Product Description
These Wirset rivlins are slippers made in Aran weight shetland wool so they knit up quickly and are very warm to wear. I used beautiful organic, unbleached Shetland wool from Uradale Yarns.
The pattern is for UK foot size 4-7 but the actual size can be changed quite dramatically using larger or smaller needle sizes. Please pay particular attention to the required tension as my knitting tends to be tight.
Rivlins were a traditional type of homemade shoe worn in Shetland during the crofting period made from sealskin or cowhide. It was common to see them right up until the early 20thC. Fortunately, seals are protected now so these are my more ethical interpretation.
Wirset Rivlins: Knitted Shetland-Inspired Slippers by Alison Rendall
What is Being Made
Wirset Rivlins are knitted slippers inspired by traditional Shetland footwear. Historically, rivlins were homemade shoes worn during the crofting era in Shetland, traditionally crafted from dried sealskin or cowhide. This modern knitted interpretation offers a comfortable, padded alternative using yarn instead of leather, maintaining the spirit of the traditional design while providing an ethical and accessible option for contemporary makers.
Project Overview
These beginner-friendly slippers are designed to fit UK foot sizes 4–7, with a foot diameter of 24cm and foot length of 26cm. The slippers knit up quickly thanks to the Aran weight yarn and are constructed to provide thickly padded comfort underfoot, making them both practical and cozy.
Knitting Techniques and Construction
Wirset Rivlins are worked in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs), a classic technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The construction begins with ribbed cuffs worked on smaller needles, then transitions to stockinette stitch on larger needles for the main body. Working in rounds eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The ribbed sections provide elasticity and help the slippers stay securely on the foot.
Stitches Used
- Ribbing: Elastic ribbed cuffs worked on smaller needles to create stretch and structure at the top of the slippers
- Stockinette stitch: Smooth, flat knit stitch used for the main body of the slippers
Materials and Yarn Specifications
The sample slippers are knitted in Uradale Aran weight 100% organic Shetland wool, supplied in 50g balls. This natural fiber choice provides warmth, durability, and quick knit-up time characteristic of Aran weight yarns.
- Yarn A: Shade Selfheal – 2 balls (primary color)
- Yarn B: Shade Sundew – 1 ball (accent color)
Needles and Tension
The pattern requires two sets of double-pointed needles in different sizes to achieve proper fabric characteristics:
- Body needles: UK size 3.5mm (for stockinette stitch sections)
- Ribbing needles: UK size 3mm (0.5mm smaller, to create tighter, more elastic ribbed cuffs)
Tension is critical for this project: The pattern calls for 26 stitches and 26 rounds to 10cm after blocking. Achieving the correct tension is essential, as it directly affects the final fit and comfort of the slippers. Knitters should adjust needle size up or down as needed to match the specified tension before beginning the main project.
Suitable for Beginners
Classified as a beginner-level project, Wirset Rivlins introduce knitters to working in the round with DPNs while using straightforward stitch patterns. The combination of ribbing and stockinette stitch provides gentle skill-building without overwhelming complexity, making this an ideal first project for those new to circular knitting techniques.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Alison Rendall |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.