of knitting needles. I’ll absolutely share them here when the pattern is up to snuff though. 🙂
Jess
Josn Hall
June 24, 2017 at 4:36 pmI made a pair for my daughter when she was still very young. \now I can’t find the instructions
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 25, 2017 at 9:20 pmHey Joan,
Was it one of my patterns? If so, I might be able to help you find it. You can see all my flip flop patterns here. 🙂
Jess
Josn Hall
June 24, 2017 at 4:38 pmThis project will be for my Christmas list. Thank you. It’s a marvelous idea.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 25, 2017 at 9:19 pmHey Joan,
Thank you! I do think these make great gifts. They’re thoughtful and useful at the same time. A perfect gift-giving balance in my book! 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Donna Durkee
June 30, 2017 at 4:43 pmI made the moccasins, it took three tries to get them looking like your picture. After they were finished my foot slid forward passed the flip flop and the toe eventually (after about 4 weeks) wore a hole in the yarn. I tried smaller flips, larger ones and even place theholes closer and then farther apart. Nothing works. Any suggestions???
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
July 16, 2017 at 3:24 pmHey Donna,
I appreciate all your experimentation! These flip flop shoes can def be an experiment. Can I ask what yarn you used? I haven’t had my yarn get a hole in it until about a year of wear. I’m wondering if that first pair the flip flops were a bit too big and that’s why your toe slid forward? With smaller flip flops and tight stitches, I wouldn’t expect your toe to slip forward. And I think avoiding having your toe hit the ground when you walk will help keep your yarn safe longer.
I hope any of those thoughts are helpful!
Jess
Lydia Goulart
July 12, 2017 at 6:15 amThis is a great! I can’t wait to try them. Could you please send me your knit pattern when it is available? I crochet but like to knit more. Thanks.
Maria Sol
July 12, 2017 at 10:54 amHi!! Thank you so much for the tips and tricks. I love your Coachella Boots, but had trouble figuring out how to start; now that I found these tips, plan to do them right now! Do you have some advice for me about the yarn? I´m from Argentina so I´m not looking for brands, but quality or composition of the yarn… I would really really appreciate it if you could help me with this! Ba-bye! Sol
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
July 16, 2017 at 2:56 pmHello from Colorado! I’d look for a cotton yarn that is mercernized if possible. The yarn I used is slightly lighter than a worsted weight, so if you could find something like a DK weight or light worsted weight, that would work well.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
joanne
July 31, 2017 at 9:02 amhi, a friend wants me to make the boots for her. so i thought i would have a go at making the slippers for myself first to get my confidence up and because they are a smaller project. I am a size 6. she is a size 7 so i am assuming I will need to use a smaller hook for myself. Anyway, If I buy the pdf version for the slippers is the hole marker the same as the one in the boot pattern please so i dont need to buy 2 patterns? many thanks for your time.
Alisa
September 10, 2017 at 7:58 amHi,I stumbled across your article on Pintrest. I would love to know when you come up with knitting patterns as I haven’t crotchet in about 30 years. I am a size 8-8.5 but I know many people who would be interested in these so if come up with the pattern with various sizes that would be most appreciated.
Alisa
September 10, 2017 at 8:00 amI found your article through Pintrest. I knit,haven’t crochet in 30 years. Size 8-8.5 however if it includes multiple sizes that would be greatly appreciated.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
September 10, 2017 at 8:34 pmHey Alisa,
Welcome! All of my flip flop patterns include multiple sizes, usually about women’s size 5-10 or 11.
Happy crocheting!
jess
Michelle Dunn
February 25, 2018 at 7:05 pmI am late to the party and am wondering if you were able to get the knitted pattern figured out? If so, I would like to get my hands on that 🙂
Sandhya
February 28, 2018 at 5:07 amHow do you plug the holes in the soles of flip-flops after the straps are cut off?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
February 28, 2018 at 3:05 pmI usually just use super glue to glue the plugs from the straps back in. 🙂
Grace Corey
March 8, 2018 at 7:17 amWhat do you do about the holes that are left in the soles where the original straps were cut off. Are they filled with something or just left open?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
March 9, 2018 at 4:09 pmI like to glue the “plugs” from the straps back in.
Alisa M.
May 11, 2018 at 10:35 pmI made myself a pair of slipper socks this winter and would love to be able to wear them outside. Do you have a way to add soles to a completed project? I debated gluing them on but thought that might not work… TIA!
I look forward to making some of your patterns for next winter.
Ipanema
August 10, 2018 at 8:02 amThat’s such a wonderful idea. Crochets on a flip flop, are they common? I mean I have heard about this first time on this article but tbh they look really cool to wear. I’ll try making my flip flop crochet soon.