How to Attach Leather Soles to Knit and Crochet Slippers

19 April 2023
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Adding leather soles to slippers and socks can add durability, protection, and traction to your cozy footwear. However, choosing and sourcing the right type of leather and knowing how to customize it for your project can be daunting if you are unfamiliar with the process. Here’s a tutorial on how to add soles to slippers and socks.

Materials

(More detailed information about the types of materials can be found in the next section.)

  • Leather or suede
  • Leather punch tool (hand punch, multi-punch with hammer, or single punch with hammer); you can use a standard hammer and a large nail, but the holes will not be as neat as those created with a purpose-made tool
  • Hammer (for multi-punch or single punch)
  • Sturdy cutting board or scrap leather
  • Sturdy table or stone slab
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Pen or pencil
  • Heavy duty scissors or cutting tool (utility knife, hobby knife, or rotary cutter all work well)
  • Cutting mat if needed
3 Crafty Bones
  • Waxed cord, thread, or yarn (see step 5 for more detail)
  • Tapestry needle, blunt end needle, or crochet hook
  • Candle, lighter, or other source of flame (used to melt ends instead of knotting if using waxed cord, see step 5 for more detail)
  • Scissors
4 Crafty Bones

All photos by Leanna Haughian.

Copyright © Leanna Haughian except as indicated.

About Leanna Haughian

Leanna Haughian is an accomplished crochet designer and an all-around creative force. In 2016 she started her company Crafty Bones and quickly decided the main focus was to specialize in creating beautiful, modern designs with a classic twist. Her work has been featured in Crochet Foundry Magazine, and on the Lion Brand website. She was also a designer on the runway at Crochet Fashion Week, where her distinctive style of adding leather elements to her pieces has been highly praised. Leanna’s passion for crafting and design is evident in her work, which is both eye-catching and unique. She is constantly pushing the boundaries of crochet design and creating stunning pieces that will be treasured for years to come.

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