Preparation is key: stitch and wash test
Before you start the actual knitting, we strongly recommend doing a stitch and wash test. Every wool and every washing machine can behave a little differently, so it is important to make sure that the result meets your expectations. Remember that the hotter and longer the wash, the more matted the shoes will become and the smaller they will be.
Step 1: The knitting process
For this idea, you will need a knitting needle, gauge 8.0 and approx. 8 balls of 50 g knit felting wool. To make the crazy slippers, you will need 8 self-knitted squares made from high-quality knit felting wool measuring approx. 12 x 12 cm. In our example, we have knitted the following colour combination: 4 squares in petrol, 2 in aniseed and 2 in violet.
Put 15 stitches on the needle for each square and knit 19 rows in stockinette stitch. This technique means that you knit stitches in the rows to the right and purl stitches in the rows back.
On the 20th row, chain off the stitches so that you have an unfelted square measuring approx. 12 x 12 cm. Once you have knitted all 8 squares in this way, sew them together to form an L shape using a woollen needle and a thread of felting yarn. This is the base of the slipper.
The motif template will help you to sew it together correctly. As shown in illustration A, pay attention to the exact placement and that the knitting direction of the squares varies. It is best to sew the individual squares together according to the numbered sequence as shown in illustration B to create the shape of the shoe.
Step 2: The washing process
To give the shoes the final felting look, washing is a crucial step. Stuff the knitted shoes with a wash-resistant non-felting cloth (e.g. an old towel). This will preserve the shape of the shoes during the wash cycle.
Start the wash cycle at 40°C with a colour detergent. If necessary, use a laundry bag to protect the machine from lint.
Shoe sizes may vary after one or more washes:
40°C washed once: shoe size 39 - 41
40°C washed twice: shoe size 36 - 38
60°C washed: shoe size 33 - 35
Step 3: Shaping and drying
After washing, you can pull the shoes into the desired shape and allow them to air dry. The felt is best left to dry in a well-ventilated place and not in direct sunlight or on radiators.
Treat yourself to customised comfort with these instructions for homemade knitted felt slippers and order the corresponding knit felting wool for your personal knitted felt project here in our online shop.
