Emberdance Felted Slippers Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Hearthstone Pair
Emberdance Felted Slippers Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Hearthstone Pair
Wrap your feet in the warmth of a crackling fire with these hand-felted slippers, knit in a rich gradient of ember oranges and deep charcoal. The thick, boiled wool creates a sturdy yet plush sole that molds to your feet for the perfect custom fit. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to create a truly unique, cozy gift for themselves or a loved one this winter.
What makes these slippers so special is the magical felting process. You'll knit them oversized, then watch them transform in the washing machine into dense, durable, and incredibly warm footwear. The gradient colorwork—from ember orange to charcoal to golden yellow—mirrors the glow of a hearth fire, making these the ultimate companion for cold winter nights.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials specified is crucial for successful felting—especially the yarn, which must be 100% wool and not superwash treated.
Yarn
- Worsted weight 100% wool (non-superwash) in 3 colors:
- Ember Orange (MC) – Main Color
- Charcoal (CC1) – Contrast Color 1
- Golden Yellow (CC2) – Contrast Color 2
- Approximately 300g total (about 100g per color)
Important: Do NOT use superwash wool or wool blends. The yarn must be 100% animal fiber (sheep wool is ideal) for the felting process to work. Look for yarns labeled "feltable" or "not superwash."
Needles & Notions
- US 10.5 (6.5 mm) knitting needles – straight or circular for magic loop
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (4 markers)
- Pillowcase and rubber band for felting
- Plastic bags for shaping/drying
- Old pair of jeans (for agitation during felting)
Gauge
- Before felting: 14 sts x 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
- After felting: 18 sts x 26 rows = 4 inches (gauge will tighten significantly)
Note: Gauge is important, but since felting is somewhat unpredictable, don't stress too much. Knit loosely and expect about 30% shrinkage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes & Abbreviations
Sizes: Women's 6-8 (Men's 8-10). To adjust size, add or subtract 4 stitches from the cast-on and increase counts.
Abbreviations:
- CO = cast on
- K = knit
- P = purl
- K2tog = knit two together (decrease)
- SSK = slip slip knit (decrease)
- M1L = make one left (increase)
- M1R = make one right (increase)
- St st = stockinette stitch (K on right side, P on wrong side)
- PM = place marker
- SM = slip marker
Pattern Notes: The slippers are knit flat in one piece from toe to heel, then seamed and felted in a washing machine. They shrink significantly, so knit loosely and expect about 30% shrinkage. You will make two identical pieces (one for each foot).
TOE (Make 2 Identical Pieces)
With MC (Ember Orange), CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K1, PM, K2, PM, K2, PM, K1 (8 sts).
Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
Row 3: K1, M1L, SM, K2, M1R, SM, K2, M1L, SM, K1 (11 sts).
Row 4: P all sts.
Row 5: K1, M1L, SM, K2, M1R, SM, K2, M1L, SM, K1 (14 sts).
Row 6: P all sts.
Continue in this pattern: Increase 1 stitch on each side of the two markers every right-side row (by working M1L before the first marker and M1R after the second marker), until you have 32 (36) sts total.
Work even in St st (K on RS, P on WS) until piece measures 4 (5) inches from CO edge.
Pro Tip: The markers divide your work into three sections: 1 stitch at each edge, and two sections of 2 stitches in the middle. The increases happen on either side of the two middle sections, creating a rounded toe shape.
FOOT SECTION
Now you'll create the beautiful gradient color bands that give these slippers their "emberdance" look.
Switch to CC1 (Charcoal). Continue in St st for 2 inches.
Switch to MC (Ember Orange). Continue in St st for 2 inches.
Switch to CC2 (Golden Yellow). Continue in St st for 2 inches.
Switch to MC (Ember Orange). Continue in St st until piece measures 9 (10) inches from CO edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
Tip: When changing colors, twist the old and new yarns together on the wrong side to avoid holes. Weave in ends as you go or leave them for the end—just make sure they're secure before felting.
HEEL
The heel is worked using short rows to create a rounded, gathered shape.
Row 1 (RS): K22 (24), SSK, turn (leave remaining sts unworked).
Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P10 (12), P2tog, turn.
Row 3: Slip 1, K10 (12), SSK, turn.
Repeat Rows 2-3 until all side stitches are used up, ending with a right-side row. You will have 12 (14) sts remaining.
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through the remaining stitches on your needle and pull tight to gather the heel. Sew the heel seam securely.
Pro Tip: The short-row heel creates a cup shape that will hug your heel perfectly after felting. Don't worry if it looks a bit odd before felting—the magic happens in the wash!
SEAMING
Now it's time to shape your slipper.
Fold the slipper flat with the toe at one end and the heel at the other.
Sew the top seam from toe to heel, leaving an opening for the foot (about 5-6 inches from the heel). This opening is where your foot will slide in.
Turn right side out.
Repeat for the second slipper.
Tip: Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for the seam. Make sure your stitches are secure—they'll be put to the test during felting!
FELTING
This is the most exciting part! Felting transforms your loose, oversized knits into dense, cozy slippers.
Step 1: Place both slippers in a pillowcase and secure the opening with a rubber band. This prevents lint from clogging your washing machine.
Step 2: Wash in a washing machine on hot water cycle with a small amount of detergent and a pair of old jeans (for extra agitation).
Step 3: Check every 5 minutes until desired size is reached (usually 10-15 minutes). Do not walk away! Felting can happen quickly, and you don't want to over-felt.
Step 4: Once the slippers have shrunk to the desired size, rinse them in cold water to stop the felting process.
Step 5: Shape by hand—smooth out any wrinkles and mold the toe and heel areas.
Step 6: Stuff with plastic bags to help them hold their shape and dry overnight.
Important: Check the slippers frequently during felting. If they're shrinking too fast, switch to a shorter cycle or cooler water. If they're not shrinking enough, add more agitation time. Every washing machine is different!
Final Thoughts
Your Emberdance Felted Slippers are now ready to warm your feet! The felting process creates a dense, durable fabric that will mold to your feet over time for the ultimate custom fit. These slippers make wonderful handmade gifts—imagine the joy of giving someone a pair of cozy, fire-inspired slippers on a cold winter day.
Care Instructions: To clean your felted slippers, hand wash in cold water with mild soap and lay flat to dry. Avoid machine washing after felting, as this may cause further shrinkage.
Happy knitting, and may your hearth always be warm! 🔥
