How to Make Flip Flop Flannel Elf Slippers
Okay, peeps, time for a confession. I thought flannels were a type of panty. Go ahead, you can laugh. My Ouma always used to ask us where her flannel panties were. But she said “flennel”. We’re Afrikaans so it makes sense if you’ve heard our accent, which is, apparently, one of the sexiest in the world. So when Marie from The Interior Frugalista suggested flannel for our next IBC challenge I was a bit stumped. What on earth could I make with a pair of “flennel” panties 😀 Thank goodness the sweet ladies of the IBC helped me out, so here’s my take on this month’s challenge, a pair of DIY flip flop flannel elf slippers.
So much better than “flennel” panties 😀 And you know what? They’re the bestest slippers I’ve ever owned. And I’ve had a few pairs in my lifetime. See here’s the thing, I wear my hubby’s slippers all the time when I’m out in the garden. They’re my anti doggy doo-doo weapons. And these flannel slippers don’t just look cool, they’re soooooo comfy too and they haven’t let a single doo-doo slip past them either. It’s those flip flop soles that keep them safe and slip-proof 😉
Life is always better in flip flops
But, before I get to the tutorial let me quickly tell you a little more about the IBC (Int’l Bloggers Club). We’re a bunch of bloggers from all over the world who get together every month to make something using a common theme. Last month our theme was Halloween and we made vampire wings for Sargeant Skullie. It always surprises me how we all interpret the same theme in so many different ways. I’m betting no one else made flennel flannel slippers 😉 You can see what everyone else did with their challenge at the bottom of the tutorial.
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What you need to make flip flop flannel elf slippers
- Flannel fabric. I stole my hubby’s pajama top 😀
- Fleece or furry fabric
- Adaptable slipper pattern (download it free here)
- Sewing machine
- Contact glue
- Ribbon or thick wool
- Batting or stuffing
- Flip flops or cheap shoes with a rubber sole. Make sure to get a pair that’s one size bigger than what you usually wear.
How to make flip flop flannel slippers
First things first, we need to get the flip flops ready. Cut the tops off using a pair of scissors. We only need the sole portions.
Pssst. Don’t throw the top portion away. They can be used to make this adorable fairy garden bridge 😉
To figure out how to adapt the free pattern you’ll need five measurements:
- M1 – Place your foot on the sole and measure the distance from the bottom of the sole over the bridge of your foot.
- M2 – Measure from the front of the sole to about 1.5″ (4 cm) from where your foot joins your leg.
- M3 – Measure how wide your leg is around your ankles.
- M4 – Measure from the bottom of the sole to the top of your ankle.
- M5 – Measure the length of the sole from toe to heel.
Sorry about the weird-looking toes, it’s my Mom’s fault 😉 Use M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 to adapt and draw up your pattern.
And cut two flannel outers per elf slipper.
Sew along the dotted lines (as shown in the pattern) and test if the slipper fits comfortably. Adjust where necessary. Trim the seam allowance around the pointy elf toe portion, so you get a sharper point.
Making the fluffy slipper inner
Cut two inners per slipper and add an additional 10 cm (4″) to create a “rollover”. I don’t typically follow patterns so I used the already sewn flannel outers to cut the fluffy, soft inners 😉
Place the inner fluffy bits right sides facing and sew along the dotted lines (shown in the pattern). Flip the flannel outers inside out and slip the furry inners, or lining, inside the flannel outers. You should end up with the furry side facing inwards. Lordy, I hope that makes sense, but you’ll see what I mean as soon as both the inners and outers have been sewn 🙂 Hand sew the bottom of flannel outer to the furry inner.
Add batting or stuffing between the inner and outer until firm and the pointy toe stands upright.
Adding the flip flop slipper sole
To finish off the flip flop flannel elf slippers, we’ll be gluing the slipper top to the flip flop soles we cut earlier with contact adhesive.
Use an ice-cream stick or skewer to spread the contact adhesive all around the sole and the bottom edge of the flannel slipper.
Carefully align the two and stick down. To hide any ugly join marks, glue a piece of ribbon or wool all around the edge.
Add more stuffing if need be before rolling the extra furry bit over the flannel elf slipper outer and hand stitch to secure.
Make two fluffy pom-poms and sew onto the pointy toe to complete the elvish look.
Do they look elf-ish or pixie-ish?
And my tootsies are all warm and toasty too 😉 plus they’re doggy doo-doo and slip-proof with those rubber soles.
If you like the idea of making your own super comfy flip flop flannel elf slippers, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Sharing is caring 😉
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY
Don’t forget the see what my friends from the Int’l Bloggers Club have done with their flannel challenge. Their links should be down below.
Northern Feeling | A Crafty Mix | Faeries and Fauna
Unique Creation by Anita | Raggedy Bits | Interior Frugalista
Until next time, I hope you have a lovely crafty week. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
These are super cute Michelle! I would love to see a pair of flannel panties to match. ?
? That would probably not be in everyone’s best interests ?
Hi! These look amazing! For the template, are the measurements in inches? (for example when you need add 3 to one of the measurements, is that in cm or in?)
Thanks!
So glad you like them, Bobby and the 3″ is inches. So that’s about 7.5 cm. I’ve added a note in the downloadable pattern to make it clearer. Thanks so much for pointing it out to me.
Super cute, Michelle! I would love to have a pair 🙂
They’re really comfortable too ?
These are adorable, Michelle!!! When I pinned, I added a few more hashtags for you: cosplay, fallfashion, winterfashion, sewing, sewingpattern. Thought that might bring a few more folks your way! <3 We have Red Ribbon Week next week at school and these might be fun to make to wear since I thought about being Robin Hood. 😉
Happy fall to you,
Barb 🙂
? Thank you soooooo much Barbara. I always struggle to figure out what kind of hashtags to use and really appreciate you going to all that trouble. And these slippers will look so cool as part of a Robin Hood costume. I hope you have loads of fun making them and enjoy your Red Ribbon Week at school
These are so fun! Love the uniqueness
Thank you Maria 😀
Absolutely adorable Michelle. The elves will be so proud to wear this when helping Santa get the toys ready for Christmas.
Oh lordy, I hope Santa doesn’t have to deal with doggy doo doo’s too 😀 😀 😀 Thanks so much Mary
Michelle, you are so talented and creative coming up with these adorable elf slippers! And I didn’t realize how funny and serious you can be at the same time about your doo doo weapons! So hilarious!
😀 Thank you Gail. We have a big garden and big dogs so dodge the doo doo’s is a regular thing for us 😀
Unbelievable. Seriously, is there anything you can’t do?? I’m in awe. When I get my jaw off the floor, I’m going to go pin these, but it may be a while. Amazing…
Put me in the kitchen and I’m a quivering, mess of pure uselessness. Unless I have to wash the dishes. I can wash dishes 😀 Oh and anything to do with music. I sing really, really badly. Even our fur babies run away when I start singing 😀 😀 😀
Your elf slippers are adorable! Everyone needs a pair of doggy doo proof slippers. Even if you dont have a dog you never know when the neighbors dog is going to stop over and leave a present. Lol
LOL, I never thought of that Linda. We all stay behind high fences so the next door fur babies will need to learn how to jump 😀
OMG, You blew this challenge out of the water. These are so creative and unique. Hopefully Hubby survives the winter with no PJ top. But at least your feet will be cute and warm.
I’ll be there to keep him warm if he does get cold
These have got to be the cutest slippers I ever did see!! Am pinning so I can make some when our winter rolls around next year! Love the flannel you chose Michelle!
Thanks so much Sam, I had fun trying to figure them out and it’s actually a pretty easy pattern
Oh my word girl, these are the cutest elf slippers EVER! Wow, not only are you uber-creative but the lady can sew too! These would make such fun Christmas gifts.
Thank you Marie
Aw give me all the elf slippers in the world! These are so fantastic Michelle, thanks for the detailed tutorial, you are such a genius!
? You’re most welcome Katrin, I’m glad you liked the tutorial and the slippers
So smart, and cute! Love these flannel elf shoes! Pinned!
Thank you Julie