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« Mary Jane Slippers: Materials | Main
Wednesday
23Jan2008

Mary Jane Slippers: The Pattern

mainimage3.jpg
I kept these slippers pretty simple, but they'd also be really cute modified for a button or decorated with a knit flower. I hope you have as much fun knitting these as I did designing them!

Gauge

5 stitches = 1 inch in garter stitch

Finished Size

Fits medium size woman's foot (shoe size 7-9)

Making the Sole

 
Note: If you slip the first stitch of every row, it will be a little bit easier to pick up stitches later.

Cast on 8 stitches

Row 1: Knit

Increase Row: Slip 1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, knit 1 (10 st).

Knit 2 rows.

Repeat the last 3 rows 2 more times (14 stitches)

Knit until piece measures 2 inches from cast on edge (or, if you prefer to count rows: Knit 11 rows).

Knit an Increase Row (16 stitches).

Knit until piece measures one more inch (11 rows).

Repeat the last 12 rows 3 more times (piece will measure 6-inches and there will be 22 stitches).

At this point the sole should look something like this: 

sole1.jpg

Knit 3 rows.

Decrease Row: Slip 1, k2tog, k to last 3 stitches, ssk, knit 1 (20 stitches).

Knit 1 row. 

Repeat the last 2 rows 8 more times (4 stitches).

Bind off.

sole2.jpg

Making the Upper

Starting at the center of the heel (with either side facing you), pick up 42 stitches to the center of the toe (pick up 1 stitch for every stitch around the heel and toe, and 3 stitches for every 4 up the sides).

Pick up 42 stitches down the other side to the center back of the heel and place a marker (pm). (84 stitches on needle).  Work the following rows in the round.

pickup.jpg

Purl 1 round. (The first couple of rounds are a little tight and awkward, but it gets easier.)

Knit 1 round.

Purl 1 round.

Repeat the last 2 rounds.

Next round: Knit 32, pm (use a different color than the end-of-the-round marker), k2tog, k 16, ssk, pm (use the same color as the marker just placed), knit 32.
decrease1.jpg
Purl 1 round.

Next round: Knit to marker, k2tog, knit to 2 stitches before marker, ssk, knit to end of round.

Repeat last 2 rounds until there are 6 stitches between the 2 same color markers (5 times) (70 stitches total remaining).

Bind off loosely.

boundoff.jpg 

Attaching the I-Cord

With the contrast yarn, use the provisional cast-on technique (see our provisional cast-on tutorial) to cast 4 stithces onto one US size 5 double pointed needle.

Starting at the center of the heel, knit an attached I-cord around the edge of the slipper. Pick up 1 st for every bound off stitch. For instructions on knitting an attached I-cord, see our tutorial. Finish the two live ends of the Attached I-cord by refering to our Kitchener Stitch Tutorial.

finishedicord.jpg 

Knitting the Strap

Try the slipper on to see where you would like to have the strap. I placed mine 3 inches from the center of the heel. 

With a US size 5 double pointed needle, pick up 5 stitches inside the slipper, on the left side, right below the attached I-cord.

strap1.jpgstrap2.jpg

Slipping the first stitch of every row, knit in garter stitch until there are 16 1/2 ridges (ie for 33 rows) or until it is the length that fits your foot, bearing in mind that garter stitch really stretches.

The last row you knit should leave the yarn at the heel end of the slipper. Cut an 8 inch tail and thread it through a tapestry needle.

Straight across from where the strap began, thread the yarn up through a purl bump.

strap3.jpg

Then thread the yarn through the first stitch of the knitting needle as if to purl and remove the stitch from the needle.

Repeat these 2 steps until no stitches remain.

Weave in all the ends. And make another!

end.jpg

Reader Comments (64)

God bless you for this pattern! I have been thinking that I would knit my mother a pair of Mary Janes slippers for Christmas next year. I was thinking about black or red with rhinestone buttons... Anyway, I love your design and look forward to giving them to my war-generation mother! She thanks you in advance.
January 24, 2008 | Unregistered Commentercatherine
Thanks so much for a darling pattern that's in one piece! I love knitting slippers and it seems so many patterns have you make pieces and sew them together. I'd pick up stitches over sewing together anyday. This is great!
January 24, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJanet
Thanks for posting this pattern!! I need it badly for my long haul flight to Asia. I hope this will be a quick project as I am leaving tomorrow!! Yippie!
January 25, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterValerie
Thank you for this! I have three sisters, six nieces, a sister-in-law, as well as my mom and mother-in-law; guess what everyone's getting for Christmas next year?! I love this pattern and look forward to the project. Thank you.
January 28, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAngi
Love it!!!! I will be making these for my house warming party since I don't allow shoes in my house!
January 28, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterNicol
Thank you so much for a great pattern. They are absolutely lovely and I especially like the colour combination you've chosen. I was thinking of making a super sized pair in wool and then felting them..... Much prettier than wool felt clogs (although the clogs do suit my jumbo feet better. Lol)
January 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCraftybernie
Love the pattern! Could you please clarify though, when working the sole, it says 'Repeat the last 12 rows 3 more times (piece will measure 6-inches and there will be 22 stitches)'. Should that be the last 2 rows?
January 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKate
Hi Kate,

You should actually repeat the last 12 rows.. I'm sorry if it's confusingly written...

The 12 rows are 1 increase row followed by 11 plain rows.

Ugh, language!

-Whitney
January 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPurl Bee
Thanks Whitney, that's really obvious now I look at it again! I was thinking of it as an inch rather than 11 rows. D'oh.
January 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKate
Love the slippers! Thanks for posting the instructions. These will definitely be on my to do list for various family members.
January 31, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterknitting okie
You are so clever! Thank you--I am going on a retreat and the roommates usually exchange gifts (journals, soaps, goodie bags, etc). I think I will knit them each a pair. Great stash buster too!
February 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMagalie
These are absolutely darling! I'm definitely going to knit them. I'd like to knit these for a smaller shoe size (5.5 to 6). Is there an easy way to re-calculate the pattern?
February 9, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLisa
did I miss what size foot these slippers fit?
I need to know b/c I am a us size 10! thanks! love the pattern btw.
February 14, 2008 | Unregistered Commentercharlotte
Dear Charlotte,
The pattern is written for a women's US size 7-9. Check back soon for Whitney's thoughts on altering the pattern.
February 15, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Quick question: which end of the is the heel? Is it the pointy end? I was thinking it was the rounded end, but after I picked up stitches starting at the rounded end, it doesn't look right.
February 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterEmily S.
Hi Charlotte and everyone else interested in changing the size of the Mary Janes,

Probably the easiest way to make bigger or smaller slippers is to change the gauge of the pattern. At the pattern's current gauge of 5 stitches to the inch, the widest part of the foot bottom is 4.4" across (22 stitches divided by the gauge, 5). If you knit at 5.5 stitches to the inch it would be 4 inches across; or at 4.5 stitches to the inch, 4.8 inches across. Depending on how dramatic a size change you want to make, you may have to choose a different yarn, not just a different needle size.

Also take into consideration the length. You'll need to add or subtract some rows evenly throughout the knitting of the foot bottom. The bottom should look much smaller than the recipient's actual foot because garter stitch stretches so much.

And pick up stitches at the same ratio as this pattern does, ie 1 stitch for every stitch around the heel and toe, and 3 stitches for every 4 up the sides. Put about 20% of the stitches between the markers at the toe for decreasing.

It may take some experimenting to get the size you want, but luckily, these slippers contract and stretch to span a pretty wide range of sizes, so don't worry about being too exact!

Good luck!
Whitney



February 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPurl Bee
I am in love!!!!!!! Just before I choose my yarn....how much approximatly did you use? 50 gr..?
February 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBergère de L'Est
They are soooooo cute..thank you. I printed out the pattern and will quickly find time to do them..
March 1, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBeate
waw,i love the pattern!!
thanks!!!!!!!
March 6, 2008 | Unregistered Commentergea
The pattern is great, but one thing that was confusing to me is the use of the word "round". I thought these were to be knitted in the round. The first time I tried it, I did and ended up with a misshapened toe.
March 22, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSusan
Susan, they are knitted in the round once the sole is finished. Can you describe the problem you were having in a little more detail and we'll see what we can do to clarify and help out? Thanks! --P.B.
March 22, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
OHH! I get it now. I've been picking up the stitches backward. I thought the picture was showing the points coming out the toe end, but it's the heel end. So I've been decreasing on the heel and not the toe.
March 22, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSusan
Susan, I'm so happy you got it! Enjoy.
March 22, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
I have wood floors so I'm wondering if I could sew a leather bottom on these to make them less slippery. Does anyone have any experience/opinions about if this would work?
June 4, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterT2
Hi Whitney! I just have to tell you that I love this pattern. More than that, though, is that I love your pattern style. The step by step photos are awesome and perfect for the "visual learner" in me. Oh, and thanks so very much for making this a free pattern. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Blessings, Leslie
June 13, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLeslie
I tried knitting these. They are beautiful! However when I tried putting the one on that I had made it was huge. What size of US needle did you use? Thank you!
June 24, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJolene
HA HA! I found what size the needles were. I will try smaller and see how it turns out. Thanks!
June 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJolene
THANK YOU! I've been looking for a knit maryjane with pictures (I've seen other patterns, but w/o an image, it's so confusing!) These are really cute.
July 14, 2008 | Unregistered Commenteranna
hi there!the slippers are amazing.. i want desperately want to make them. but im a left handed knitter!!(i hold the needle in the left hand and knit)so how do i follow the pattern.please help me Whitney!
July 23, 2008 | Unregistered Commenternafeesa
Hi Nafeesa-

Holding the working needle in the left hand can become very complicated when you try to follow patterns, which are all written for holding the working needle in the right hand. Most left handed knitters nowadays hold the needle in the right hand and the yarn in their left, "Continental Style".

I'm sorry to recommend such a drastic measure, but I think the best thing you can do is to relearn to knit continentally. My mother was in the same situation as you, and when I taught her this different way of knitting, she picked it up very naturally. I hope the same happens for you! For instructions on how to knit Continental Style, try viewing this video: http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch

Good luck and thanks for your question!
Whitney
July 23, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterpurlbee
THANKS a ton!! i will do as you say.. ur a genius!!!
July 25, 2008 | Unregistered Commenternafeesa
Oh WOW!!!
These are beautiful!
I love how you have included step-by-step photographs. and your pattern is so clear. I know what I'm making tomorrow :-)

Thanks so much for such a great pattern.

by the way, I found you through ravelry.com, just so you know.
August 6, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMiriam
i love these slippers. i'm almost done with the sole and i just have one question. do you know how many stitches go around the heel and toe aside from the ones where you skip every 4th?
August 14, 2008 | Unregistered Commenteramy
Hello! Thanks so much for this pattern and visuals to get it accomplished. I fell in love with the pattern and am working on the first pair for myself. what a treat.
August 14, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterEmily
Hi Amy,

I'm sorry, I don't remember exactly how many stitches are picked up around the toe and heel, but if you pick up one stitch for every row, it should work out!

Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
August 15, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterpurlbee
Nafeesa, I'm a lefty knitter, too, and I made them by substituting ssk everytime the pattern said k2tog and k2tog when it said ssk, since our ssk stitches are right leaning decreases and our k2tog stitches are left leaning decreases. Everything else turned out fine with these adjustment.
August 20, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJo
Having made a fabulous pair of Daisy Stitch warmers now I am trying to master the slippers.

A quick question regarding ratio...

For the sole, the pattern reads, 'knit until piece measures 2 inches from cast on edge (or, if you prefer to count rows: knit 11 rows)'

Does this mean every row = 11 rows and that I should now knit 22 rows? As later the pattern instructs knit another inch (11 rows). A little confused, Salma - xx
October 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSalma (London, UK)
Sorry, I had meant to say, 'does this mean every INCH = 11 rows and that I should now knit 22 rows?'

Sill confused, Salma - xx
October 7, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSalma (London, UK)
Hi Salma,
Actually, 11 rows = 2 inches. So, when the pattern instructs you to knit another inch it will be 5 or 6 rows. The number of rows are included in the pattern so that you can double check that your slipper is coming along correctly, you can just follow the instruction in inches rather than concerning yourself with the rows.
Let us know if you need more help!
October 7, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Thank you soo much, I've worked it out. Sometimes I can be completely dumb. I have increased the yarn weight and increased the needle sizes by one to make them bigger. however they seem giant like. Then again my feet are minute. Once again thank you once again for getting back so soon. Salma - xx
October 7, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSalma (London, UK)
GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!!
Thanks a lot for this beautifull Pattern,
and so nice Pictures.

Thanks!
Anja
October 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAnja
I love these! I really want to make them for christmas gifts, only one problem - i only know how to crochet, not knit. is there any pattern that you know of that is crocheted mary janes and still super cute?? or is there a magic trick that i'm unaware of to converting knit projects to crochet ones?

Thanks!
November 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterErin
Hi Erin,
We know of no such magic trick, though you are certainly not along in wishing for one! Do you know ravelry? We recommend signing up (if you haven't already) and becoming a member. Its a fantastic resource for finding patterns of all kinds, both knit and crochet. Someone there may know of a great pattern for you.
Here is the link to their sign up page:
https://www.ravelry.com/account/login

ps. if you get put on a waiting list when you sign up don't be discouraged, they get through the list very quickly!
Good luck!
November 2, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
How can I make a smaller size? I just need them to be about an inch smaller, but I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks,
-JJ
November 5, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJJ
Hi JJ,
Here is a copy of Whitney's original instructions on altering the size of the slippers. Hope this will answer your question, but if not, please feel free to ask more questions!

Probably the easiest way to make bigger or smaller slippers is to change the gauge of the pattern. At the pattern's current gauge of 5 stitches to the inch, the widest part of the foot bottom is 4.4" across (22 stitches divided by the gauge, 5). If you knit at 5.5 stitches to the inch it would be 4 inches across; or at 4.5 stitches to the inch, 4.8 inches across. Depending on how dramatic a size change you want to make, you may have to choose a different yarn, not just a different needle size.

Also take into consideration the length. You'll need to add or subtract some rows evenly throughout the knitting of the foot bottom. The bottom should look much smaller than the recipient's actual foot because garter stitch stretches so much.

And pick up stitches at the same ratio as this pattern does, ie 1 stitch for every stitch around the heel and toe, and 3 stitches for every 4 up the sides. Put about 20% of the stitches between the markers at the toe for decreasing.

It may take some experimenting to get the size you want, but luckily, these slippers contract and stretch to span a pretty wide range of sizes, so don't worry about being too exact!

Good luck!
Whitney
November 5, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Thank you so much! I can't wait to knit them (again)!!!
November 5, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJJ
HI! I love the pattern but am confused on the Icord. It doesnt say how long to knit it, or if it did, I'm missing it! Could you please clarify?
November 13, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHeather
Hi Heather,
The I-cord is attached to the rim of the foot as you go, so work it all the way around until you come back to the first stitch. Please let us know if you have further questions!
November 13, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Hi!
I attempted to make the slipper smaller, but I couldn't make it smaller with out ruining the pattern. So I desided to knit them with size 5 needles and pink wool yarn. Then I felted them and they are the perfect size!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern! I am going to make many more pairs!
November 17, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJJ
Hallo,

Ik vind dit zo'n leuk patroon! Maar helaas kan ik het niet begrijpen in het engels. Kan iemand dit voor mij vertalen in het nederlands? Zou er erg blij mee zijn.

Groetjes, Ellie

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