Granny Square Slippers
My cousin Katie recently spent some time in the Republic of Georgia and brought me back these amazing blue and pink crocheted slippers. 
She reported that similar slippers were for sale at all the marketplaces, always in bright and unexpected color combinations.
Upon closer inspection, I saw that each slipper was made up of six equally sized granny squares. How beautifully simple! I love when intelligent design meets handcraft, when innovative engineering meets a house slipper.
For my take on the traditional design, I wanted the slippers to look even more homespun and funky, so I used Manos del Uruguay’s Handspun Semi Solid yarn. I think the unevenness of the spin and the variations in the kettle dyed colors add a little cozy character to the slippers.
Adjusting the size of these slippers is so easy that I made a pair for both my husband and me. I’m really looking forward to a cozy winter in our matching slippers!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
The Materials
- 3 skeins of Manos del Uruguay’s Handspun Semi Solids. For the women’s pair I used Persimmon W, Cerise 47, and Rust U (above left), and for the men’s pair I used Cinnamon V, Rust U, and Coffee G (above right). (If you’re following my pattern exactly and making both pairs of slippers, you will only need one skein of the Rust color.) (NOTE: We no longer offer Manos del Uruguay’s Handspun Semi Solids, but choose from one of our other worsted weight yarns.)
- A US size G crochet hook
- A tapestry needle
Shop our wonderful collection of aran + worsted-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
The Pattern
Gauge
4¼ single crochets = 1 inch
Finished Sizes
Women’s Slippers: 9¼ inches long – to fit women’s US shoe sizes 7 – 9½
Men’s Slippers: 11½ inches long – to fit men’s US shoe size 9 – 11½
How to Adjust the Size
If you know the length of the foot that is going to wear the slipper you can custom fit the slippers by adjusting the size of the granny squares. You can crochet two, three, or four rounds and then fine tune the sizing by adding rounds of single crochet around the outside edge.
The final length of the slipper is the measurement from one corner of a square to the opposite corner, times two, plus 1/4 of inch (the 1/4 of an inch is a result of sewing the pieces together).
This square from the Women’s Slipper measures 4 1/2 inches x 2 = 9 inches + 1/4 inch = a total length of 9 1/4 inches.
Please also note that the sizing can be quite approximate. The slippers seem to comfortably fit a wide range of sizes.
Women’s Slippers
Each slipper is comprised of six granny squares (12 squares total for a pair). (Please visit our Granny Square Tutorial if you’ve never made a granny square or need a refresher.) Each square is three rounds plus a round of single crochet around the outside edge.
(At the corners of the outside round of single crochet, make a single crochet into the corner, chain 1 and make another single crochet into the corner.)
Here is how I arranged the colors for the Women’s Slippers:
Assembling
Crochet the squares together by passing the hook under the two strands of the single crochet of one square, and then under the strands of the adjacent stitch of the square you are joining.
Pull the yarn through and make a single crochet.
Keeping track of the placement and order of the squares can be tricky. I found the easiest way was to start with the center of the sole, to work my way around one Side Square and then the other, and then to cut the yarn. Then I crocheted around the Toe, cut the yarn, and finally attached the Heel Square.
Confused? Here’s a visual step by step:
Join a Side Square to a Sole Square.
Attach the Toe Square to the next side of the Side Square.
Make single crochets along the next side of the Side Square.
Attach the other Sole Square to the remaining side of the Side Square.
Continuing along this Sole Square, join one side of the other Side Square.
Turn the corner of the Side Square and make single crochets along the next side.
Attach the next side of the Side Square to the Toe Square.
(When you are at a place where three squares meet, you should end up with two single crochets in each corner space.)
Complete the Side Square by joining its remaining side to the Sole Square. Cut the yarn.
Join new yarn, and connect the Toe Square to the Sole Square, up one side…
…and down the other. Cut the yarn.
With the Sole side facing you, join new yarn…
…and attach the Sole Square to the Heel Square.
Turn the corner of the Heel Square, and begin the next side by joining it to the Side Square. Just as you have been doing, insert the hook under the single crochet strands of the outside edges.
After three stitches…
…continue along the Heel Square without attaching it to anything. Just make a single crochet edge along the side, around the corner and down the other side, stopping three stitches short of the end.
For the final three stitches, attach the Heel Square to the Side Square the same way you did on the other side.
After you weave in all your ends, here’s what the top and bottom of the completed slippers should look like. Ready to wear!
Men’s Slippers
Like the Women’s Slippers, each Men’s Slipper is comprised of six granny squares, twelve squares total. (Please visit our Granny Square Tutorial if you’ve never made a granny square or need a refresher.) Each square is four rounds (unlike the Women’s Slippers, there is no outside edge of single crochet for this size slipper).
Here is how I arranged the colors for the Men’s Slippers:
Assembling
Crochet the squares together the same way the Women’s Slippers are done (see “Assembling” above). The end result will look like this:
Don’t wear your slippers alone if you can help it!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our crochet patterns and crochet tutorials, buy one of our many kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next crochet or knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
These are super cute. This project is great for holiday gifts! Thank you!
This is the best crochet project EVER (all I can crochet is granny squares)! Thanks so much for this idea!
I have a ton of Manos and was thinking of making a Granny Square blanket with it – but these are PERFECT! Guess what everyone’s getting for the holidays!
These are so awesome and yet I’m laughing too! I am going to bookmark this project for sure!
I remember having a pair of house slippers something like these & when they wore out Mum made them with that nylon ribbon you used to use for coat-hangers… they lasted then… well until we grew out of them… B
I love this! My friend’s mother makes these, but I couldn’t figure out how. I wonder how they would felt…that could be fun too.
My elderly next-door neighbor used to make these in pink and purple for me all the time when I was a little girl…I loved them to pieces. It’s great to see an actual pattern for them–can’t wait to try it out!
I LOVE these! They are definately going on my new project list for Christmas gifts this year. Thank you!!
These are lovely! I’m teaching myself to crochet and knit at the moment, so your tutorial for making the granny squares themselves and then this one to make something useful and beautiful with them has been fantastic for me. I’ve made a wee pair for my three year old and now I’m starting on a slightly larger pair for my five year old. They thouroughly approve also! Thank you!
Sweeeet! These are so simple and fun! Thank you!
those are fab! definitely going to have to learn to crochet now 🙂
Thank you for this beautiful idea and wonderful tutorial. Yesterday I have made my slippers with a lot of fun! Greath! Have a nice day, Cathy
Is the slippers done with a single thread? Also, I would like a printed copy of directions. Is it possible to get these without copying the whole thing?
Hi Margie,
The pattern is made with a single strand of the Manos Del Uruguay. You can print the pattern more easily if you copy and paste it into a word document (and remove any photos or other things you don’t personally need).
HELP – I have made 3 “test” house shoes and can’t get them reduced to the proper size. I am using worsted medium (4) yarn and am down to an “E” crochet hook and it would fit a giant. Can anyone give me advice as to how to get them to where they would look and fit like a normal crocheted bedroom slipper. The width is the biggest problem and I simply can’t find a way to make anymore adustments. Thanks for any help
What a great idea!
Thanks for sharing!
I guess no one else has had a problem with sizing????
Has anyone else successfully made a pair of theses that fit properly? I would think toes would start popping through the holes in granny squares. Maybe smaller needle and smaller holes??
They are adorable and they would be a great gift slipped into one of those silk gift bag you guys sell………Wish more people who have made them would post their experiences and any tips or tricks or tweakings they came up with to make for good fit……..at least before I break down and give it a go. lol
Another thing. Wool stretches quite a bit. Would it be better to make them a tad smaller taking that into consideration. Or perhaps acrylic. I am not sure but I dont think it stretches as much as wool.
Oh my gosh…you don’t know how excited I am to try this!!! 🙂
Hi Purl Bee!
Your granny square slippers are so adorable, and appropriate for the holidays too =) I took the liberty of linking to your blog from my round-up post about 22 Free Holiday Crochet Patterns.
Check it out here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/22-free-holiday-crochet-patterns-round-up-part-1/
Thanks!
Kristen
Editor
FaveCrafts.com
Hi everyone with sizing questions,
I’m sorry if you’re having problems getting the slippers to fit!
If you haven’t already, please take another look at the “How to Adjust the Size” section of the pattern. An additional clarification: unless you make pretty serious alterations to the pattern, the slippers will always be twice as long as they are wide. For some feet that may mean a fairly wide slipper.
Please also keep in mind that these are comfy house slippers and for most people don’t need to conform perfectly to the foot to be functional. My husband and I only take our Granny Square Slippers off when we go to bed. Maybe we have abnormally wide feet, but I don’t think so!
Good luck and please let us know how they turn out for you all!
Thanks!
Whitney
Hey Whitney,
I love love love this pattern! I have only made three pairs so far but I plan to make many more. I have a blog entry on two pairs I made for my sister’s birthday today and a matching pair for her daughter. If you’re interested, it’s here: http://kimmosblobs.blogspot.com/2009/12/granny-square-slipper-love.html
I think I prefer solid colours like yours rather than the yarn I’ve used for my sisters and nieces.
Thanks so much for posting this pattern!
Kim
is there some thing you can put on bottom of slipper, as my group love making for senior and they find they are to slippery ( no pun intended)
Thanks for the pattern – as you say, so simply and elegantly engineered. Here’s a picture of the first ones I’ve made:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46001901@N03/?saved=1
Very satisfying. Some notes from my experience:
I was a bit surprised by the smallness of the needle you state in relation to the chunkiness of the wool. In the shop (i-knit in Waterloo, London) the lady suggested it was because slippers needed to be crocheted tightly. I did crochet tightly and found I needed four rounds to make the 4 and a quarter inches. But I think this is fine and will keep it as tight for the next pair (my son’s nearly 12-inch long feet). I was delighted to find that the colours I chose had the names Zambezi, Volta and Thames! Thames is the purple – hmm, the Thames is a deep and brooding river when anybody notices it, and certainly not violet!! The Volta (royal blue) skein had a really wide range in chunkiness (a beginner spinner?) which meant the squares got quite wonky. Anyway, I loved the project and I love the depth of colour in Manos del Uruguay.
Oh yes, and in response Kimberly, I found a product called Regia ABS latex made in Germany for Coats. It comes in a 100ml bottle with a fine nozzle. I put on chevrons in line with the granny square corners. It was pale blue and on curing went dark blue and was hardly visible on the Volta I used for soles. It’s quite effective but I wish I’d practiced applying it a bit more beforehand.
Thanks for getting me back into crochet – more slippers and blankets now.
Hi. I made these for my husband with a double strand of Noro Sock Yarn (self-striping) and he loves them!!! Thank you Purl for the pattern.
What a beautiful babuchas!!! I really like your design, so I’m going to try to make them soon, thanks
Thanks for this project, im starting on it now.
Ive placed a link to your project on my blog http://things-things-things.blogspot.com. If you dont want this let me now, then I take it of.
Kind regards
Fien
So love this! I’m trying to make a pair now.. But I actually want to be able to wear them outside.. I’ve to see if I can find a way.. They’re too beautiful to only be used at home. 😛
These make me laugh! They are so bright and garish, but also so cute and funny. And they are fun and easy to make. Thank you so much for the pattern! I know what everyone is getting for their birthday this year! 🙂
Thank you for the beautyfull Pattern.
Yay, I’ve been looking for these for ages and I’ve just found them. THANK YOU!!!
Absolutely fantastic! Can’t wait to make these. Thank you for sharing. x
Just love these granny sqaure slippers thay are great i am looking forward to making some. but most of all i wanted to thank you for beautiful instructions with lovely clear pictures your site is really great. thank you so much for sharing with us all.
thanks for such a great pattern and tutorial. i wanted to let you know i linked this pattern over on my blog.
My grandma made those when I was a kid. I don't think there are any of those she made left, but I've been wanting to do those slippers for ages. Now that I know the sizing I'll finally make some 🙂
She made some with an additional square on each side of the ankle. Those were even warmer and fuzzier in cold nights.
OMG! i LOVE these! now i know what EVERYONE is getting for christmas!! 🙂
I made a pair this weekend using Blue Sky cotton and LOVE them. Definitely making many more for gifts this year. 🙂
I made one change that I thought I'd share – I made the two sole squares double thick. For *each slipper* I made 4 sole squares, but stopped short of the last round of single crochet. Then I single crocheted two squares together to make a doubled square. Otherwise I assembled normally. Keeps feet a little farther from the cold floor! This tweak means each slipper = 8 granny squares.
Thank you so much for the great idea and clear directions!
Hi
i have attached all the squares except the last toe square but am having trouble attaching the last square. can someone direct me how to add the last toe square, i just cant figure it out.
thank you.
I have a friend who wants me to make some granny square slippers for her young daughter. Should I follow the same pattern and use a smaller hook size? What size hook would you recommend that I use?
Oh, I am very excited to give these a try! I have some that are similar and was looking for a pattern. I happened along here and checked the crochet patterns. I'm so glad I did! Thank you for sharing!
So glad I found this slipper pattern at last. A similar pattern was passed by word of mouth from one family member to another. Ours were different as they were made with one large square and two smaller squares. We also crochet a drawstring so the slipper could be tied if it started to stretch out. We didn't call ours slippers, we called them moccasins. The tied drawstring helped give them the moccasin look. We made ours with Red Heart yarn and they held up very well.
Seeing yours I think I can once again make the old pattern. I would bet Red Heart yarn put out that pattern back then! The pattern was so simple that everyone in the family from the smallest to the largest would have a pair.
If your people are having problems with the shoe being too loose, maybe they should try the drawstring, you just slip it in and out and tie!
I just LOVE this pattern, and it is sooo creative and beautiful. However, I find it to be written alot more complicated and lengthy than it should be. I think a simple layout/ diagram and more succinct instructions would make this much easier to get through. Would you please consider making an actual pattern to print and fit 1-3 pages?
these slippers are great, i took some fabric paint and put zig-zag lines and circles on the bottom so they won't be slippery
I am having a HECK of a time trying to get these together! I have 5 of my six sqares together, but I can't figure out how to put the side on the toe? It just looks really bizarre and the picture isn't helping me. You know what WOULD help? A video! LOL. But, if you can walk me through this a little more with words that would be great as well. I have attach one sole to one side square, attach the toe to the next side of the side square, make single crochets along the next side of the Side Square, attach the other sole square to the other side of the side square (at this point it looks like a tetris piece), Continuing along this Sole Square, join one side of the other Side Square, Turn the corner of the Side Square and make single crochets along the next side. I am stuck at the next area: Attach the next side of the Side Square to the Toe Square. I cannot figure out how to make that work. Thanks for any help you can give me!
Also, have you at this point ended the yarn and started with a new bit of yarn? Thanks!
I really love this design. The instructions would be well improved if the photos were rotated to be oriented consistently throughout. I found myself turning my head a lot to keep track of what was happening in these photos.
I've made five pairs of these slippers now, and everyone I've given a pair to has simply loved them! My partner never takes his off. It took a bit of tweaking to get the sizes right, and I've added a button to one pair to cinch the back closed — the wearer has quite narrow feet, but the look ended up being very cute. Thank you so much for the pattern!
Hi! Thanks so much for this pattern. It's wonderful, & I've found most of the instructions super easy.
What I'm having problems with, though, is getting the toe piece & the side pieces to be on top as they should be. All I've figured out is how to attach five of six pieces so that they look like a Tetris piece, as someone else said. Is there a video to show how this is done, or some other way of showing how this is done? This is my first time doing such a piece, & I look forward to being able to finish it. Thanks again for sharing this with us. 🙂
I saw questions about fitting the squares. Make a big square with the 2 sole squares and the 2 side squares. Like a chekker bord. Bend the sides a up a little, then you will see how to put in the toe. Then I fitted the heel last. To make it a bit smaller, I crochetted 2 rows along the 'foot entree'. Pardon my English.
The slippers were a little 'slippery' to walk on for my girls. I cut a small piece of 'wash-leather' and fitted it on the sole. Works like a charm!
Girls love them! Started a pair for myself! So thanks for sharing the pattern
I've started my pair and added a crochet flower on to the front, but I would love to know if anyone has tried or seen this in a small size for babies?
Hello love these slippers, are the granny squares made up of single or double crotchets?
Hi Mel,
They're made up of double crochets. Here is our Granny Square Tutorial which shows you exactly how to make one: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-tutorials/granny-squares.html
Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
I love this tutorial! I'm making my second pair right now. I put roses on the toe square of one of the pairs and bows on the other one 🙂
This is the best and most detailed tutorial I have ever seen. Really well done! Your extra work in presenting this really shows. Thank you so much!
These are so cool! This post might be too old for you to see this comment, but do you think it would be possible to attach two more granny squares to the opening, to create an ankle?
Hi Rachel,
That sounds like a great idea! Please let us know how it goes!
Whitney
I have a pair of these that I bought in Ukraine – they have the extra two ankle squares, which are then folded down diagonally when you wear them, making the slippers feel extra durable. There are also cute pom-poms on the front centre opening 🙂
THANK YOU for making this pattern available for free online! i love it..im using it to make holiday gifts. its quick. easy, and they come out exactly like the picture <3
Loved finding these. My mom used to get these from someone we knew when I was younger. I’ve been looking for the pattern for a long time. When we were kids my sisters and I loved them. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this tutorial! Planning on making these for Christmas presents this year.
Would be perfect for Operation Christmas Child boxes, especially, for the older kids (in the men/women sizes), or reduce the hook size and make them smaller for children.
Great idea for operation Christmas child. Thanks for the thoughtful suggestion!
I had gotten a pair of these in Quebec 40 years ago when we went to visit family. They were a little different with one large square on the bottom which was the size of 4 smaller squares sewn together. There was then a smaller square for the top front and one for the back of the foot. I make my squares solid because I don’t like the air conditioning of the granny holes .(living in Maine) any type of squares will function and still be pretty with yarn colors 🙂
I bought a pair made like this on the coast of California about 20 years ago. I made several pairs then and after seeing this post I think I’ll make them again for my friends this Christmas! Thanks for the reminder! <3 (Millie)
I made this version (one big and two small) after someone asked me to create a bigger version of the baby sized ones they had received as a gift years ago. The problem I have is that the longer I want the shoe to be, the wider it goes. and at least for young sizes (ex.1-3..), they get longer before they get wider. I’ve thought about solutions but I’m just not sure what a good fix would be…or do I just live with the roomy slipper?
Hi Ame,
Thanks for reaching out! You are correct that due to the construction of these slippers, there isn’t a good way to only add length without adding width; however, since these are quite stretchy and forgiving, they do tend to fit quite a wide range of sizes without drastic modifications!
Best,
Julianna
I just want to say I LOVE these! They remind me of the slippers my Grandmother use to make for Christmas for my brothers and I. And I love doing Granny Squares. This is a perfect project for me. And I agree with Barb, this would be perfect for Operation Christmas Child boxes. Thanks for sharing this pattern with us!
The granny square slippers are so graticule and easy to make. I’m going to make a bunch up for Christmas!
I just made one, they are very cute, thank you!
Thank you for making this a free pattern I have been looking for this pattern for a very long time. They are so neat to make. Thanks again
these idea’s are so cute! i am looking at them and my mouth fell open.
My grandmother used to make these for me and my sister. Glad to have the pattern and make some for my daughter.
Thanks so much for this free pattern!
wow! how can i make these for a 3 year old?
Hi Alma,
We talk about resizing these slippers in the section at the beginning of the pattern titled How to Adjust the Size. For a three-year old,instead of the worsted weight yarn we used here, you may want to use a sportweight or even fingering weight yarn, which would give you a bit more precision in the sizing!
Thank you so much for asking and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
So happy to see this pattern in print! I made a couple dozen pairs for the local women’s shelter on year, using a partially assembled slipper someone sent me as a pattern. So easy to adjust for different sizes, and a super way to use up scraps. Thank you!!
The house shoes I make are similar to your except I only crochet three squares of single crochet.
My grandmother used to make these slippers all the time. She had a stash at her house and whenever we needed a new pair we would just call Grandma……she had all sizes and colors. Thanks for this pattern it has brought back wonderful memories for me of one of my favorite people……….
My grandmother made me a pair of these… oh… back in the 1970’s. I still have them. (They are quite worn.)
Many times, she offered to teach me to crochet. I was always busy now, but maybe later, but later came too late. Now I’m probably going to have to teach myself. Maybe I’ll start with this first.
Thank you for this pattern. Although it looks simple the detailed tutorial for the assembly made it a lot easier. I think this is the perfect pattern for crocheters who are just beginning to crochet.
These are so pretty! Perfect mid-project projects! What I mean is, I’m in the middle of making a blanket, so these will be a good break from knitting. How long do they take to make?
Hi Jane!
Thank you for writing in! These Granny Square Slippers hook up very quick! You could probably crochet a pair in a week or two depending upon how much time you spend on them.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I love these slippers,i had made quite a few for seniors but have lost the pattern. so when I saw this pattern. I was happy to see it..wouldn’t mind having it again.
Thanks
Heather
I look for Manos del Uruguay’s Handspun Semi Solids, you used for these slippers – its not the same as “manos … silk blend”??
I tried to do it with Silk blend with crochet USsize G (german size 4) but 4rows are much smaller. What do you suggest??
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing in! It is true that we no longer carry the yarn used here. The Manos Handspun is not longer made but you can certainly use alternate yarns! It was a Bulky weight yarn coming at 3.5-3.75 stitches per inch on a US 9. The Manos Silk Blend that you have is closer to a DK or Sport weight and would need to be held doubled or tripled to get a similar gauge. When looking to replace this yarn for this project, I would look for a Bulky yarn, perhaps Cascade 128 or other similar weight yarn!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
My mother-in-law requested these slippers several years ago for Christmas and it was a very fun project to make for her. Here it is 3 years later and she asked for new ones since she wore the others to pieces. I have a feeling these will be a regular gift to make for her every 2 to 3 years.
Funny, someone at work asked me if I could make a pair like this. What size are the men’s squares? If I missed it, I’m sorry, I just don’t see it.
Thanks for posting this pattern.
Karen
Hello Karen,
Thank you for reaching out! I’m happy you found this pattern- The finished length of the men’s slipper is 11.5 inches long so each square will be about 5.6 inches because the length of the slipper is the measurement from one corner of a square to the opposite corner, times two, plus 1/4 of inch (the 1/4 of an inch is a result of sewing the peices together). This means you can customize the size of your slippers.
I hope this all makes sense and let me know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
Thanks for the pattern. My co worker gave me a bag of granny squares that a family member had done. I was looking for things to make out of them and found the slippers. Worked up quick
I have no bulky yarn in my stash can I use 2 strands of red heart super saver to make these slippers?
Helo Kia,
Thank you for reaching out! It will be hard to say if this will work until you have swatched to see what gauge you are getting, but I would say it is certainly worth a try! I would test out the yarn to see if you are getting 4 1/4 single crochets to 1 inch and then go from there.
I hope this helps and good luck!
-Marilla
Are the single crochet seams bulky and uncomfortable on the sole to walk on?
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! These are made using a double crochet stitch! I haven’t heard of anyone experiencing any discomfort from the soles of these, many actually find the soles very comfortable!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi! What would you recommend as a replacement yarn for this pattern? Would the super soft merino work?
Hi Maria,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend using our lovely Worsted Twist for this pattern! As always, I would recommend working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to ensure you are consistent with the pattern.
Happy crafting!
Gianna
Hi , looked at all your pictures for assembly. No instructions for making squares
Hi Terry,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern provides a link to our Granny Square Tutorial, which demonstrates how to make the squares!
All the best,
Lili