In today’s video, we are going to be assembling the skimmer style slippers, using my Quilted Slippers pattern. It’s been one of my most popular patterns and it’s a really fun one to sew. It’s a small project and great for using scrap fabric. This project also makes a great gift. The pattern is drafted for a wide range of sizes from US Women’s 4 up to a US Men’s 14.
I generally think of the skimmers style as the “summer” slipper—the pair you wear when it's not cold out but you still need a little protection from the cold floor. But, for this sewalong, I decided to sew a pair that is extra cozy and warm. Plus, I added a patchwork star to the top, which I will share more about tomorrow. (It's so cute, I don't know why I never thought of doing it before. Sneaky peek below.)
Important note on fabric and sizing: For this pair of slippers, I used a double layer of batting throughout and thick, fluffy fleece for the lining. If you plan to do the same, I recommend sizing up. All of the extra bulk made this pair a little too tight on my toes. Hopefully my lesson learned will help you! :)
I created this tutorial as part of an email-style sewalong for the Quilted Slippers pattern. The sewalong officially wrapped this week but you can sign up at any time to receive the series of six emails. The sign up form is below.
UPDATE 12/2022: The blog posts for sewing the patchwork block shown here and adding to the slippers are now live. Links are below:
How to sew a two-color patchwork star block
How to add a patchwork block to the Quilted Slippers pattern
In this video, I’m assembling the skimmer style of the slippers pattern. If the video above doesn’t work, you can also watch on YouTube.
Time stamps for the sections of the video are below (if you want to skip ahead)
Prepare the fabric 1:43
Assemble the exterior 2:52
Assemble the lining 8:09
Make the heel tabs 8:39
Attach lining to exterior 9:32
I covered how to quilt your fabric in this video. Make sure to also check out the sewalong for more help. This pattern is fairly easy to sew but I have rated it as an intermediate level for a couple of reasons. First, quilting your own fabric is probably a new skill and not something usually done in garment sewing. Second, sewing the curved edges of the slipper can be a little tricky. But just take it slow, and everything will fit together nice and easy.
The Quilted Slippers pattern has both a bootie and a skimmer style included. I really like the skimmer for warm months and the bootie for winter. It’s been fun to try out new materials and variations for the slippers. Make sure to also check out my tutorial for using leather for the soles. And check back soon for a tutorial to make the patchwork star on these skimmer slippers.
I hope that you enjoy this video and that you love making, wearing and gifting these slippers. If you haven’t purchased your copy of the Quilted Slippers pattern yet, it’s available in the shop here.
About the Quilted Slippers pattern:
The Sew DIY Quilted Slippers are the perfect way to keep toes warm and use up small cuts of fabric. Plus, it's a great way to introduce yourself to quilting and use up small cuts of fabric. The quilted exterior is constructed by quilting a layer of fabric and batting together. You can also use pre-quilted fabric for a quicker project.
The slippers are sized for foot lengths 8.25-12 inches (21-30.5 cm) which approximately fits US women’s shoe sizes 4-14 and US men’s shoe sizes 6-14.5, so you’ll be able to make these quilted slippers for everyone in your family.
View A is a bootie style slipper that can be worn with the top turned down to reveal the lining or with the top up to keep the ankles warm. View B is an open top skimmer style, perfect for the summer months.
