Selvage Along - Selvedge Slippers Tutorial, Using a Memory Foam Bath Mat!

Motivated by the current Selvage Along, co-hosted by Jess of Quilty Habit, and Renee of Quilts of a Feather, I recently pulled out my collection of selvedges and whipped up a pair of house slippers!

Rather than starting from scratch, I wanted to use up some bias binding I made in the past, so my colors are selected based on that strange batik, haha!

I snapped photos along the way so I can share in informal, "How I Did It!"

I began at my local .99 Cent Store, where I scored a memory foam bath mat for $1.99!

1. Trace the soles of an old pair of slippers onto the back of the mat.
2. With the bottom still up, stitch around the line using a SZ 100 needle. I also stitched a square around the soles so that the mat would not unravel/make a mess when I cut them out. Here is how it looked from the top:

3. Cut them out very close to the stitching. This is the pair my husband requested after I finished mine (my WIP!.. and again I am using old-stash bias binding!).

4. Piece and quilt a simple strip set with selvedges, layered with batting and the backing of your choice. I used muslin - the bottom sandwich pictured show the backside.

5. Attach BIAS binding to the bottom side of the soles, just as you would a quilt - with the raw edges lined up on the edge of the soles. I used a shy 1/4" seam. (I did not bother to seam the ends, just folded the ends in and sewed it!).
(Oops, no picture here, I will need to add one when I sew up the Big Reds!)
Photo added 8/21 - I added some old leather to Ty's as I know he will wear his to the postbox! Switched to a leather needle and used my open toe foot to stich the binding on at about 1/8 - 3/16".

 

6. Next, I cut one side-edge of a quilted sandwich, matching to one edge of the slipper. Roll the binding over the top and pin that edge together.

7. Before cutting the other edge, I put my foot in there to be certain it was going to fit, then cut the second side to match any curve. and pinned that side in place...

8. Because of the rubber, no-skid underside, I slipped tracing paper under the slipper before sewing the final seam. Using a stiletto and a FMQ foot, slowly sew the top binding down, making sure to catch the quilt sandwich within your seam. I actually double-rolled the binding as it seemed too wide to me..

9. Stitch all the way around the sole, rolling the binding over $ easing in the curves with your stiletto.
10. Tear off the tracing paper that is now attached to your new slipper!

This made a sweet, yet lightweight slipper that is perfect around the house in summertime! One mat turned out to be enough for four pair - three in my size and one for DH. I plan to complete another pair for travel, and perhaps the other will be for houseguests!

Thanks for visiting, I hope you enjoyed my most recent make!