Sabrina - child's ballet slippers

Sabrina Child's Ballet Slippers by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Sabrina is a knitted child's ballet slipper pattern designed by Jennifer Lee. These slippers are sized for children ages 2 through 8 years, with foot measurements ranging from 14cm (5½ inches) to 21cm (8¼ inches). The slippers feature a versatile i-cord ankle tie that can be styled in two ways: wrapped once around the ankle and tied in a large bow for a decorative look, or wrapped around both the ankle and leg and tied like traditional ballet slippers for a secure fit.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method uses garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on straight needles. This stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and provides excellent elasticity and durability for footwear. The ankle tie is constructed using the i-cord technique, a method that creates a small, tubular cord using double-pointed needles. This cord serves both functional and decorative purposes, allowing for adjustable fit and aesthetic styling options.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes basic knitting stitches appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The main body of the slippers is worked entirely in garter stitch (knitting every row). Additional stitches employed include knit stitches for the foundation of the fabric, make 1 (M1) increases to shape the slipper foot and create necessary width, slip stitches for stitch manipulation, and knit together (tog) decreases to shape and finish the slipper. These stitches work together to create a structured yet flexible garment that conforms to a child's foot.

Materials

The pattern requires 1 ball of Carnival 8ply yarn in 100g weight, which provides approximately 310 meters of yardage. The 8ply weight classification places this yarn in the DK (double knitting) weight category, making it ideal for creating fabric with good drape and structure. Knitting needles required include one pair of 3.75mm straight needles (UK size 9, US size 5) for the main body construction and two 3.75mm double-pointed needles (UK size 9, US size 5) for creating the i-cord ankle tie. A wool needle is needed for seaming and finishing the slippers. The pattern specifies a tension of 22.5 stitches and 44 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in garter stitch using 3.75mm needles, which helps ensure proper sizing across all age ranges.

Pattern Difficulty and Suitability

Rated as Easy, this pattern is designed for knitters new to the craft. The straightforward garter stitch construction requires only basic knitting knowledge, while the i-cord technique introduces a slightly more advanced skill in a controlled, manageable way. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use.