How to Crochet Adult Mary Jane Slippers
Popular for decades, the Mary Jane-style slipper features a simple open-top ballet-like shoe with a small strap that crosses the top or dorsum of the foot. Crocheting Mary Jane slippers is a simple project for beginners. Only basic stitches, including the chain stitch (Ch), slip stitch, single crochet (Sc) and half-double (Hd) stitches are used. Each slipper is made in a single piece. The only joinery required is a single whip-stitched seam, connecting the sides of the slipper together at the back of the heel.
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Things You'll Need
- 3 oz. worsted-weight yarn
- 4 mm hook
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- 2 safety pins
- 2 buttons (optional)
Instructions
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Toe Box
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1
Ch 3. Slip stitch in the third chain from the hook to form a ring. Ch 1. Crochet 6 Sc in the ring for the first row. Mark the last stitch. Do not join. In the second row, do 2 Sc in each sc of the first row. Mark the last stitch. In the third row, do 1 Sc in the first Sc from the previous row and 2 Sc in the second. Continue alternating one and two Scs in each stitch of the second row. The third row will have 18 Scs. Mark the last stitch.
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2
Ch 1. Switch to Hdc. Continue crocheting in a spiral with one stitch in each stitch from the previous row until you have completed eight rows of Hdc.
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3
Ch 2 and turn.
Sides and Heel
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4
Work 1 Hdc in each of the first 15 stitches from the last row of the toe section, leaving three stitches open. Ch 2, turn. The next seven rows will be worked in Hdc stitches. In the second row of the side portion of the slipper, increase by one stitch on each end of the row, for a total of 17 stitches in the second row. Ch 2, turn.
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5
Crochet 1 Hdc stitch in each stitch from the previous row. At the end of each row, ch 2 and turn. Complete six rows, for a total of eight rows in the sides-portion of the slipper.
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6
Crochet two more rows to complete the slipper, with slight modifications. On the ninth row, do Hdc in stitches 1 to 7. Do Dc in stitches 8, 9 and 10. Finish the row with Hdc in stitches 11 to 17. Ch 2, turn. Repeat the stitches of the ninth row to make the tenth and final row of the slipper. The increased height of the last two rows will form a heel cup that resists slipping off the foot.
Finishing
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7
Turn the slipper inside-out. Fold the sides so the upper edges of the slipper are aligned. Thread about 18 inches of yarn onto a yarn needle. Whip-stitch the back edge of the heel of the slipper together and tie-off. Turn the slipper right-side-out.
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8
Crochet the strap, beginning with a chain, approximately 4 inches long. Ch 1, turn. Do one row of Sc across the chain, with one stitch in each chain. Ch 1, turn. Repeat to make a second row of Sc. Tie off.
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9
Test-fit the slipper. If you intend to attach the strap to the inside of the slipper, turn the slipper inside-out before putting it on yourself or your model. Lay the strap across the dorsum of the foot, where you want to permanently position it. Use safety pins to attach the ends of the straps to the sides of the slipper. Use yarn and a yarn needle to sew the straps securely in place. Tie off and trim or weave-in loose threads. If desired, sew a decorative button on the outside of the slipper, where the outer portion of the strap overlaps the side of the slipper.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The toe section is first worked in a spiral. The sides and heel of the slipper are a continuation of the toe section. Stitch marking is important so the second slipper will match the first. This pattern makes slippers to fit women's size medium, (7 to 8). Rows may be added or eliminated in the sides section to make the slipper larger or smaller. Contrasting trim may be added on the strap and around the top of the slipper, as desired. Make two.
If the feel of the stitches is irritating, add a pair of foam insoles to the slippers before wearing.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
