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    Home » Flip Flops

    Updated: Nov 22, 2022 by Jess Coppom ·

    FAQS: How to Crochet on Flip Flops (and will they fall apart?!)

    215.9K shares

    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!

    If you've ever wondered how to crochet on flip flops to make sandals, boots, shoes or slippers, this post will answer all your questions, including if they hold up well over time. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Find Your Next Crochet Pattern on Flip Flop Soles
    • Durability
    • Crocheting into the flip flop sole
    • Supplies + materials
    • Removing the straps
    • Stretching
    • What sizes are offered?
    • Knitting on flip flops
    • Invitation to our Facebook group
    • More Free Crochet Patterns Using Flip Flop Soles

    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.

    • Women's crochet slipper boots with flip flop soles. Ankle height.
      Chukka Crochet Slipper Boots Free Pattern
    • How to Crochet Boots With Flip Flops - Free Pattern + Video
    • Free pattern describing how to turn cheap flip flops into crocheted shoes or slippers. These are super comfortable and a really fun DIY gift idea!
      Moccasins - Crochet Shoes with Flip Flop Soles!
    • An adult woman wearing an easy pair of crochet slippers made from rectangles. Each slipper has a leather sole.
      Magic Rectangle Crochet Slippers - Fast + Free Pattern

    See more free crochet flip flops patterns →

    Durability

    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.

    Crochet boots with flip flop soles after 5 months of wear. Still in great shape! Yarn = Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in "grey marble."how to crochet on a flip flop sole. All the tips you need to know. | MakeAndDoCrew.comI 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.

    Crochet flip flop slipper after six months of wear. Still in pretty good shape!

    Crocheting into the flip flop 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.

    If you've ever wondered how to crochet on flip flops to make sandals, boots, shoes or slippers, this post will answer all your questions, including if they hold up well over time. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    Supplies + materials

    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. 🙂

    Find Your Next Crochet Slippers Pattern

    • Modern Women or Men's Crochet Slippers - Free Pattern
    • This free crochet slippers pattern will satisfy the modern minimalist in you while also making you feel like a gift giving hero. They make the perfect gift for teachers, new moms, a friend who is sick and anyone else you want to wrap up in a little bit of love. Free women's slipper pattern from MakeAndDoCrew.com using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in "Fossil" and "Blueberry."
      Free Crochet Slippers Pattern for Women
    • Fun! Cotton yarn and a rubber sole make this free crochet slippers with flip flop soles pattern perfect for wearing around the house (or even outside as shoes!) Free crochet pattern and video tutorial using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in "Mint"!
      Lightweight Crochet Slippers with Flip Flop Soles - Free Pattern and Video!
    • Free crochet pattern + tutorial for easy slipper socks, using Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta.
      Easy Crochet Slipper Socks - Free Pattern

    See more free crochet slippers & socks patterns →

    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.

    How to poke holes in flip flops to crochet on top.

    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.

    What yarn should I use? Can I substitute yarns?

    Many yarns can be used to crochet on flip flops, but here are two I tend to use often. Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is what I used in my Cabin Boots and my Breckenridge Boots. It's available in a smaller skein and a larger skein and like I showed you above, it's holding up extremely well in the Cabin Boots.

    Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and Wool Ease Thick and Quick are two great yarns for crocheting sandals, shoes, slippers or boots on flip flop soles. 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.

    Calling all boho fans! Learn how to crochet shoes with flip flop soles with this free crochet moccasin pattern and video tutorial!Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton used on a flip flop crochet shoe.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.

    Removing the straps

    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.

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    See more fast crochet patterns →

    Stretching

    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.

    • In general, my Breckenridge Boot pattern (pictured below) will fit tighter than the Cabin Boots.

    Learn how to make "Breckenridge" Boots with flip flop soles in Part 1 of this free crochet pattern and video tutorial. This adult-sized pattern makes super cozy slippers or even crochet shoes to wear outside. Made with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in "Toffee."

    Are these going to be comfortable?

    Heck yes. Like nothing your feet have ever felt.

    What sizes are offered?

    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.

    Crochet Sun Hat Patterns for Kids + Adults

    • Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat Free Pattern
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      Fedora Crochet Sun Hat - Free Pattern
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      Easy Crochet Bucket Hat Free Pattern
    • Learn how to crochet a fedora-style hat in this step-by-step video tutorial. The concepts in this video explain how to crochet both the Cleo Fedora and Tate Rancher patterns.
      VIDEO TUTORIAL: How To Crochet a Fedora

    See more free crochet sun hat patterns →

    Knitting on flip flops

    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!

    That was so fun! Now what?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin'!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss crocheting flip flop 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

    • Crochet Boots With Flip Flops Soles
    • Lightweight Crochet Slippers with Flip Flop Soles
    • Free Crochet Ugg Boot Pattern
    • Lacy Crochet Sandals Pattern
    • Boho Crochet Sandals Pattern
    • Crochet Beach Shoes Pattern
    • Crochet Festival Boots Pattern
    • Crochet Boat Shoes Slippers (for kids)

    Feel free to pin this post to reference in the future:

    If you've ever wondered how to crochet on flip flops to make sandals, boots, shoes or slippers, this post will answer all your questions, including if they hold up well over time. | MakeAndDoCrew.comAre you ready to crochet on flip flops!? Here are a few free patterns to get you started!

    • Cotton yarn and a flip flop sole make this free crochet slippers pattern perfect for warmer weather. Click to get the full pattern. | MakeAndDoCrew.com
      Summer Slippers with Flip Flop Soles - Free Crochet Pattern
    • Learn how to make crochet espadrilles with flip flop soles in this free pattern and tutorial from Make and Do Crew! These crochet sandals feature Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in "Red."
      Crochet Espadrilles With Flip Flop Soles - Free Pattern
    • Learn how to crochet shoes with flip flop soles in this easy free crochet pattern and tutorial. Because of their flip flop soles, these DIY kicks work well equally well as house slippers or outdoor shoes. Free pattern and video tutorial featuring Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in the color "grass."
      How to Crochet Shoes - Free Slip-Ons Pattern
    • Neutral colors make these crochet mukluks modern and perfect for fall and winter. Made using the moss stitch and Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Barley, Wheat and Black.
      Free Crochet Mukluk Slipper Pattern Part 2

    See more crochet patterns on flip flops →

    More Crochet Patterns with Flip Flop Soles

    • Wow! Whether you're headed to Coachella or you're local concert in the park, this crochet boots pattern for adults will complete your boho-inspired outfits all season long! Made with Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Ecru.
      Coachella Boots - Free Crochet Shoe Pattern with Flip Flop Soles
    • In Part 3 of the free Breckenridge Boots pattern and video tutorial, we'll add "sheepskin" trim and toggle buttons to finish off our crochet sweater boots. Made with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick Bonus Bundle in "Toffee."
      "Breckenridge" Crochet Boots with Flip Flop Soles - Part 3
    • "Breckenridge" Crochet Boots with Flip Flop Soles - PART 2
    • "Breckenridge" Crochet Boots with Flip Flop Soles - PART 1
    215.9K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ipanema says

      August 10, 2018 at 8:02 am

      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.

      Reply
    2. Alisa M. says

      May 11, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      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.

      Reply
    3. Grace Corey says

      March 08, 2018 at 7:17 am

      What 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?

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        March 09, 2018 at 4:09 pm

        I like to glue the "plugs" from the straps back in.

        Reply
    4. Sandhya says

      February 28, 2018 at 5:07 am

      How do you plug the holes in the soles of flip-flops after the straps are cut off?

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        February 28, 2018 at 3:05 pm

        I usually just use super glue to glue the plugs from the straps back in. 🙂

        Reply
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