How to Make Flip-Flops From Recycled Materials
Many people enjoy the comfort and convenience of wearing flip-flops. What could be easier than rolling out of bed and slipping on a pair of flip-flops? These popular warm-weather accessories are usually made of rubber or vinyl and come in a variety of colors. You can quickly sew a pair of custom flip flops from an old pair of jeans. Use an old pair of rubber flip-flops for a simple pattern. Old and broken jewelry can be recycled to create decorative accents. With a few supplies and basic sewing skills, even beginners should have no problem creating a pair of recycled footwear.
Things You'll Need
- Pair of rubber flip-flops
- 1 Pair of old jeans
- Polyester batting
- Cardboard
- Fabric glue
- Thread
- Pins
- Sewing needle
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Old or broken jewelry
Instructions
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1
Lay your pair of rubber flip-flops on a piece of cardboard and trace around each one and cut out the pattern. Lay the cardboard cutouts on the polyester batting, trace and cut these out as well. Glue the batting to the cardboard with fabric glue.
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2
Cut the legs off an old pair of jeans. Cut the bottom seams off the legs and set them aside. Working with both layers of each pant leg, lay your cardboard flip-flop cutouts on the jean legs, trace and cut them out. You now have four pieces of denim fabric that will create your flip-flop soles.
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3
To prepare the flip-flop soles, pin the right foot denim pieces together. Do the same for the left foot. Hand sew around each foot assembly, using a one-fourth-inch seam allowance. Do not sew all the way around. Leave a large enough portion open for turning and inserting the batting-covered cardboard.
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4
Turn the flip-flop soles right sides out. Insert the batting-covered cardboard in the opening. Hand sew the opening closed.
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5
To make the flip-flop straps, cut a 12-inch length of the jeans seam you set aside earlier. Refer to your pair of rubber flip-flops for placement, and hand sew the strap in place. Glue or clip on old or broken earrings or other jewelry to the tops of each flip-flop for funky accents.
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Tips & Warnings
Either side of the denim can be used as the "right" side.
You can use the jean pockets for foot bands instead of straps if you like.
