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!
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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!
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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 →
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.
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
Are you ready to crochet on flip flops!? Here are a few free patterns to get you started!
Eunice Paschke says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'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
Karen Stone says
Can't wait to see a knit version or the boots!
Suzanne Jepson says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'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
Linda Sawyer says
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)
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh 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
Janie Felix says
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
Yours,
Janie Felix
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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
Jane says
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!
-J
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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
Tammy McDermott says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
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!
Jess
Rose Meixl says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
What a great solution! I'd love to see a pic. I'll send you a note now.
🙂
Tricia Keenan says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
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!
Happy crocheting, Tricia!
Jess
Karen Archamboult says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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 says
Jess, You can easily enlarge a page simply by holding down the Control / Command key and use the mouse wheel.
Sue
Bonita says
I 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 says
Hey 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 says
There 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.
Mary Baribeau says
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.
Kathy LeValley says
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!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
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.
Thanks for sharing!
Jess
Dorothy Tanner says
Please send me your knitted pattern when you have it completed.
Donna W. says
how do you get the yarn through the punched hole to start with?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Donna,
I have some step by step photos in the Coachella Boot pattern that are helpful in understanding this part. 🙂