WEAR IT: SLIPPERS
left and right sandwich. Repeat with remaining the opening of the upper closed (Figure F). This
2 jean soles. is an incredibly easy way to connect the sole to
f. Make sure you have replaced your normal sewing the upper.
machine needle with your heavy-duty needle. b. With both uppers now pinned closed, place the
Begin at the outer toe corner (about 1" from top- heel of the sole onto the heel of the upper. Pin
center of the sole) of your sandwich by placing it the outer corners of the heel. Place a pin at the
gently under the foot (standard foot is fine) and tip of the slipper (toe). The upper now should
sew 1" seam along the edge until you reach the naturally fall into place on top of the sole. Repeat
outer corner of the toe on the other side. Make with other sole and upper (Figure F).
sure to go slow when sewing, so you don’t end up c. Sew about 1" from the finished edge of the sole.
with any squared corners. Repeat with other sole and upper.
g. Repeat with other foot. d. Flip the slippers right-side out and marvel at your
h. When both are finished, separate the upper sole almost-completed house kicks!
(scrap material) and outer sole (jeans) by flipping
it outside in. When finished flipping, use the chop- 13. Cover your buttons.
stick to shape the heel of the sole and the edges Button covering is a simple and easy way to recycle
to obtain a smooth, finished edge. Repeat with unwanted or ugly buttons.
the other sole (Figure B). a. Determine the size of button you would like to
i. You do not have to finish off the toe edge. use. Place it in the center of a piece of scrap
fabric and hand-baste a circle about 1" larger
10. Sew the straps. than the button (Figure G).
Photography by Janaina Vaughn
With contrasting thread, lengthen your stitch to b. Pull thread until taut, and until the fabric wraps
the desired length and sew ¼" along the edges of around the button.
each strap. Set aside. c. Sew along the wrong side of the button, first in
a circular manner twice, and then making an
11. Sew the uppers. X once. Knot thread and snip off. Repeat with
a. Place 2 uppers on top of each other. Do the same other button.
with the other 2 uppers. With both stacks next to
one another, determine the left and right foot by 14. Finish!
placing the straps in between the layers. See Fig- Sew a button on the strap flap. Now place one end
ure C, which shows the right foot. The flap should of the Velcro on a strap, put the slipper on your foot,
rest on the outside of each foot. determine the tension of the strap, then place the
b. Sew about ¼" from the raw edge using your con- other end of Velcro where the strap fits best.
trasting thread. Remember to sew slowly so you Repeat with other foot.
can maintain a smooth, even line. Repeat with You are now ready to show off your new
other foot. Repurposed House Slippers. Enjoy!
c. Fold the upper, right sides touching. Line the heel
edges together. Beginning on the bottom part of
the heel about 1" from the edge, sew a shallow For the pattern, go to
curve toward the top of the heel. Repeat with craftzine.com/02/wear_slippers
other foot (Figure D).
d. Iron the seam flat and sew ½" from the seam on
both sides with contrasting thread. This rein-
forces the heel and helps keep the shape of the
overall slipper. Repeat with other foot (Figure E).
12. Put it all together. Janaina Vaughn is a modern gypsy. She is on an everlasting
a. Flip both uppers inside out and fold them in half. quest to discover all things visually pleasing. Currently,
Place 2 needles, one toward the front of the up- Phoenix, Ariz. is her home base, and her goods can be
per and one toward the back. This is done to keep found at olilodesigns.etsy.com.
