How to Sew Elf Slippers – Hack of the Quilted Slippers pattern

Hello and happy December! Last week, I shared my super simple Christmas stocking pattern and tutorial and today, I have a fun and festive hack of my Quilted Slippers pattern. I'll be showing you how adjust the bootie style slippers pattern to be elf slippers. These cute slippers make a fun gift or a fun part of your holiday costume. To make this project you will need to buy my Quilted Slippers pattern. The pattern includes sizes from roughly a US women's size 4 up to a US men's size 14.5. So, you can make slippers for elves of all sizes.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE QUILTED SLIPPERS PATTERN

This is a simple hack, just adding a little bump at the toe to get that classic elf slipper look. I've drafted and graded the pattern add-on for a modest toe but if you want something more exaggerated, you can extend that shape as much as you like. Just remember to take the seam allowance into account.

I first made this elf slipper hack for my niece last year in a pink velvet. She loves all things fairies and magical so I thought that it would be a fun thing for her to play with. This year, I wanted to be able to give the sample I made to someone. So, I asked my brother (my niece's dad) if she needed a new pair. He said that she did not but that he would enjoy a pair. He wears a US men's 10.5 so I cut these between a size G and H.

For the exterior fabric, I used a velvet from my stash (likely a polyester or blend). I bought a few pieces of velvet at the thrift store (or perhaps as remnants) so many years ago that I don't clearly remember. I had just enough of the green velvet to piece together the bootie body. Then for the sole, I used a gold velvet. I really love the contrast. I decided not to quilt the exterior because I like the look of the velvet as is. You could use a quilted fabric, just be careful of bulk in the toe. Since, I didn't have batting, I used a heavy sweatshirt fleece for the lining. If you'd like additional cushioning in the sole, you could add a layer or two of batting to just the sole.

Note, the pink velvet that I used was thicker and stiffer than the green so it holds the shape a little better. I think a home decor type of velvet fabric would work really well if you want that more structured look.

To fill the toe, I stuffed it with polyfill and then put a crescent shaped piece of batting underneath the polyfill as a kind of guard to keep it in place. I also recommend testing that you have the right amount of filling before you close up the opening in the lining.

You can watch the video above, or if it’s not working there, you can watch it on YouTube here. Scroll down for written instructions and download info.

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HOW TO SEW A SIMPLE LINED CHRISTMAS STOCKING WITH A CUFF

SUPPLIES

• Quilted Slippers Pattern (click here to buy)

• Elf Slippers Pattern Add-on (sign up for the newsletter above to access)

• 1/2 yard exterior fabric (such as velvet)

• 1/2 yard lining fabric

• polyfill or batting (to stuff toe)

• 1/4 yard batting for extra cushioning of the sole (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Print the pattern and cut out the fabric

Open the pattern and the pattern add-on in Adobe Reader (free program). Use the Layers to print only the size you need. (To turn on Layers, go to View > Show/Hide > Navigation Panes > Layers.) Print out the bootie style pattern and the elf slippers add on at 100% scale. Line up the Bootie Side pattern piece with the Elf Slippers add-on, matching the notches. Cut around the new pattern.

From the exterior fabric, cut two Bootie Sides from the new pattern and two soles. From the lining fabric, cut two bootie sides using the original pattern piece and two soles.

STEP 2: Sew the Bootie Side pieces between the notches. Repeat for lining.

STEP 3: Stitch the sole to the bootie. For the lining, stitch the sole to the bootie, leaving an opening about 3 inches long.

STEP 4: Clip and trim the seam allowances, especially around the curves. Turn the exterior booties right side out. Stuff the toe with polyfill or batting.

STEP 5: Stitch the lining to the exterior. Turn right side out and check that you have the right amount of stuffing. Hand stitch the opening closed.

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Whether you make the elf slippers or the regular slippers, these are a great holiday gift for your loved ones. (As we all know, someone has to be very special to get a handmade gift.) When I designed this pattern, it was really important to me that it was size inclusive so it goes up to a US men's size 14.5. I wear a size US women's 11 myself, and my size as often not been available in shoes and slippers. It's so disappointing when the cute styles are not available in your size.