Hello sew-friends! This quick variation of my Quilted Slippers pattern is my final make of 2024. Ta-da!! Instead of using quilted fabric, I used a heavy sweater knit for the exterior and fuzzy fleece for the lining. Usually, I make my own quilted fabric (tutorial here) which is really fun but more time consuming. Skipping the process of quilting by using a fleece, sweater knit or pre quilted fabric makes the Slippers a very fast and satisfying project.
If you're not familiar already, the Sew DIY Quilted Slippers includes two styles a bootie and a skimmer. The slippers are sized for foot lengths 8.25-12 inches (21-30.5 cm) which approximately fits US women’s shoe sizes 4-14 and US men’s shoe sizes 6-14.5. The pattern is gender neutral making it a great gift for all your friends and family. The quilted exterior is constructed by quilting a layer of fabric and batting together. You can also use pre-quilted fabric for a quicker project. These slippers are the perfect way to keep toes warm and use up small cuts of fabric. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce yourself to quilting.
SIZING
When I first designed this pattern in 2020, I wore a US women's size 11 shoe. But I couple of years ago, I realized that I should switch to a size 11.5. I don't know if it was age just spending a few pandemic years not wearing constricting shoes but my feet are squished if I wear a size 11 now! While finding a size 11 shoe is easier than it used to be, many companies stop at a size 10. A size 11.5 is even harder to find. It's easier to find men's shoes in those sizes, but I want to wear cute shoes, you know what I mean?
One of the great things about sewing is being able to make things that are big enough for my taller than average body. So, when I designed this pattern, and I saw that there were already sewing patterns on the market for smaller (children's) sizes, I decided to focus on larger adult sizes. That's why the pattern goes up to (roughly) a US men's size 14.5.
All that is to say that for these slippers, I sized up from my previous size G to a size H. I think it's a little looser than necessary but I'll be able to wear thicker socks.
FABRIC
The exterior fabric is a heavy cotton blend sweater knit that has a backing attached. The fabric has some stretchy but it's very thick and sturdy (especially for a sweater knit). I used this fabric to make this pullover sweater for my Sewing With Numbers Substack. For environmental reasons, I wish the fabric was 100% natural fibers but it's frustratingly hard to find.
The lining fabric is a fuzzy, almost faux fur, that I bought as a remnant a few years ago from Joann Fabrics. I actually used it to line these patchwork slippers.
If I had had leather in my stash, I would have used it for the soles but I only had enough for one foot. I might look into adding some glue dots to reduce potential slippers. There's a product called "Sock Stop" that you can apply to the bottom for this purpose. I've found it on Amazon.
For the pull tab at the back of the ankle, I used a piece of thick ribbon that I've had in my stash for 10+ years. It feels a bit like suede but I think it's probably faux suede.
Looking for more instruction? The pattern includes a fully illustrated and tested instruction booklet. And, the sewalong has a lots of resources, including videos, if you want more details. Click here to visit the sewalong page, or scroll through the posts below.
CONCLUSION
I'm always wishing I was sewing more and this was a good project to get myself doing a little something. And I was thrilled to be able to use up leftover fabric. I've been sewing less over the years, I think in part because my attention is pulled elsewhere (moving, relationships, house stuff) but I also have so many clothes already that I don't need to make as many things. That said, in 2023, I moved from Los Angeles to Seattle and what I wear has changed significantly. So, as I settle in, I may identify different gaps in my wardrobe. I find myself wearing lots of turtlenecks, sweaters and jeans and it would be nice to have a little more variety.
I hope you enjoyed this post and I wish a very happy 2025. You can purchase the Quilted Slippers pattern in my shop and explore the sewalong here. You can save the image above to Pinterest to save this project for later. Happy sewing!
