Kenneth Street Slippers

Kenneth Street Slippers by Elizabeth Elliott

What Is Being Made

Kenneth Street Slippers are a pair of cozy, wearable slippers designed as a quick knitting project with refined construction details. Each slipper is worked as a single continuous piece from beginning to end, combining different working methods to create a finished garment that stays securely on the foot. The slippers are available in five sizes to fit foot circumferences ranging from approximately 7.75 inches to 10.75 inches (20 cm to 28 cm), with finished circumferences at the ball of the foot ranging from 7 inches to 9.75 inches (18 cm to 25 cm).

Techniques and Construction Methods

Kenneth Street Slippers employ a hybrid construction approach that combines both circular and flat knitting techniques within a single garment. The toe section is worked in the round, which creates a seamless, symmetrical point at the front of the slipper. The remainder of the slipper is worked flat, allowing for easier shaping and construction of the upper portions.

The pattern incorporates short row shaping as a key design feature. Specifically, the slippers utilize German Short Rows, an advanced shaping technique that creates smooth, gradual increases without leaving visible holes or gaps in the fabric. This shaping method is essential for ensuring the slippers fit snugly and remain in place during wear. The pattern includes illustrated tutorials to guide knitters through the German Short Row technique, making this intermediate project accessible to those learning advanced methods.

The pattern also features a specialized toe-up cast on, which allows knitters to begin the project at the toe and work toward the cuff. This approach provides flexibility in slipper length, as knitters can adjust the finished length to their preference. An illustrated tutorial for this cast-on method is included in the pattern.

Stitches and Stitch Skills Required

To complete Kenneth Street Slippers, knitters should be comfortable with fundamental knitting stitches and techniques, including:

• Knit stitch – the basic foundation stitch
• Purl stitch – the reverse of the knit stitch, used for texture and pattern variation
• Picking up stitches – a technique for creating new stitches along an existing edge, essential for joining sections and creating the slipper's structure

The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, reflecting the inclusion of advanced techniques like German Short Rows alongside fundamental stitches. This rating indicates the project is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Kenneth Street Slippers pattern is designed to work with DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn weight that creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for slipper construction.

The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Jill Draper Makes Stuff Valkhill, a premium yarn composed of 100% New York State Cheviot wool. This yarn provides 252 yards (230 meters) per 4-ounce (113-gram) skein. One skein is required to complete the project, and the sample was worked in the colorway North Atlantic.

The pattern calls for US 4 (3.5 mm) needles for the main construction. The specific needle type (circular, double-pointed, or straight needles) allows knitters to choose based on their preference and the working methods required for the toe-up construction and circular toe sections.

Pattern Summary

Kenneth Street Slippers represent a well-designed intermediate knitting project that combines practical wearability with refined construction techniques. The one-piece construction method eliminates the need for seaming, while the combination of circular and flat knitting provides an engaging building experience. The inclusion of German Short Row shaping demonstrates advanced technique application, and the adjustable length feature ensures a custom fit. With clear tutorials and straightforward stitch requirements, this pattern offers an excellent opportunity for intermediate knitters to expand their technical skills while creating a functional, cozy garment.