Una

Una Slippers by Olga Beckmann

What is Being Made

Una is a pair of knitted slippers designed for women, finished to a medium size measuring 9⅞ inches (approximately 25 centimeters) in length. The slippers are sized to fit women's shoe sizes Europe 38-39-40, United Kingdom 5-6-6.5, and USA & Canada 7½-8½-9. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a complete pair of cozy footwear suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Una employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes circular needle construction, a method that allows for seamless knitting in the round, which is particularly useful for creating fitted garments like slippers. The pattern offers flexibility in yarn weight options, allowing knitters to choose between bulky or super bulky yarn, or alternatively to work with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together for a similar effect. This adaptability makes the pattern accessible to crafters with varying yarn stash options.

The slippers are worked primarily in stockinette stitch, the most fundamental knit stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Felting is incorporated as a finishing technique, which involves agitating the knitted fabric to create a denser, more durable material ideal for slipper soles that will experience regular wear and friction.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch throughout the pattern, creating a smooth V-pattern fabric on the right side
• Circular knitting – worked in the round using circular needles to eliminate seaming

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn Weight Options: The pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights. The primary recommendation is bulky (7 wpi) or super bulky (5-6 wpi) yarn. Alternatively, knitters may use two strands of worsted weight (9 wpi) yarn held together.

Recommended Yarn: The pattern features Garnstudio Drops Andes, a blend of 65% wool and 35% alpaca, classified as super bulky (5-6 wpi). This yarn is supplied at 105 yards (95 meters) per 100 grams (3.53 ounces), requiring 2 skeins to complete the project. The example slippers shown in the pattern were knitted with two threads of Horstia Shetland, measuring 109 yards (100 meters) per 50 grams, which required 3 skeins due to the lighter weight of individual strands.

Needles and Notions: Construction requires a 20-inch circular needle in US size 7 (7.0 mm), with optional double-pointed needles (DPNs) also in US 7 (7.0 mm) for any sections that may be difficult to work on circular needles. Additional notions include a row counter for tracking progress, stitch markers to denote pattern sections, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 18 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch before felting. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge, ensuring the finished slippers achieve the intended dimensions and fit.