How to Add Sole Protectors to Knitted and Crochet Slippers

The advantage that most slippers have over socks is that washing them is not necessary since they are designed with dirt-resistant soles and are often worn with socks. However, when it comes to handmade knitted and crochet slippers, keeping the soles clean becomes a challenge. For that reason, it is convenient to add soil-proof sole protectors made from materials such as foam, vinyl or dark suede as described below.

Foam Sole Protectors

As portrayed by the popularity of flip-flops, foam is not only comfortable to walk on but also requires little to no cleaning. Any dirt that gets on them can be wiped off with alcohol pads. This makes foam an ideal material to use as sole protectors for knitted and crochet slippers. The easiest method of adding foam soles to the bottoms of kids' knitted and crochet slippers is to use the sole-shaped foam included in kids' slipper kits; adult foam soles may be made by tracing the soles of knitted and crochet slippers over sheets of Styrofoam that can be purchased at craft stores. Then after cutting out the soles, make holes all around the edges of the foam soles using a narrow, sharp, heavy metal tool. Afterward, use a yarn needle to sew the foam soles to the bottoms of the knitted and crochet slippers.

Vinyl Sole Protectors

Dark vinyl is especially ideal for protecting the soles of knitted and crochet slippers since it is easy to sew to the bottoms of slippers without pre-puncturing with a heavy metal tool. After tracing and cutting out the shape of the knitted and crochet slippers from vinyl fabric, use a tapestry needle to sew them to the bottoms of the slippers. Dark vinyl fabric can be purchased from any fabric shop.

Dark Suede Sole Protectors

I have noticed that the knitted and crochet slippers sold in retail stores such as Old Navy are designed with suede sole protectors. The tan, brown, and black suede keeps the soles of knitted and crochet slippers from looking dingy. Suede material may be purchased at craft stores and may also be easily sewn to knitted and crochet slippers with a tapestry needle after their soles are traced and cut out. Completed suede sole slippers will have a very professional appearance.

Now, when you knit and crochet a beautiful pair of slippers in light colors such as white, yellow, pink, and lavender, you don't have to worry about them becoming soiled so easily. They will have more value when you give them as gifts or sell them at craft fairs or on craft shops. Of most importance, so little effort is involved in adding soil-proof sole protectors to knitted and crochet slippers.