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!)
View the entire free pattern and video tutorial below or purchase the printable, ad-free pdf with hole poking guide here.
This free crochet slippers with flip flop soles pattern is a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.
UPDATE: This pattern has been super popular since I published the original version last May. Many of you have requested a video tutorial for these crochet slippers with flip flop soles, so today I'm really happy to have a totally revised and updated version of the pattern that includes a step-by-step video tutorial.
In this version, I've updated the toe top section of the pattern, re-written some details for clarity AND added a printable ruler to the ad-free PDF of the pattern to guide your hole poking.
(If you just want the original crochet slippers with flip flop soles pattern though, don't fret, you can still find it for free here!)
Many readers have asked how these crochet slippers with flip flop soles hold up over time. I've answered that question (with photos!) and many more in my FAQs about crocheting on flip flops.
Without further ado, here's the original blog post with the updated free crochet slippers with flip flop soles pattern and new video tutorial below. And if you're interested, you can find all the free flip flop crochet patterns I've shared since making this first pair, right here.
Guys, I’m so excited to share this pattern. I hope you love making crocheted slippers with a legit, flip flop sole as much as I did. When I originally stumbled across these crocheted boots made by Croche Da Alessandra, the idea for some flip-flop-based summer slippers wedged in my brain and refused to shake loose until I just made the things.
Until about a week ago, I’ve been wearing some felted knit slippers my mom made me. They’re AMAZING. But now that it’s officially spring, they’re becoming a little less practical with each tick of the thermometer.
So if, like me, you prefer to keep your feet covered when you’re shuffling around the house, but you find warm weather to be less than slipper-compatible, these are for you! (And if you're the free-wheeling type that prefers not to have your toes covered at all during the summer months, check out all my other free crochet patterns instead.)
These crocheted slippers with flip flop soles let in a lovely breeze with each step, thanks to the slightly open weave and breathable Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn. The flip flop (or “thong” if you live in certain parts of the world) sole makes these a little more substantial than regular crocheted slippers and perfectly grippy to scoot around your house.
These even work well as crocheted shoes to wear outside. They might just be the most comfortable pair of shoes you've ever worn. (And don’t they look a bit like Toms?)
The ad-free PDF now includes a printable ruler to help guide your hole poking. This little bonus is super helpful in achieving the gauge and ensuring that you don't have too many or too few stitches around your flip flop sole. (Regardless of the size you're making--isn't that magic?!)
You can purchase the PDF of this pattern with the ruler here on LoveCrafts.com or here on Etsy.
Related: 30+ Free Crochet Top Patterns for Warm Weather
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 →
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this post. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos. You can read my policies here. Now let’s make something awesome!
Summer Crochet Slippers with Flip Flop Soles - Free Pattern
Purchase the printable, ad-free PDF with hole poking ruler here on LoveCrafts.com or here on Etsy.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here.
Pin this pattern for later here.
Sizes:
This pattern works well for women's sizes 6-10, but you can easily add or eliminate a row to the top section to make it longer or shorter for other sizes.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
ch – chain
cluster – 4 dc in one stitch
half cluster – 2 dc in one st
dc - double crochet
sk - skip
sl st - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
Supplies:
So you can spend more time making shoes and less time shopping, this pattern contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton – 1 skein (186 yards) Color: Mint
• Tapestry needle
• Size B [2.25 mm] crochet hook or size needed to fit through flip flop holes
• Size G [4.0 mm] crochet hook
• 1-2 printed copies of the “ruler” at end of the printable pattern or a measuring tape
• 1 pair of flip flops (One size smaller than you wear normally. See pattern notes.)
• Sharp tool to poke holes (I use this clay tool. You can also try a skewer, thin drill bit or awl.)
• Sharp scissors
• Stitch markers
• Strong glue such as E6000 to glue strap plugs to sole (optional)
Gauge:
7.5 sc = 2”
12 rows = 2”
Notes:
• Transforming flip flops into slippers isn’t an exact science! Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to customize the shoes to your liking. Check out this Flip Flop FAQs post for answers to commonly asked questions.
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• You’ll likely want to size down when buying your flip flops. Look for a flop flop that offers about .25" of sole around your foot (more like the fit of a normal shoe). In the pattern sizing, the shoe sizes mentioned describe the shoe size you normally wear and not the sized-down size of your flip flops.
• The flip flops in the sample are from Old Navy--they have a great selection of colors. Find $1 flip flops on Amazon or at Walmart. Dollar Tree’s $1 flip flops tend to be a bit too flimsy, but can work if you are careful. And LionBrand.com now offers flip flops so you can get your yarn and soles in one place!
• Left and right shoes are identical.
• Similar to some ballet flats, your slippers should curl in a bit. That’s what gets them to shape to your feet without a lot of increasing or decreasing. They will stretch out slightly with wear.
• The slipper sides and heel are worked in a spiral, so you will not ch 1 at the beginning of each round.
• Pattern explains locations on the flip flop as if it’s a clock where the top of the toe is 12:00 and the heel is 6:00.
Related: 30+ Free Crochet Dress Patterns: Beginner to Advanced
Slipper Sides and Heel
Notes:
• The shoes are crocheted tightly, similar to amigurumi. Make a deliberate effort to keep your stitches tighter than normal. Check your gauge if you’re unsure.
• Be sure to poke the same number of holes in the second flip flop as in the first.
To begin:
Trim straps off flip flops by cutting the mid-foot straps at an extreme angle so you can keep them in place without feeling them inside the shoe. (See photo above with the hole poking ruler.) Save the rubber plug from the strap between your toes to glue in later.
If you're using the printable ruler, trim and tape the pieces together and tape ruler around flip flop sole. With your sharp instrument, poke holes in each dot on the ruler. (See photo above the pattern.) Alternatively, use a measuring tape to poke holes slightly more than .25" apart around the sole. Pierce the hole at an angle from about the middle of the way down the sole to approximately .25” into the top of the sole. Reference the video tutorial for help.
Tie slip knot around smaller hook. Insert hook at back of heel (6:00 position) from the top of the flip flop toward the bottom of the sole, grabbing the yarn and pulling through to the top of the flip flop and through the slip knot to attach the yarn to the flip flop. Crochet over the tail of this yarn as you work Round 1.
Round 1: Continuing with smaller hook, sc in each hole around sole, join with a sl st to first sc. Do not turn. Place marker in first st of round and move it up as you work each round (or just keep track of which sole hole you began in).
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Rounds 2-9: With larger hook, sc in each sc around sole. Do not turn.
Remove marker. Place stitch markers at 4:00 and 7:00 positions. This is where the back heel “lip” of your slipper will taper to.
Do not turn work, continue with the rest of row 9.
Row 9 cont: Sc in each sc until 1 st remains before next marked st, sl st in next sc, turn. (See photo below.)
To make heel taper appear smoother, keep working yarn toward the inside of shoe when starting Rows 10-13. (See 8:25 mark of video tutorial for example.)
Row 10: Ch 1, sk first sl st, sl st in next sc, sc in each sc until 1 st remains before next marked st, sl st in next sc, turn.
Rows 11-12: Ch 1, sk first sl st, sl st in next sc, sc in each sc until 3 stitches remain before next marked st, sl st in next sc, turn.
Row 13: Ch 1, sk first sl st, sl st in next sc, sc in each sc to back of the heel, sl st in next sc. Fasten off.
Do not weave in end. You’ll work over this tail later.
Slipper Top
Notes:
• Cluster = 4 dc in one st
• Half Cluster = 2 dc in one st
• In rows 2-5, the clusters are worked between the two middle dc of the cluster in the previous row.
• Reference video tutorial or chart above for visual explanation.
Find the approximate midpoint of the front of the slipper. Place stitch markers at the 1:00 and 11:00 positions with 11 sc between them. (See "clock" photo at top of pattern.)
Join yarn in 11:00 marked st. (Left handed crocheters, join in 1:00 marked st and reverse mentions of "right" and "left.") Weave in the tail from attaching yarn now before this section is worked.
Row 1: With the toe facing toward you, (sk 3 sc, cluster in next sc) 2 times, skip 3 sc, sl st in next marked st, sl st in next 3 sc of Rnd 9 (up left edge of slipper), turn. (2 clusters) (See photo below.)
Row 2: Cluster in center of each of next 2 clusters, skip 2 sc in Rnd 9, sl st in next sc of Rnd 9 to join, sl st in next 3 sc (up right edge of slipper), turn. (2 clusters)
Row 3: Half cluster in sl st where Row 2 joined Rnd 9, cluster in center of each of next 2 clusters, half cluster in last sl st of Row 1, skip 2 sc in Rnd 9, sl st in next sc of Rnd 9 to join, sl st in next 3 sc (up left edge of slipper), turn. (2 clusters and 2 half clusters)
Row 4: Cluster in sl st where Row 3 joined Rnd 9, cluster in center of each of next 2 clusters, cluster in last sl st of Row 2, skip 2 sc in Rnd 9, sl st in next sc of Rnd 9 to join, sl st in next 3 sc (up right edge of slipper), turn. (4 clusters)
Row 5: Cluster in center of each of next 4 clusters, skip 2 sc in Rnd 9, sl st in next sc of Rnd 9 to join, do not turn. (4 clusters)
Round 6: Sc in each st around entire shoe, do not turn. (See photo J.) (Crochet over yarn tail at heel as you work.)
Round 7: Sc in each sc around heel stopping once you reach the slipper top section, sl st 1 into edge of top.
Fasten off and weave in end. Repeat pattern with second flip flop sole. Tap your toes together, smile and run around your house because you just made your own crochet slippers with flip flop soles!
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting flip flop slipper patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
More Free Crochet Patterns Using Flip Flop Soles
- FAQS: How to Crochet on Flip Flops - and will they fall apart?
- Crochet Boots With Flip Flops Soles
- Free Crochet Ugg Boot Pattern
- Chukka Crochet Slipper Boots with Flip Flop Soles
- Crochet Moccasins Shoes
- Crochet Beach Shoes Pattern
- Crochet Festival Boots Pattern
- Crochet Boat Shoes Slippers (for kids)
Now that your toes are comfy, you might enjoy these free crochet patterns:
Cocoon Cardigan -- free crochet pattern made with two simple rectangles!
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Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Marcy,
This is awesome! I love the look of that clean line on the sole and your video is so helpful for anyone wanting to try it that way. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jess
Katie says
Hello, I am currently making these. Where did you start attaching your yarn for your first stitch? I started in the middle back of the heel. And as I'm reading ahead to row 9. I would have already done half of the heel lip before needing to turn and go back to other stitch marker and it would be uneven in rows on each half of one shoe.
Is there a way around this..or would it be ok as is?
I hope this makes sense.
Thank you
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Katie,
I attached in the back just like you're talking about. You're right that there's an additional half row (row 9 cont), but it's compensated for on the very last row when you work from the other side and stop at the mid-back where you started. Hope that helps!
Jess
Susan says
I'm having trouble with the toe, I got the spacing of markers 10 stitches apart what I'm having trouble with is no matter which side I'm attaching yarn to the marker stitch the instructions says to sk 1 sc from marker stitch and begin in next sc ch 2 in the notes it's states to the left, that is where my confusion is I'm thinking it's to the right then back to marker stitch. I don't know just having trouble with toe.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Susan,
Sorry for the delay. Regardless of which foot you're working on, attach the yarn on the right side of the toe (with the slipper facing you--see the photo) and then skip one stitch to the left to do the first stitch of the row. Then you'll go back to the right for the next stitch, just to secure it into the marked stitch, from there, you'll work the rest of the row heading left, just like you would a norma crochet row (assuming you're right handed.)
Hope that helps. Studying the photos of the toe section might help, although you might have already done that 🙂
Jess
Karen says
I ordered a pattern was charged and never received it. So upset.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
That's no good, Karen! Did you happen to check your spam or junk folder? Sometimes it ends up there. It would be from a company called "Gumroad" which is who delivers the patterns for me. Either way, I'm going to email it to you directly to the email address you used for this comment. Thanks for your patience!
Jess
Karen says
I ordered a pattern and still have not received it.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Karen,
I replied to your other comment (and sent you the pattern directly), but I'm noticing the email addresses you used for your comments are slightly different. If you don't receive the pattern from me, please just send me an email and I'll make sure you get the pattern! My email address is jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com.
Thanks!
jess
Sharon Urmanic says
This is the second pair I've made love doing them. Your are right the flip flop from Walmart are better to do these on. The second pair I made on from Family Dollar.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Sharon,
I'm so glad you're enjoying this pattern. I just stocked up from Walmart so that I have some for the winter 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Sue B D says
After getting the slipper made, I am quite confused how you worked the "toe" portion. Mine looks nothing even close to yours, and the directions are quite confusing. When I attempt the first few stitches of the first row of the toe, it almost gets all knotted and unworkable. Do you have a picture tutorial or video tutorial of this portion?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sue,
I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble. Perhaps it would be helpful to check out the photos above that reference the toe section. I've also replied to many comments with further clarification on that section that might help answer your specific question. You might like to check those out in the comments section. Otherwise, if you'd like to let me know exactly where you're having trouble, I'd be happy to try to help. 🙂
Jess
Sue B D says
I did compare mine to the pictures, and as I stated, mine look nothing like yours. I did attempt to look in the comments, but as there are so MANY of them, I gave up trying to find any that helped figure it out. At this point, I will try something different and come up with my own finish. If I can do that, I will share that with you, so that others who are having trouble with the toe portion have another choice for the finish.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks, Sue. I'm sure a lot of people would appreciate that.
Pam says
I am in the process of making these slippers. 20+ years ago I made some house slippers only at the time I went from top to bottom and of course the yarn frayed with wearing so they didn't last long. I then make some use the side to top hole method and they lasted for quite a while. I only had acrylic yarn to work with and not crochet at that time so I think using cotton now will greatly improve the slippers. I purchased some from Dollar Trees because they had some beautiful printed patterns that I thought would help enhance the slipper when finished. Big mistake. On the right flip flop I had 3 holes pull right through the rubber and on the left 2 holes pulled through. Because I remember from years ago that I needed to be very careful on spacing the holes, not to be too close to the edge of the flip flop and not to pull the yarn too tight when attaching the foundation row---I was very careful yet I ended up with some soles in each slipper. Since these are for me and are the first I am making, it will be fine but I will not be using Dollar Trees flip flops again and it such a shame because they had such a wonderful array of colors to choose from plus I purchased several pair. But they were only $1 so I am ok to give away or not to use them.
I would like to add a note about the printing issue which seems to be a question posed quite often in the comments and I see on Facebook. I think it is great to offer a pdf and at a reasonable cost. Afterall, you are giving this pattern away free. If anyone has researched as I have done to make slippers using flip flops both online plus watching many YouTube videos,, at the local craft stores, in my crochet 4 crochet circles I go to weekly, and on Facebook crochet group sites one would greatly appreciate your efforts. But I am a bit computer savvy and I usually do a cut and paste into MicroSoft Word creating a document cutting out all the junk/advertising and that way I can resize photos to my size and make some print larger for my eyesight. My computer guru saw me doing this and went out online and added a "pdf" print driver for my HP printer. It is actually called "pdf995" and I have to hit the print popup option so I can choose this, or one of my 2 printers, or my Dymo labelmaker. By using this pdf995 print option it will take out all the junk/advertising. and cut down my "cut and paste" work giving me more time to crochet. You do still get some stuff that you may not want but instead of being lots of pages this reduces the document down to a reasonable size. When considering how much ink you use to print this can be very economical. I remember an online pattern if printed would have been 36 pages but using the pdf print program it was 4 pages. Again, that saves on printing, wear and tear of the printer, ink and paper costs.
I do not know if you are using Ravelry but if you aren't you might want to use it. Any member can add photos and comments on projects which I find very very helpful. This also gives me ideas of what colors of yarn or what kind of yarn to use on a project.
Thank you kindly for sharing your pattern with the world.
Blessings for a wonderful day,
Pam aka Racie
.
Mataya says
I have a question about rows 9+. Are they to make the heel or thw toe sidw thicker? I am struggling to understand.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Mataya,
They are to make the back heel part a bit taller so that it doesn't slide off the back of your foot. So for the row called "9 cont" and on, you will just be working in the back half of the slipper. Then you'll fasten off and move on to the toe part.
Does that make sense? Let me know if not!
Jess
Martha Holaday says
Hi, I have made a pair of these slippers, love them. I did make a few changes as I wanted to use a different type of yarn and a varigated yarn. Ok, couldn't figure out how to post a picture of them on this site. Tried to go to jess@makeanddocrew.com, keeps bringing me back to this site, so don't know how to get you a picture of the slippers. I did post them on Facebook!! Thanks so very much, love this idea. Plan on making a pair for my Great niece and nephew for a trip we are taking. Thought they would be great for them to wear in the rental van. That way their shoes (never know if it is rainy, muddy, etc) will be placed on a rug we will be taking for that purpose.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Martha,
I'm so glad your slippers turned out! I'd love to see a picture! Feel free to email me at Jess (at) make and do crew (dot) com (no spaces and using the @ and . signs).
Your great niece and nephew are so lucky to have you making things for them.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Jessica Jensen says
I purchased the printable pattern for $2.50 and I still have not received it in my email. How long does this take to receive them? thanks
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jessica,
It might be worth checking your spam and junk folders as it def should arrive in less than 10 mins. I responded to your email though, so please let me know if you didn't get what you need. Thanks for your patience!
Jess
Rosie says
I am having some trouble understanding the pattern. I have tried making one pair and they do not look like your photos. I must be doing something wrong. Are you going to make an instructional video? That would help me out on making these wonderful slippers.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Rosie,
Yes! I'm hoping to have the video up very soon. I know some people have found that when their holes are a little too close together, the slippers don't curve inward like in the photos. If this is what you're running into, you might try doing some decreases early on in your rows so that you have fewer total stitches.
If you'd like to subscribe in the box above, I'll send an email when the video is finished. Otherwise, just keep checking back 🙂
Jess
Rosie says
Thank you. I did punch my holes further apart and seems to have worked. I can't wait until your video is finished.