FLEECE SLIPPERS

Leah Farquharson shares how to make a simple pair of snuggly slippers from soft wool blend felt, lined in faux fur for a touch of luxe.

YOU WILL NEED

Main fabric: wool felt: 50x65cm (20x30in)

Lining fabric: plush or faux fur, 50x65cm (20x30in)

Iron-on fleece: 30x30cm (12x12in) Matching thread

Basic sewing kit

NOTES

You will find the templates needed on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue. The small template is for a UK shoe size 5-6, and the larger template is for a UK shoe size 7-8.

Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance.

CUTTING OUT

Step one Trace around the slipper sole template for your size and cut it out to make the pattern. Step two Cut out the following pieces:

Main fabric:

Soles: cut four pieces using the template, flipping the template so two are mirror images.

Upper: 7x61cm (2¾x24in).

Lining fabric:

Soles: cut two pieces in the same way as above. Upper: 7.5x61cm (4x24in).

Iron-on fleece:

Soles: cut two pieces in the same way as above.

MAKINGTHE SLIPPERS

The following instructions are for one slipper. Repeat them to make the second using the template right side (RS) up for one slipper and the mirror image pieces for the second.

ASSEMBLINGTHE SOLE

Step one Press the iron-on fleece sole to the wrong side (WS) of one of the felt soles.

Step two Place the lining fabric sole RS up on top of the fleece and tack all three pieces together.

MAKINGTHE UPPER

Step one Place the outer upper and lining upper RS together and stitch together along one long edge. Trim the two fabrics close to the seam. Step two Fold the lining over the outer seam so they’re both facing RS out but with the lining overlapping the outer by 5mm (¼in) .

Step three Topstitch along the edge close to the seam to hold it in place.

Step four Tack the other long edges of the outer and lining together.

ATTACHINGTHE SOLETOTHE UPPER

Step one Lay the upper across the toe area of the sole with lining sides together and pin into place. Trim the upper to match the sole.

Step two Continue to pin the strip all the way around the sole to form the slipper upper.

Step three Overlap the ends of the upper in the toe area and trim away any excess.

Step four Stitch the upper into place.

LININGTHE SOLE

Step one Pin another main fabric sole on top of the stitched upper.

Step two Stitch together around the edge, leaving a turning gap in the heel.

Step three Turn RS out, tuck the edges of the turning gap to the inside, and hand stitch the opening closed using a whip stitch.

Step four Work a few handstitches at the toe to stitch the overlapping upper pieces together.