Tuesday, December 13, 2011

No-Slip Slippers

Since I made the moccasins for my Mimi the other day, I decided to create a few more pairs for Christmas gifts.  This time I decided to add some flower embellishments instead of fringe and beads.



It was my first time creating crochet flowers and leaves, but I think they turned out quite well. :)

With these slippers I learned a few new things and went back to fix some things on the moccasins.  For one, I wanted to add an inner sole, so I bought some simple insoles and sewed them in.  It added a little extra cushioning, and made them look a little more professional.

I also decided to give the slippers a no-slip bottom for safety.  The last thing in the world I'd want is for my sweet little Mimi to be wearing these and slip and hurt herself, so I did some research online to find a good solution.  I read lots of suggestions and watched a few YouTube videos, and I ended up combining several things to create my own method.

I think what I did turned out well, so I decided to share it with you guys in case anyone wants to create no-slip or non-skid crochet or knit slippers.  

Lots of people online suggested a product called Plastidip.  It's original purpose was to make the handles of tools non-slip, but many people have begun to use it in the crafting world.  



However, no one gave a really successful step-by-step tutorial.  I watched one YouTube video in which the woman slopped the stuff on with a spatula and it looked like a big mess, but seemed functional in the end.  I thought it was worth a try, but I wanted to tweak her method a bit.

First I traced my foot on some foam board and cut it out.  When inserted into the slipper, it helped keep the surface stretched and flat so the surface was easy to coat.


Next, I made a template or stencil for the no-slip area on the bottom of the slippers out of cardstock paper.  I did a simple slender foot shape, but you could easily to hearts or dots or paw prints or anything else you could dream up as long as you have the patience to cut the shapes out.  


On a covered work space, I attached the stencils to the slipper bottoms with a few small circles of tape.  Then, I used an old paint brush (old or cheap paint brushes are essential because it will RUIN the brush)  to paint within the stencil.


I painted one coat, waited thirty minutes, and then painted another semi-thick coat.

Four hours later, the slippers were ready to use with their new no-slip bottoms.


Hope this helps someone to make some fabulous non-skid slippers. :)

44 comments:

  1. See, that is what makes your work so outstanding - you think of things like how slippery those kinds of slippers can be on tile or other smooth flooring. Lindsay Edwards, you are one of a kind. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your flowers and leaves. I LOVE THEM!!!! I'm just tickled pink about your fabulous creations. I can't wait to learn from you! Mimi is going to have the biggest smile on her beautiful face. You must take photos and show us, okay???

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  2. These slippers are AWESOME! Love the little flower!

    Bailey
    http://lostandfound-bailee.blogspot.com/

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  3. Thanks for the great non-slip instructions! I have been looking for something like this. I had looked into adding suede bottoms, but never found exactly what I wanted. Sara in AL

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  4. I just found your blog spot after searching Plasti Dip and watching the same video you did, and I actually rejected this idea because it did look like a mess and I do want a professional finish as much as possible. This is really terrific and I love the idea for using different shapes on the bottom of your slippers with the templates.

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  5. Hello there, love this idea BUT I see it says on the can "highly flammable liquid and vapours". Is this product safe, fire wise, once dried???

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  6. The product is safe once it's dried. But do exercise caution when applying it, and be sure you are in a well ventilated area.

    There is another product I've used successfully on the bottom of slippers and slipper socks... the puffy paint in little applicator bottles sold in most craft stores. You can apply squiggles, lines or shapes in either matching or contrasting colors. I don't recommend trying for a solid sole shape however. This Plasti dip product would be better for full coverage. Still, puffy paint comes in many colors, is washable and applying it is nearly mess free and requires little preparation. Just be sure you press it into the yarn as you apply it.

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  7. What a cool idea and great instructions!!1 Off to make the grandkids slippers safer!

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  8. How does this hold up after washing?

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  9. Where are your patterns for the slippers. I noticed that the inside insert is crochet to the slipper. I want to make some slippers and am looking for a good pattern with the no skid sole.

    I saw one on Pinterest that I am crazy for but the instructions are in Portuguese. Here is the link, perhaps you have seen this or know where I could find the pattern.
    http://agulhaspinceisemais.blogspot.com.br/2011/08/esta-pantufa-e-numero-35-linha-peaches.html

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    Replies
    1. On the page where that pattern is there is a translator. Just click english.

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  10. I have used Plasti Dip for my crochet slippers and it works great! I used the one that comes in clear and I couldn't believe how easy it was to use and how well it worked

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  11. Will the crochet slippers still be machine washable and dry after have the Plasti Dip sole?

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    1. I wondered too-how it behaves when machine washed. Also, about how much does it add to the cost of the slipper? Some who are selling slippers may need to know. Thanks

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  12. Thanks for such great detailed instructions!

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  13. I found your article very informing. I myself have been looking for something to use so my slippers wouldn't be slippery. Now, I have the solution. Thanks a lot for taking the tine to write up this tutorial. :-)

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  14. Neat idea! My late Mimi (grandmother) had a closet full of knitted slippers for visitors - this would have been great!

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  15. Thank you so much for tutorial! I've been thinking about doing this, but couldn't figure out how to keep it from looking sloppy. Thank you for being willing to share, and taking the time to do so!

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  16. Thanks for the tutorial. My hubby keeps this around the house. Now will it hold up in the wash is my question?

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  17. Great idea -- and looks like several others have the same question I do -- what happens when you wash them?

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  18. So glad to find someone tried this. I attempted to sew on some slippers, the non-slip rubbery stuff like they use on the bottom of children's footy sleepers. That was a huge pain. It was very difficult to stitch through and didn't lay well. Next I tried blops of puff paint. That worked, but didn't last very long. I can't wait to try this. Have you laundered them yet?

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  19. You my dear - are a genius! :D This is so well done! :) Its dangerous to walk on slippers or shoes for that matter that lack grip. This is a much appreciated tutorial! :) Lovely slippers too by the way ;) ♥ Dawn

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  20. I definitely need to create these slippers! Awesome!

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  21. Hey my friends I tell you some tips about and antislip surface technology and slip-resistant floor products. We don't sell antislip or non skid coatings or paint. Instead, our unique process creates a coefficient of friction to ensure stability. SLIP TECH can be applied to any existing natural stone such as ceramic, granite, marble, or quarry tile floors. Our non slip floor treatment is also extremely effective on porcelain surfaces such as bath tubs and shower floors. Our treatments are made to last for up to 10 years.
    non skid solutions

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  22. Im ao glad I stumbled across this! I just watched the same video! It was like a horror flic! The product seemed great, but when it kept getting every where all I could see was my hard work being ruined! Good to know i can still use that method but in a less scary way! May even try out different patterns like you suggested! Thank you so much!!!

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  23. Awesome blog! Now In anticipation of a follow-up …. rodent control

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  24. I absolutely loved this. Explained it perfectly! Thank you!

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  25. Just what I was looking for! Thank you for sharing!

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  26. How comfortable is Puffy paint or Plasti dip on the inside of the slipper after it is dried and ready to wear after being applied to the outside of the slipper.

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    Replies
    1. I tried this and I thought it was horribly stiff and made the slippers fairly unwearable you could feel a distinct edge where there was no dip placed

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  27. I found this website that deals with home improvement and I thought it may be helpful to you and your readers. http://www.carmelhomesllc.com

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  28. These products and other slip prevention products can be applied to flat surfaces as well as ramps, loading bays and stairs.
    Non Slip Floor Treatment

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  29. Thank you for that great tutorial! I'm going to try it right away, but first, let's get out and find that stuff! :)

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  30. Thank you for sharing your tutorial. You are genius and kind.

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  31. Great idea! Thanks for the info!

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  32. Do u think it would work on fleece slippers?

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  33. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  34. Years ago... Probably at least eight by now, my niece knitted me a pair of clog style slippers from wool yarn and then felted them. She used the Plasti Dip on the bottom, applying it with a trim size paint brush. It worked wonderful! They became my feets' best friend! They washed fine. I wore them ALOT!!! When the Plasti Dip started wearing off, I reapplied several coats, several times. I wore those slippers for over 7 years but finally had to retire them as the bottoms finally wore through to the point that there wasn't enough wool felt left to hold another layer of Plasti Dip. Reluctantly, I cut them up and am using them for a pattern to make new slippers out of felted sweaters. I'm using three layers on the bottom and stitching them together to the top, adding a couple of stitched tacks down the edges to stabilize their placement. Then I'm going to try pouring a shallow layer in a large size loaf pan and letting the slipper bottoms soak it up for a little while. I also plan to dip the top "over the toe" area too, as it, along with the bottom, is most likely to wear through. I'm anxious to have a pair of slippers that feel "nearly bare" but oh so warm and comfortable again!

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  35. Years ago... Probably at least eight by now, my niece knitted me a pair of clog style slippers from wool yarn and then felted them. She used the Plasti Dip on the bottom, applying it with a trim size paint brush. It worked wonderful! They became my feets' best friend! They washed fine. I wore them ALOT!!! When the Plasti Dip started wearing off, I reapplied several coats, several times. I wore those slippers for over 7 years but finally had to retire them as the bottoms finally wore through to the point that there wasn't enough wool felt left to hold another layer of Plasti Dip. Reluctantly, I cut them up and am using them for a pattern to make new slippers out of felted sweaters. I'm using three layers on the bottom and stitching them together to the top, adding a couple of stitched tacks down the edges to stabilize their placement. Then I'm going to try pouring a shallow layer in a large size loaf pan and letting the slipper bottoms soak it up for a little while. I also plan to dip the top "over the toe" area too, as it, along with the bottom, is most likely to wear through. I'm anxious to have a pair of slippers that feel "nearly bare" but oh so warm and comfortable again!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Years ago... Probably at least eight by now, my niece knitted me a pair of clog style slippers from wool yarn and then felted them. She used the Plasti Dip on the bottom, applying it with a trim size paint brush. It worked wonderful! They became my feets' best friend! They washed fine. I wore them ALOT!!! When the Plasti Dip started wearing off, I reapplied several coats, several times. I wore those slippers for over 7 years but finally had to retire them as the bottoms finally wore through to the point that there wasn't enough wool felt left to hold another layer of Plasti Dip. Reluctantly, I cut them up and am using them for a pattern to make new slippers out of felted sweaters. I'm using three layers on the bottom and stitching them together to the top, adding a couple of stitched tacks down the edges to stabilize their placement. Then I'm going to try pouring a shallow layer in a large size loaf pan and letting the slipper bottoms soak it up for a little while. I also plan to dip the you're portion do that the top "over the toe" area is covered too. I'm anxious to have a pair of slippers that feel "nearly bare" but oh so warm and comfortable again!

    ReplyDelete
  37. You can buy that in spray. At the hardware store

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  38. Can you machine wash and dry these after the slip proof stuff is painted on?

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