Do-Lit-Yourself: Cozy Up with Knit Slippers (+ a bonus book wrap)

Do-Lit-Yourself is a column for book lovers with a crafty streak. This pinteresting monthly is written by LPG Education and Engagement manager Lauren Perruzza.If you’re Italian or know Italians, you may be familiar with their affinity for ceramic flooring and handknit guest slippers to compensate for the freezing quality of said flooring. Flat for easy storage, these slippers are quick to make, perfectly unisex, and just warm enough to stave off anything winter can throw at you.These slippers come in a variety of styles, but this pattern is based off of these ones we found. The basic idea is knitting a flat garter stitch square that covers the ankle, and then joining in the round to do the stockinette foot and toe. If you’re a beginner knitter looking for experience with knitting in the round and decreasing, this is the pattern for you.What you’ll need:

• ~100 yrds bulky/chunky yarn
• A set of 5x US 10 double-point needles (if you know the magic loop method, you can use circular needles instead)
• A tapestry needle
• Tea (treat yo’self)

Instructions:Make 2.

1. Cast on 48 sts over two double-point needles (or as many as you need to prevent the stitches from falling off).
2. Knit all rows (to an even number) until piece measures same length as wearer’s heel to front of leg. If these are true guest slippers (i.e. you don’t know who’s going to be wearing them), 5 inches is a good bet! They’ll stretch to fit a lot of different feet.
3. Using your other double-point needles, join to work in the round, with 12 sts on each needle. Beginning of round should be on the left side of the slipper opening.
4. Continue to knit in the round until slippers are two inches from end of wearer’s toes (or 5 more inches for mystery feet).
5. Decrease round: Knit to last 3 sts on first needle, k2tog, k1. On second needle, k1, ssk, knit to end. Rep for third and fourth needles. Knit next round.
6. Repeat step #5 until 7 sts remain on each needle, then do decrease round every round until 2 sts remain on each needle.
7. Break yarn to 6 inches, thread yarn through remaining sts, and pull to close. Weave in remaining yarn ends.
8. Sew up the back of the slipper with the tapestry needle, and you’re done! Wear your slippers with cozy pride, or nonchalantly offer them to the next friend who comes over to your house and watch. Their. Face.

To keep your book warm while you’re knitting, why not try this simple, elegant folded fabric cover?* * *For more literary DIYs, click here.