When I told my brother about this week’s project, the first thing he said was, “You know you can buy those, right?” Halfway into the project, I started to wish I did. My old shower slippers fell apart recently. I examined the shreds and decided that I could make my own—only better. I bought a thrift-store bath towel for $1, grabbed an old pair of flip-flops, and went to work. So glad I stuck with it. They feel like heaven on my feet.
UPDATE 10/2011: Good news! These slippers are machine washable and dryable. I just pulled mine out of the dryer, and they’re clean, fluffy—and a little damp. They’ll need to air dry overnight.
How to make spa slippers out of a towel and flip-flops
Fair warning: Before attempting this project, please see step #21 below.*
Supplies
- old flip-flops, thongs, zoris, sandals (whatever you call them)
- old cotton terry cloth towel
- 1/4 yard polyester batting
- 1/4 yard faux leather
- coordinating thread
Tools
- sewing machine
- fabric scissors
- kitchen shears
- upholstery straight pins
- water-soluble fabric marker
- pencil
- tape measure
- needle
1. Cut off the thong part of the flip-flop. My kitchen shears were the only scissors I had that were strong enough. With a pencil, trace each sandal onto the back of the faux leather, which will be the sole of the slipper.
2. Measure 5/8-inch around the outside and mark with dots. Connect the dots. This is the seam allowance.
3. Cut out the faux leather along the outer line.
4. Trace the leather cutout onto towel with fabric marker. Cut them out.
5. Do the same thing with the batting.
6. Measure around the outside edge to determine the length of the side pieces.
7. Measure the height of the thickest point of the sandal to determine the width of the side pieces.
8. For the side pieces, cut two strips of towel. They should be about two inches longer than the circumference of the sandal and 1-1/4 inches wider than the height of the sandal (height + 5/8-inch seam + 5/8-inch seam). I also cut the same size strips in the batting, but ended up not using them because of thickness problems. You’ll see.
9. This is where some guesswork comes in. For the top pieces, draw around the outside of the leather pattern, flaring out a bit toward the heel, which will accommodate your foot. Then draw another line 5/8 inch outside of that line (for the seam) and cut out.
10. Cut four top pieces. You can use the same pattern for all of them because the towel is reversible.
11. Cut out two pieces of batting the same size.
12. Trim off about 5/8 inch from the bottom so they’ll fit inside better.
13. All the pieces you need are now cut. (I discarded the thin strips of batting in this photo.)
14. Sew the bottom edges of the top pieces (5/8-inch seam allowance). Turn right side out and insert batting.
15. Sew the top edges together with the batting inside (1/2-inch seam allowance).
16. Sew the footbed pieces to the batting (1/2-inch seam allowance).
17. Starting at the heel, sew the thin strips of towel to the outside edge of the faux leather sole (1/2-inch seam allowance).
18. Make sure you start with the short edge folded back in the correct direction, then overlap the other short edge at the end. Hand sew the two ends together. I used a whip stitch.
19. Snip out triangles from the seam of the sole. This will help it bend correctly when it’s turned right-side-out.
20. The layers were too thick for straight pins, so I used large binder clips to attach the top piece to the foot bed. Place the sole upside down on top of the other two pieces.
21. Sew all three pieces (top, foot bed, and leather sole) together in one seam (1/2-inch seam allowance)—leaving the heel open large enough to insert the flip-flop.
* My sewing machine was unable to handle the bulk of the fabric for this last seam, so I took them to European Cobblery, and Jessica sewed them on her heavy-duty machine. It cost me $28 (with a 20% off coupon).
22. Turn right side out and insert the flip-flop.
23. Hand sew the heel portion closed. You can use a hidden stitch or whip stitch. The whip stitch is easier in this case, and it’s nearly invisible against the terry cloth anyway.
67 Comments »
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February 11, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Wow! What a project. I think your brother was right, but boy do they look sturdy and comfy! How many hours do you think you put into this? I have a hard time finding good slippers that last a long time, maybe I should give these a try.
February 11, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Thanks, Christy. These took me about 12 hours. Do I think it was worth the time and cost? Yes. Would I do it again? No.
February 12, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I think yours are way better than anything from the store! i love this, it’s super creative! Thanks so much for sharing the how-to, I’ll be linking.
February 13, 2009 at 8:34 am
Wow! You are seriously dedicated to some comfort. I like that in a person;) I would have never come up with using flip flops to make slippers. So creative! Great tutorial too!
Sew yourself a pair of spa slippers · Sewing @ CraftGossip said,
February 13, 2009 at 5:29 pm
[…] Craftynest shows how to make these slippers using a bath towel and an old pair of flip-flops. Get the tutorial. [via Sew and […]
February 13, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Brilliant!! Blogged at Craft Gossip Sewing Blog: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/sew-yourself-a-pair-of-spa-slippers/2009/02/13/
February 15, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Your slippers look so professional. I don’t think I would have the patience to do them.
February 20, 2009 at 4:01 pm
What a neat project! I have always wanted to try making something like that but have never found a tutorial. Thank you!
March 25, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Great idea!
April 2, 2009 at 9:18 am
Wow! Those look like you bought them in a store.
April 7, 2009 at 7:26 am
woww !!!!!!suppperrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!
April 16, 2009 at 5:55 am
that is actually brilliant! The most creative upcycle I’ve seen in a while. Well done!!
April 16, 2009 at 10:38 am
I love this project! I’m definitely going to try it.
(One mini detail–“heel” is spelled incorrectly in the tutorial.)
Doesn’t detract from the greatness of the final product, of course! Thanks!
April 16, 2009 at 11:08 am
Brittany – Thanks for catching that! Fixed it just now.
April 27, 2009 at 8:38 pm
awesome idea. totally saving this as a project to make. i also think a leather sewing machine would work. my dad had one when i was a kid and they are super heavy duty.
May 23, 2009 at 9:17 am
While I admire your persistance, and ingenuity, you totally lost me at the $28 dollar sewing fee, whether or not you had a coupon. I don’t think that it is frugal or resourceful at all. You could have probably bought three pair for the time and money spent. I think it’s a great theory though and I am glad to have seen it, I just think you gotta know when admit your limits when it comes to recycling/refashioning. Sorry for my frank response, I hope I have not offended, just saying how I truly feel.
May 23, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Sandy – All true. I’m not offended. My ideas don’t always pan out the way I plan. The sewing fee was certainly an unforeseen obstacle. That’s why I wrote the “fair warning” at the top of the how-to instructions. I post my projects with warts and all, so others can learn from my mistakes. That being said, I still love my slippers. :) And isn’t that what matters?
August 27, 2009 at 11:57 am
Sounds like a neat idea, though it turned out to be plenty of work! Also, you ran into a little homophone trouble. You seem to have used “heal” twice where you meant “heel.”
August 27, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Meredith – Man, I thought I caught them all! Thanks for keeping me on my toes—or heels. :) Fixed for real this time.
September 21, 2009 at 2:18 am
Sono “estasiata” dalla tua bravura sulla “qualità e precisione” delle foto: anche chi non capisce nulla di cucito riuscirebbe a farle. Complimenti sinceri (congratulations, really). Ciao.
October 2, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Hallo. Great job. Ich habe nicht erwarten, dass diese an einem Mittwoch.
October 4, 2009 at 1:55 pm
f?r die beste Website zu erhalten, ein.
January 4, 2010 at 1:38 am
Thank for informations.
I will come back later
September 1, 2010 at 10:05 am
For the past few years, DH hasn’t been able to find the style of slipper he likes which is very much like this, but with a heel piece. AND, he hates soft soled slippers which he considers nothing more than a sock.
This is PERFECT for what he wants: no wool, firmer sole, and not too warm like his fur lined ones. I can make them and already have everything I need except the flip flops. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! I’m off to stock up on men’s flipflops before they clear them out for the winter. I wish I could post a pic of what he’s wearing now: falling apart at the sides, almost no inner lining left, just rags, really. These should keep my fussy guy happy.
January 22, 2011 at 12:56 pm
I was so excited about reading how to make these, but when I got to the end where you stated you had to send them out to a friend to sew on her industrial machine; I was somewhat dissapointed!. Is this because your regular machine would not allow the xtra bulk, or Do you think I could use this on my Elna machine?
January 24, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Brenda – I hear ya. I was disappointed my sewing machine couldn’t finish the job too. Yes, my machine won’t allow the extra bulk. I’m not familiar with Elna sewing machines. If your machine can handle sewing six thick layers of fabric, you’re good to go.
March 12, 2011 at 10:22 am
$28.00 – time – gas – for a pair of $5.00 bath slipppers. NOT worth it to me.
May 5, 2011 at 8:16 am
These look fabulous. Can’t wait to make them. I just put old flip-flops in the recycle bin. I’m heading there now to dig them out!
May 5, 2011 at 10:11 am
They are neat, guess it was worth the 28.00 dollars to spend for the heavy sewing. I bet it was a challenge. They will last for ever and it makes you feel good that you made them yourself. Great Job
May 5, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Great Job! I think I might have tried hand sewing them using an awl, and some heavy hemp thread. I’ll bet the second pair wouldn’t take so long! Besides, it’s certainly a creative up-cycle project while sitting around watching TV! Did you know, it is recommended you replace your sewing machine needle between projects?
Perhaps with a little outside the box thinking, you might not have to sew so many layers! Maybe set the flip flop into the bottom piece, and pull it up and ‘chemically bond’ or glue it to the top of the flip flop, and then set the finished top part down, attach it by hand stitching all the way around??? Just an idea…Nance
May 5, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Do you have a pattern to make a picture frame out of cloth, with padding in it. For the padding you use fiberfill. I have one that someone made for me, but I can’t figure out how to do it.
May 5, 2011 at 12:16 pm
carol – I used to make those all the time in high school! I’d forgotten all about them. I’ll make one and write up a tutorial for you soon. Thanks for reminding me.
May 6, 2011 at 8:20 am
Monica,
Great slippers. I have a pair of similar slippers I purchased several years ago with a contoured foot bed that have worn out. I took them apart and was going to re make them using a felted wool sweater. The way these go together is very similar to yours, except that the top of the slipper is made, then the upper is glued on to the foot bed ( flip flop) around the sides. This would avoid the heavy duty sewing machine and the cost…
(I used to make sheepskin slippers and had the appropriate sewing machine way back when.)
You have re inspired me to complete my felted wool slippers. Thanks
May 6, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I love that you posted the warning. I read it first and then as I read the tutorial I was thinking of which of my machines can handle 6 layers or possibly doing it by hand or gluing. The fact that you paid someone to do it does not bother me at all. You patronized someone’s business that does needlework in essence keeping it in the family. I buy a few pair of spa type slippers a year looking for a most perfect pair with a most perfect fit. I’m still looking. I would gladly pay $30 1x in hopes of getting use for 2 years. I don’t think you need to defend the cost. Mine cost anywhere from $12 to $20, usually not washable, usually no support, and always not ‘quite’ what I was looking for, so I settle. When I make mine based on your tutorial I will make changes I know it for sure, thank you for an inspirational starting point.
May 14, 2011 at 10:29 am
I love finding new patterns and ideas on the internet. I may try this one, or maybe not, but I guess what I appreciate was the fact that you put your idea out there and you did a great job describing each step. I would be too intimidated to put my ideas for all the world to see for fear of someone finding something wrong. I think its great that we can share ideas (or in this case patterns), and learn from what other people do.
May 14, 2011 at 7:34 pm
I love this idea, and I like the suggestion of using an awl and hemp to hand sew them together……its called improvising,,,,,and yeah, the price to get them sewn for you is more than I would pay,,,,but an excellent tutorial. Thank you.
July 8, 2011 at 4:56 pm
I lost you at #20. I don’t see how we can sew it right on top. If you could explain that to me that’d be brilliant. These slippers look fabulous.
July 10, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Amy – I know it’s confusing. You probably won’t understand step 20 until you try it. You’re sewing the slipper inside out, so the bottom is sewn onto the top, then you turn it inside out.
July 16, 2011 at 9:34 pm
You are creative, but it looks like too much of a chore and I don’t know where I could take them to be finished. $28??????????????????
July 16, 2011 at 10:47 pm
KATE – Granted, it is a chore. And $28 might seem steep, but my slippers are now 2-1/2 years old, and they’re still going strong. No fraying. No holes. Have your cheap spa slippers ever lasted that long? You might be able to find a cobbler in your area who will sew the seam for less.
Нови домашни чехли от стари такива | KrasArt said,
July 18, 2011 at 2:16 am
[…] само следвашия път бих използвала хавлия като от РЪКОВОДСТВОТО, понеже ако се обуят на бос крак, джинсовия плат се […]
July 18, 2011 at 2:58 am
Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I made my own slippers and post them in my blog http://krasart.com/?p=245 . I share your tutorial also and link it back to you here http://krasart.com/?page_id=23
Как снова можно использовать старое полотенце (25 примеров) said,
July 22, 2011 at 3:19 am
[…] 1. Банные тапочки. […]
September 7, 2011 at 8:01 pm
ha – you could leave the back of the shoe open, so you could remove the “flip flop” and put them in the washing machine when needed. Maybe a spot of velcro to keep them from looking too sloppy. the faux leather might not hold up to washing though.
October 4, 2011 at 10:36 pm
and to think how many pairs of flip flops i threw out from the new puppy in the house thinking they were great chew toys! don’t know that i’m going to try it but will save the idea.
October 15, 2011 at 4:29 pm
sewbusy – Just put my slippers through my washer and dryer. Came out great. Still no fraying—and no problem with the faux leather.
November 20, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Great Idea! I LOVE the slippers and will be making several pairs for various family members, some with a back added for warmth and maybe some embroidery work on the top of my foot for mine. My older machine, a Singer 401, has no problem with 6 thick layers. My Viking embroidery machine couldn’t handle the thickness but a lot of the older machines are work horses that as long as you use a heavy gauge needle and go slow over the intersections where there is a build up of layers, then they do fine. The caution of your unexpected expense was important but I think some people may be giving up too easily, especially for slippers that you have now worn almost 3 years with multiple washings. Your $28 investment was worth it. Maybe next time also check with your friends who may have a machine that could handle the thickness, and make a trade of services. I think the most important decision was the choice of flip flop that you began with, as yours had the molded foot for added comfort. Good choice! Again I love the idea and thank you for putting out there for us.
December 10, 2011 at 1:58 pm
I love to make shoes and slippers. Just the recycling of flip flops intrigues me. However, if it indeed takes 12 hours to make these, they would be too costly, as I estimate my crafted costs at materials+ labor at $10/ hour. These are some mighty expensive slippers.
December 15, 2011 at 8:46 am
I have a suggestion; I think a serger will handle the seam; may be a bit tricky but if you go slow, I believe it can be done. my serger sews several layers.
Hope this helps you.
Pgh. Phyl
December 21, 2011 at 10:02 am
Monica, GREAT JOB!! I just found your site today and am enjoying many of your projects that I too will be making. As for the sewing of these slippers on the 6 layers, get yourself an older sewing machine that is all metal!!! Use a needle for sewing denim!! Go slow and it will work. I have all the supplies on hand to make these including the faux leather and quilt batting. I make quilts all the time. I have an old Kenmore sewing machine I bought in 1985..it’s all metal. I also have an old Singer metal machine from 1905..both will sew through the thickness with no problem. Both have a high shank which is the length/height between the plate and the presser foot of the machine.
If I did not have these machines, I would still make these but I would use a leather hand sewing needle with a carpet thread to hand sew them…just a thought for when yours do wear out and you need a new pair.
December 29, 2011 at 11:01 am
I think these are great! And the fact that you have had them for more than two years AND have washed them AND they are still going strong makes them worth the cost of both time and money. I would like to ask those who are grumbling about the cost and time–do you knit? If you do, do you make sweaters, blankets or other large items? What yarn to you use? Even at say $3 a skein, if a blanket calls for 10 skeins you have $30 into the blanket and you haven’t even cast on yet–how many hours go into said blanket? The whole idea behind this recycled slipper is to use what you have, or what is inexpensive–no the stitching wasn’t inexpensive, but it WAS done LOCALLY. Not in another town, not in another country.I think showing us this great slipper and telling us up front everything that went into making it was brilliant–we don’t have to make it, but I think we should acknowledge the ingenuity and creativity in creating something that lasts and is lovely too.
January 11, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Really great way to re purpose an old towel and flip-flop in a fun and useful way.
February 16, 2012 at 8:35 am
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I just got a Singer heavy duty machine last month, and this will be my first “project” on it! (other than the hemming of jeans)
February 23, 2012 at 9:32 am
Amazing Idea!
I wanted to stop by to let you know we featured you this morning on theupcycleblog.com
http://theupcycleblog.com/?p=2531
Thanks!
April 18, 2012 at 11:08 pm
This is exactly what I wanted to make, flip flops & all…? Fantastic!
My flip flops have been bothering me right where the side of the
thong hits the sole.And I’m also desperate for slip ons that have
good padding.
So,cut the thong off and insert it in a slipper casing.
What I pictured was exactly like your slippers.
Thanks for the heads up on the obstacle of thickness.
I know which of my sewing machines to use now.
And thanks to everyone who wrote in for all the tips
on using a tougher needle and strongest thread.
=]
May 8, 2012 at 3:45 pm
I love the idea. But my dog seems to think my slippers are his chew toys, so I’m afraid if I spent that much time making these, and he decided to eat them, he and I might really have to tangle. LOL. I love my dog, lucky for him have always loved him more than I love my slippers. But I just might have to try it sometime anyway. Thanks for the instructions and inspiration.
November 4, 2012 at 8:27 am
Love these! Slippers are expensive and if I can get more wear out of ones I made I’m all for it. I think I would add some wool fiber between the fabric and the insoles to add extra squish, warmth and wicking.
November 10, 2012 at 7:44 am
My old Kenmore machine needed a size 16 denim needle but it sewed right threw the rubber of the flip flop [low speed of course] …I am again reminded at how the old machines still work for things the new fancy machines won’t do…took me 4 and 1/2 hours to make these…I am going to try another pair but this time I’m digging out my leather/suede sewing machine to see if that will be easier. And of course if I set up the L/S machine I might as well make a few new handbags! Just love that I have an excuse to make things!!! LOL…
I am also going to try to make these with just a leather bottom and batting for when I want something a little less bulky to pack in a suitcase!
Great pattern and tut…thanks!!!
November 24, 2012 at 3:00 pm
dont you sell this in your shop, if do how much in Rand value please
Regards
Maud, SOUTH AFRICA
November 29, 2012 at 11:01 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your slipper pattern tutorial for those of us with older grandchildren who have gunboats for feet and find it difficult to find them good quality slippers for any amount of money. Special Order is not my cup of tea. I totally appreciate immediate satisfaction (even if it takes a few hours) and the ability to personalize with color or prints and embroidery, oh my!
December 1, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Well, I think it’s brilliant! Thanks for the fair warning and all, but I pinned it to try at a later date! Maybe a slightly thinner towel and base would help although it probably wouldn’t end up as comfy as yours!
December 3, 2012 at 8:38 am
Very Clever! I really enjoyed reading through your tutorial! I never imagined you would get so many opinions as to cost, etc. You have a great community of Followers as well. Great blog. :)
January 5, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Hi – great idea and I love the fact these slip on last (you get what you pay for/put the effort into!)
Can you adapt the patterns so there’s support around the heel?
I am a below knee amputee and I can’t wear slip ons because they don’t stay on. As as result I either go bare foot or wear out my socks really quick!
Thanks
January 31, 2013 at 6:03 pm
I love this project and although I know for certain my sewing machine will not be able to handle the bulk I am going to make these anyway, by hand. Yes, I will succeed :)
May 29, 2013 at 7:05 am
gracias por compartir sus conocimientos me gustaria saber k le pongo de relleno para la suela para k kede gordita la suela .y k es el flip flop gracias muy agradecida espero su respuesta
December 26, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Oh my gosh, that is dedication! But they look super comfortable! :) Lisa
February 19, 2015 at 8:51 am
Just finished making my own. :) Your instructions were fantastic. My sewing machine actually had no problem going through all the layers. (No $28 fee for me!) They look so good! I embroidered the top piece with a logo as well, it took me a few hours more but they look almost store bought.
Thank you for posting your pattern!