My Oma (Dutch Grandmother) taught me how to make these slippers. They are so easy that a complete beginner can make them, and are great for using up odd bits of yarn left over from other projects. All you have to do is knit 8 squares. Yes, you heard right, squares!
2 large squares ( Technically speaking X by X where Y the Hypotenuse is about the length of the person's foot plus about an inch) So, for example 6 inches x 6 inches gives a slipper about 8 ½ inches in length, suitable for a foot between 7 ½” and 8 ½ “ long. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_size). Experimentation is the best way to get the size correct.
6 small squares – These need to be half the size of the large squares. (If the large squares are 6” x 6” the small ones are 3” x 3”)
The squares can be knitted or crocheted.
I tend to use chunky yarn, or a double thickness of thinner yarn and thinner than usual size needle to give a dense and firm finished slipper. Your choice of stitch is entirely up to you. My Oma did all Knit rows. My mother favoured Stockinette. With crochet, I tend to do back and forth rows of single stitches for the sole and let my imagination rip for the uppers.
When assembling you can sew the squares together, but I find that a row of single crochet stitches is easier and gives a decorative finish. Also when the sole wears through, it is easier to take apart so that you can re-use the other squares.
Assemble as shown in the below diagram. Put a couple of stitches at the opening on either side so that the slipper stays on comfortably. (At the meeting of J and N, and at K and O in diagram.)
