Knitted Bug Slippers for Grandchildren

When my Grandchildren spend the night, they love to wear these cute and fuzzy slippers;
sometimes even wearing them to bed!  The bottom is non-slip and slightly water proof (this also prevents excess wear on the yarn sole).  This pattern can easily be adjusted for a smaller or larger foot,
by reducing rows or knitting extra rows; or by changing the size of the knitting needles.

Size: Medium - Fits childrens shoe size 8-12 (appx. ages 3-6)

Materials:
1 ball colored yarn for the body
          (grasshopper green, ladybug red, bumble bee yellow etc...)
1 ball black yarn for the head (or contrast color)
Size 10 knitting needles
Large eye sewing needle (darning needle)
Stitch markers
2 Buttons for Eyes
Appx. 18" of  1/4" wide elastic
1 Roll non-slip shelf liner
       (or substitute 1 Dollar Store non-slip placemat)
Ruler or Tape Measure
Straight Pins or clips

Instructions:
Cast on 23 stitches, leaving a 20" tail of yarn at the first cast on (you will use this to sew the back of the heel later on).
ROW 1:  Wrong Side - Knit into the back of the first st., K6, P1, K7, K6, bring yarn forward, slip last st. purlwise (WS)
ROW 2:  Right Side - Knit into the back of the first st., K21, bring yarn forward, slip last st. purlwise. Place a stitch marker to remind yourself that this is the right side (RS)

Continue repeating rows 1 and 2 until there are 24 rows and you will end with a row on the WS.
Cut yarn, leaving a 6" tail and begin using the black yarn, for the head. 

Black Toe Section:
ROW 1:  Knit Row
ROW 2:  Knit Row
ROW 3:  Knit Row
ROW 4:  Knit Row
ROW 5:  Knit Row
ROW 6:  K1, *K2tog, K3* repeat to the last 2 sts, K2 tog.
ROW 7:  Knit Row
ROW 8:  *K2 tog., K2* repeat to the last 2 sts.,  K2 tog.
ROW 9:  *K2 tog*  repeat to last sts.,  K1

Cut yarn, leaving a 15" tail.  Thread the yarn tail onto darning needle.  Bring the darning needle & tail of yarn through all remaining stitches (removing stitches from the knitting needle as you go). Draw tightly and knot securely.  This will form the "nose". 

Make a seam from the toe to the top of the foot, using the rest of the yarn tail. Knot tightly to secure, and weave in ends.

To finish the heel:  Thread the extra length of heel yarn (from casting on) onto the darning needle.  With right sides together, make a seam from the ankle to 2/3 down towards the heel.  Pinch the sole of the heel upwards to make a "T" shaped gusset, and sew across the opening. This will creat a flat bottom at the heel. Secure, weave in ends and snip excess yarn.

Attach Non-slip Sole: 
Measure the bottom of your slipper (appx. 5" long and 2.5" wide).
Cut 4 pieces of the non-slip liner, per your slipper measurements above (layer 2 pc. for each slipper, for extra durability).  Place the liner on the bottom sole of slipper and pin or clip in place. 

Starting at the back heel, stitch the non-skid sole to the slipper, using a darning needle and yarn.  I found that the yarn could be "woven" through the small holes in the non-slip liner. Knot and weave in ends, cut excess yarn.  In the future, I will experiment with bias binding and machine sewing the non-slip liner to give it a more finished look.

Attach the 2 buttons for eyes. 
Optional: Make a "finger chain"  appx. 2" long, and affix. to the top of the head for Antannae or little bug legs.
Using Black yarn, make a few  "X" on body for ladybug or "Stripes" for Bumblebees - use your imagination!

I also knitted a little "wing" shape, and used it as the grasshoppers hind legs.
When accessories are attached, weave a strip of 1/4" elastic through the top of the ankle. Tie in a knot at the back. This helps to keep the slippers on the little one's feet!

Please send me photos of your Bug Slippers! I would love to share them on my blog!

trailbugz@yahoo.com