Soft Open-Toe Slippers From an Old Towel

An old towel does not have to become a kitchen rag: it can be made into soft open-toe house slippers. This simple project uses no commercial pattern and can be completed in an evening.

Gather an old towel, fabric scraps, and an insole. Use a ready-made insole or cut one from a suitable firm material. For a template, trace a foot with seam allowances or use a pair of flip-flops that fits well.

Cut the Pieces

Trace the insole and cut four towel pieces.

Place the template on A4 paper, trace it with a 2 cm seam allowance, and trim the front to make an open-toe upper.

Sew the Slippers

Layer the bottom, insole, and upper, then stitch around the edge. Cut a heel reinforcement from coordinating fabric and machine-stitch it in place to help protect that high-wear area.

Gather the upper at the center with a fabric strip and secure it by hand. Pin it to the sole and stitch it in place.

Finish the edges with binding. The original uses strips cut from a T-shirt; knit strips lie smoothly and do not need to be cut on the bias.

Use Them Safely

These soft slippers are intended for light indoor use. Towel fabric and a basic insole may not provide grip or protection on wet, rough, or outdoor surfaces. If you need more traction, use a suitable non-slip sole material, check that the layers are secure, and test the slippers carefully before use.