Hello, lovely knitters! You asked for long and detailed, and you’re getting it! The Sunflower Ballet Flat is a beautifully crafted slipper that combines two essential textures: a flexible, gathered 1×1 Ribbing for the toe and a soft, durable Garter Stitch for the sole and heel. This design ensures a cozy feel with a snug fit that won’t slip off your heel.
This comprehensive pattern is written for two adult sizes, worked flat in a single piece, and then expertly seamed.
📐 Sizing and Fit Guide
This pattern provides instructions for two popular adult sizes. The slipper is designed for a snug fit, using the stretchy nature of Garter Stitch and Ribbing.
| Size | Women’s US | EU Size | Foot Length (approx.) |
| S/M (Instructions in Parentheses) | 6 – 8 | 36 – 39 | 9 – 9.5 inches (23 – 24 cm) |
| M/L (Instructions Without Parentheses) | 9 – 11 | 40 – 43 | 10 – 10.5 inches (25.5 – 26.5 cm) |
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🛠️ Materials Needed
- Yarn: Approximately 120 – 150 yards (110 – 140 meters) of a soft Worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) yarn in your main color (Mustard Yellow/Gold).
- A wool blend or durable, soft acrylic is recommended for warmth and washability.
- Needles: A pair of US size 7 (4.5 mm) straight knitting needles.
- Knit a swatch to confirm you have a gauge that creates a soft, pliable fabric.
- Notions:
- Tapestry Needle (with a large eye) for critical seaming work.
- Sharp Scissors.
- Stitch Holder or a generous scrap piece of smooth waste yarn.
- Embellishment (Optional): A small decorative button, bead, or flower appliqué.
📏 Gauge (The Golden Rule for Slippers)
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows (18 garter ridges) equals 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch, measured after a light block.
- The Importance of Gauge: For this flat-seamed construction, the gauge dictates the entire fit. If your stitch count is off, the final slipper will either be too tight and short, or too loose and bulky.
ℹ️ Key Techniques & Abbreviations
This slipper is constructed flat and shaped through simple ribbing and careful decreases that cinch the toe.
- K = Knit
- P = Purl
- st(s) = Stitch(es)
- RS = Right Side
- WS = Wrong Side
- K2tog = Knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease).
- ssk = Slip, Slip, Knit (a left-leaning decrease).
- Garter Stitch: Knit every row.
- 1×1 Rib: Alternating K1, P1.
🩰 The Pattern: Sunflower Ballet Flat
Work all instructions for Size M/L (US 9-11). Use the numbers in the (parentheses) for Size S/M (US 6-8).
1️⃣ The Toe and Instep (The Gathering Point)
This section creates the textured top of the foot. The ribbing provides a neat, structured look that will pull into the gathered point.
| Row | Instructions | Stitch Count |
| Cast On | Cast on 36 (32) stitches loosely. | 36 (32) sts |
| Row 1 (RS) | Work in 1×1 Rib across: *K1, P1*. Repeat from * to * across. | 36 (32) sts |
| Row 2 (WS) | Work in 1×1 Rib across: *P1, K1*. Repeat from * to * across. | 36 (32) sts |
| Rows 3–18 (14) | Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 18 (14) rows. This is the full height of the ribbed toe. | 36 (32) sts |
| Row 19 (15) (RS) | Decrease Row: K1, *K2tog*. Repeat from * to * across to the last st, K1. This aggressive decrease prepares the stitches for the final gather. | 19 (17) sts |
| Row 20 (16) (WS) | Purl across all stitches. | 19 (17) sts |
- Prepare to Hold: Cut yarn, leaving a short tail. Place these 19 (17) stitches onto your stitch holder. This section will form the gathered toe tip.
2️⃣ The Main Body (Sole and Heel)
We now create the long, flat piece that wraps under the foot, switching to cushiony Garter Stitch.
| Row | Instructions | Stitch Count |
| Row 21 (17) (RS) | Initial Cast-On: Cast on 22 (20) stitches onto your left needle. Knit across these new sts. Then, knit across the 19 (17) stitches from the holder. Then, cast on 22 (20) stitches onto your right needle. | 63 (57) sts |
| Rows 22–66 (60) | Garter Stitch: Knit every row for 45 (39) rows. This length covers the sole of your foot. Add or subtract rows here to fine-tune the overall foot length. | 63 (57) sts |
3️⃣ Heel Shaping
These simple decreases shape the back edge, allowing the heel to round nicely when seamed.
| Row | Instructions | Stitch Count |
| Row 67 (61) (RS) | K1, ssk, K to the last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. | 61 (55) sts |
| Row 68 (62) (WS) | Knit all stitches. | 61 (55) sts |
| Row 69 (63) (RS) | K1, ssk, K to the last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. | 59 (53) sts |
| Row 70 (64) (WS) | Knit all stitches. | 59 (53) sts |
- Final Bind Off: Cut your yarn, leaving a very long tail (at least 40 inches / 1 meter) for seaming. Bind off all 59 (53) stitches loosely.
🧵 Finishing and Assembly (The Transformation)
The perfect slipper shape is achieved through the seaming process.
- Closing the Gathered Toe Tip:
- Thread the short yarn tail from the Decrease Row (Row 20/16) onto your tapestry needle.
- Carefully run the needle through the edge loops of the 19 (17) held stitches.
- Gently pull the yarn tail very tight to cinch the ribbing closed into a small, neat circle. Secure the end firmly on the inside.
- Seaming the Sole and Heel:
- Fold the entire piece in half lengthwise, lining up the decreases of the heel and the edges of the garter stitch section.
- Using the long tail from the final bind-off, begin seaming the back of the heel and sole edges together. Use the mattress stitch for a sturdy, invisible seam. The garter ridges line up perfectly for this.
- Continue seaming along the entire sole edge until you reach the center of the cinched toe tip. Secure the seam firmly.
- Embellishment: Sew your chosen button, bead, or flower onto the center of the gathered toe using matching thread.
- Final Weaving: Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the inside.
- The Second Slipper: Repeat the entire process for the second foot!
Video Tutorial:
✨ Pro-Tips & Customization
Adjusting Foot Width (Girth)
- For Wider Feet: If you need more room over the instep, increase the number of stitches cast on in Row 21 (17) to 24 (22) stitches on each side. This adds girth without changing the length.
- For Tighter Ankles: After seaming, use a smaller needle (e.g., US 6 / 4.0 mm) to pick up stitches around the slipper opening. Work 4 rows of 1×1 Rib and then bind off loosely. This creates a neat, snug cuff that prevents slippage.
Making the Slipper Durable
- Inner Sole: For slippers that will see heavy use, consider cutting a separate insole from felt or thin foam and sewing it into the bottom of the slipper for added cushion and longevity.
- Non-Slip Soles: A must for safety! Apply a layer of liquid latex or non-slip fabric paint to the sole in a dotted pattern or thin strips. Allow it to cure completely overnight before wearing.
This detailed pattern gives you all the tools to create a professional, beautifully fitting pair of Sunflower Ballet Flats! Happy knitting!
