Tess

Tess Slippers by Ann Kingstone

What is Being Made

Tess is a downloadable knitting pattern for handmade slippers designed by independent designer Ann Kingstone. These slippers are customizable in three sizes to fit foot circumferences of 19, 21½, and 24 centimeters (7½, 8½, and 9½ inches respectively). The foot length is customizable to suit individual measurements, making these slippers adaptable to various foot sizes and shapes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level knitting project employs several specialized techniques to create a well-fitted slipper. The pattern utilizes lifted increases as a key construction method, including both lifted increase after (lia) and lifted increase before (lib) techniques. These increases are worked by inserting the needle under the nearest side of stitches from previous rows, creating seamless shaping without visible yarn overs.

The slippers are constructed using contrast color (CC) work, meaning two different yarn shades are used together in the design. This colorwork element adds visual interest and allows for creative customization based on yarn selection. The pattern also incorporates decreasing techniques including k2tog (knit two stitches together) and k3tog (knit three stitches together) to shape the slipper structure.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a single decrease used for shaping
• Knit three together (k3tog) – a double decrease for more pronounced shaping
• Lifted increase after (lia) – an increase technique worked into stitches from two rows below
• Lifted increase before (lib) – an increase technique worked into the stitch below the next stitch to be worked

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Tess slippers are designed to work with 4ply or fingering weight yarn, an even-weight yarn category ideal for detailed stitch definition and comfortable wear. Approximately 50 grams of yarn in each of two contrasting shades is required, totaling roughly 200 metres (220 yards) per shade. The pictured sample was knitted using baa ram ewe fingering weight yarn in the shades 'Wesley Bob' and 'White Rose', demonstrating how two complementary colors create the finished design.

The pattern requires 2.75mm knitting needles (or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge for your chosen yarn). The needle size may vary slightly depending on individual knitting tension and the specific yarn selected, as achieving proper gauge is essential for the slippers to fit correctly.

Skill Level

Rated as an advanced knitting project, the Tess slippers are best suited for experienced knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques, color work, and reading complex stitch abbreviations. The use of lifted increases and multiple decrease methods requires solid foundational knitting skills and the ability to work from detailed pattern instructions.