How to Felt the Sailor Slippers by Annie Germaine

A simple guide for turning your cozy knit into perfectly fitted slippers. This guide works for felting your knitting or crochet in general.  Andrea

Felting is the magic step that transforms your Sailor Slippers from “oversized and floppy” into dense, cozy, perfectly shaped footwear. Don’t worry — it’s much easier than it sounds!

Before You Start

Felting only works with 100% non-superwash wool. If your slippers are knit in Lettlopi or another feltable wool, you’re good to go!

You’ll need:

  • Your finished project

  • A washing machine

  • Mild detergent (regular laundry detergent works fine)

  • Old towels

  • A tennis ball or pair of jeans (optional, but helpful)

Step 1: Prep the Slippers

  • Weave in all ends securely — once felted, you won’t be able to fix them.

  • Turn the slippers inside out to help seams felt smoothly.

  • If your washing machine has an agitator, placing slippers in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag can help control felting (not required, but helpful).

  • Very light colors do not felt as well as medium to dark colors.

Step 2: The First Felting Wash

  • Set your washing machine to hot water and a normal or heavy cycle.

  • Add a small amount of detergent.

  • Toss in the slippers along with a tennis ball, towel, or jeans to increase agitation.

  • Let the cycle run for 5–10 minutes, then pause and check.

✨ Check often! Felting happens quickly and cannot be undone.

  • Many of today's washers do not have a lot of agitation, and you may find that you have to do many loads before your slippers feel.  I one time had to do 7 loads before my slippers felted enough. Andrea

Step 3: Shape & Check Fit

  • Take the slippers out and rinse in cool water.

  • Gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring).

  • Try them on while damp (wear socks!) and gently stretch or pinch areas to shape:

    • Toe box

    • Heel

    • Width across the foot

If they’re still too large, repeat another short hot wash (2–5 minutes at a time).

Step 4: Final Rinse & Shape

Once the slippers are the right size:

  • Rinse thoroughly in cool water to remove soap.

  • Roll in a towel and press to remove moisture.

  • Shape them one last time — smooth stitches, define the toe, and straighten edges.

Step 5: Dry Completely

  • Let slippers air dry at room temperature.

  • Stuff lightly with towels or paper to help hold shape.

  • Avoid heat-dryers at this stage — air-drying gives the best finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slippers

  • I love to give the slippers that are not felted and listen to the gift recipient explain to me they're too big.  Then felt them together and they can put them on when damp to customize them to their feet. Andrea

  • Smaller is better than bigger — slippers will relax slightly with wear.

  • Add leather soles or suede patches after felting for extra durability and grip. Or skate around the house.

You’re Done!

Once dry, your Sailor Slippers should feel:
✔ Dense and sturdy
✔ Warm but breathable
✔ Perfectly molded to your feet

Enjoy!

Back to Blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.