Pia slippers

Pia Slippers by Olga Beckmann

What is Being Made

Pia slippers are a cozy, wearable knitting project designed for women. These finished slippers measure 9⅞" to 10" (approximately 25 to 26 centimeters) in length and are sized to fit women's shoe sizes Europe 38-39-40, United Kingdom 5 to 6 to 6.5, and USA & Canada 7½ to 8½ to 9. The slippers are created as a complete pair using a straightforward knitting construction method suitable for beginners.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Pia slippers are knitted in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous knitting without joining. The pattern employs a provisional cast-on technique using waste yarn, which enables a clean finish and integration of elastic ribbon for a secure fit around the ankle or cuff area. The slippers are worked primarily in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The construction method includes felting as a finishing technique, which helps set the stitches, enhance durability, and create a more finished appearance in the final slippers.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch throughout the project, created by alternating knit and purl rows to form the smooth, flat fabric
• Provisional cast-on – a temporary cast-on method using waste yarn that allows stitches to be picked up later for seamless finishing

Yarn and Materials

The Pia slippers pattern offers flexible yarn options to suit different preferences and stash availability. The primary yarn recommendation is Garnstudio Drops Andes, a super bulky weight yarn (5-6 wraps per inch) composed of 65% wool and 35% alpaca. This yarn provides warmth, softness, and natural elasticity ideal for slippers. The pattern requires 105 yards (95 meters) per 100 grams (3.53 ounces), and knitters need 2 skeins of Drops Andes when working with a single strand of super bulky yarn.

An alternative option allows knitters to use two strands of Garnstudio Drops Lima, a worsted weight yarn (9 wraps per inch), which requires 3 skeins total. This substitution creates a similar fabric weight and drape by doubling the thinner yarn, making it an excellent choice for knitters who prefer worsted weight materials or have different yarn available.

Needles and Notions

• Circular needle – US 7 (7.0 mm), 20 inches long, for knitting the main body of the slippers in the round
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs) – US 7 (7.0 mm), optional, for working smaller sections if preferred
• Stitch marker – to mark the beginning of rounds during circular knitting
• Row counter – to track progress through the pattern
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• Waste yarn – for the provisional cast-on technique
• Elastic ribbon – 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide, two pieces measuring 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) each, sewn into the slippers for a secure, comfortable fit
• Sewing needle and yarn – for attaching the elastic ribbon to the finished slippers

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 13 stitches and 20 rounds equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch before felting. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge, as this ensures the finished slippers will fit properly and have the intended fabric density. The gauge measurement is taken before the felting process, which will slightly modify the final dimensions and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

Pia slippers are classified as a beginner-friendly knitting project. The pattern uses basic knitting techniques including stockinette stitch, circular needle work, and simple shaping, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft while still producing a practical, finished garment.