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!
Teresa Kusmierczyk says
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!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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
Teresa Kusmierczyk says
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!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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 says
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
ann says
I 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 says
Great--I'm glad you found a way that works for you, Ann.
Chris says
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?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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
Yolanda says
Me 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
Yolanda says
me gusta mucho sus trabajos Quisiera hacer las sandalias tiene tutorial o explicaciones. Gracias mil Saludos desde Canada
Jeanette says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey 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
Linda says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
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!
Sue says
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!!!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
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!
Myrtle Futch says
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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
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!
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Npepperc says
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.
norma ostlund says
I like the pattern of the boots you made please send me the pattern
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Norma,
You can get the grey Cabin Boots here and the brown Breckenridge boots here.
Happy crocheting!
Jess