These slipper socks are knit with a heel, making them a mix of both mega-cozy socks and little boot-style slippers. They have the best elements of both with the flexibility of a sock and the warmth and style of a slipper. Because both the yarn and needles are so big, the slipper socks are ideally worn with ordinary socks to work as a lining and keep you super-cozy. Perfect for lazy winter days lounging around the house. The needles can be a little hard to hold to begin with, but since the socks are fast to knit, it’s not difficult for long.
SIZE
10 ¼ in (26cm) along the sole x 16in (40cm) from heel to cuff when laid flat, or 8in (20cm) when the cuff is folded over to make a boot style.
YARN
Mondo from Cascade Yarns (50% alpaca, 50% wool), 58yd (53m) to 14oz (400g) 14oz (400g) in Ecru
NEEDLES
Set of 4 US 50 (25mm) double-pointed knitting needles
Large darning needle
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 stitch marker
2 pieces of felt in the color of your choice, each measuring around 8 x 4in (20 x 10cm)
Non-slip glue or pads
Sewing needle and thread to match (or contrast with) the felt color
GAUGE (TENSION)
Approximately 3.5 stitches and 5 rows to 4in (10cm) over pattern.
ABBREVIATIONS
st(s) stitch(es)
cont continue
foll(s) follow(s)(ing)
k knit - (how to do a knit stitch)
p purl - (how to knit a purl stitch)
k2tog knit two stitches together
p2tog purl two stitches together
rem remain(ing)
NOTES
The pattern is written to fit US size 6 ½ –8 ½ (UK4–6) feet. If you need to make them smaller or larger, you can add or decrease rounds between rounds 26-31 in the pattern, bearing in mind that 1 row will alter length by around ¾ in (2cm).
FOR EACH SOCK
Cast on 8 sts.
Divide the sts between 3 needles (2, 4, 2) and making sure the cast-on is not twisted, join it into a circle and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Rounds 1–15: Knit.
SHAPE HEEL
Working back and forth in rows on 2 needles, cont as folls:
Row 16: K6, turn.
Row 17: P4, turn.
Row 18: K4, turn.
Row 19: P4, turn.
Row 20: K1, k2tog, k1, turn.
Row 21: P1, p2tog, turn. (6 sts in total)
Row 22: Knit across rem 2 sts on needle, pick up and knit 3 sts along side of heel, k2 on next needle.
Cont in rounds.
Round 23: K2, pick up and knit 3 sts along side of heel (opposite side of the heel to where the sts were picked up on row 22). (12 sts)
Stitches on needles should now be 5, 2, 5, spread stitches evenly by slipping 1 stitch from the first and third needle (each with 5 stitches) onto either end of the second needle so there are 4 sts on each needle.
Round 24: [K1, k2tog, k1] to end of round.
Round 25: K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog. (7 sts)
Rounds 26–31: Knit (this is where you can alter the number of rows to change the size of the socks).
Round 32: K2tog, k3, k2tog.
Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, and pull up and secure tightly to close hole.
TO MAKE UP
Tie in loose ends.
Cut the felt pieces into ovals approximately 8in (20cm) long by 3 ¾ in (9.5cm) wide (or the size needed to fit the sole of the socks).
Place one felt piece over the sole of each slipper and hand stitch them in position. I used two strands of thread and a criss-cross stitch to make the sewing a little stronger and also decorative, but you can use any stitch you like as long as it’s secure.
Once both slippers have had the soles stitched onto them, apply the non-slip glue to the felt. I put mine on in dots all over the soles, but you can draw anything you fancy so why not get creative? Leave the glue to dry. You can fold the cuffs over to make little booties or leave them long if you prefer.
For more cosy knitwear, check out Super Chunky Knits by Lauren Aston.