Safari

Safari Slippers by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Safari is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of thick slippers designed to keep feet warm and toasty. The pattern includes six sizes (A through F) to fit foot lengths ranging from 14cm to 27cm, making it suitable for the entire family from young children to adults. These slippers are worked from the sole upward and feature a quick-to-knit construction.

Techniques and Construction

The Safari slippers are worked using two fundamental knitting techniques that make this an accessible intermediate project. The pattern combines garter stitch (created by knitting every row) with stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) to create texture and structure. The lower piece, which forms the sole and sides, is worked flat and then sewn together. This straightforward construction method allows knitters to complete the slippers relatively quickly while still achieving a professional, finished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – knit every row for textured sections
• Stocking stitch – knit one row, purl one row for smooth sections
• Increases and decreases – used to shape the slipper foot and create proper fit
• Cast on and bind off – standard edge techniques

Materials Required

The Safari slippers are knitted in Kilcarra Tweed yarn, a worsted-weight (aran) yarn supplied in 50g balls with approximately 80 meters per ball. The pattern requires 1 to 2 balls depending on the size selected, with larger sizes requiring 2 balls. Knitters will need a pair of 5.00mm knitting needles (UK size 6, US size 8) for the main construction, plus a wool needle for sewing the pieces together after knitting. The recommended tension is 16 stitches and 23 rows over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch using the specified needles.

Pattern Details

The pattern is rated as Easy in difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to move beyond basic projects. Six graduated sizes accommodate different foot measurements, from Size A (5½ inches / 14cm) through Size F (10½ inches / 27cm). The downloadable PDF format provides complete instructions and abbreviations for all standard knitting terminology used throughout the pattern.