This beautiful crochet slipper is constructed starting from a classic granny square that forms the top of the foot, and then the sides and sole are built around it to shape the shoe. To begin, use a worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in two contrasting colors (green for the base and yellow for the flower center) and a hook that matches your yarn, typically 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Start with the yellow yarn and create a magic ring. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), then work 15 double crochets into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain to close the round. Fasten off or change to green. For the next round, attach the green yarn in any stitch, chain 3, then work 2 double crochets in the same stitch, chain 2, and make 3 double crochets in the next stitch; repeat this pattern of 3 double crochets, chain 2 in every second stitch around to create petal-like clusters. Join with a slip stitch. For the following round, continue with green and begin forming a square by working 3 double crochets in each chain-2 space, but in four evenly spaced corners, work (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets) in the same chain space to turn the circle into a square. Slip stitch to join and fasten off if the square is large enough to cover the top of your foot; otherwise, add another round in granny style (3 double crochets in each side space and corner increases as before) until the square measures approximately from the base of your toes to just before your ankle bend.
Once the granny square top is complete, you will build the body of the slipper. Attach the green yarn at one corner of the square and work single crochet stitches evenly along one side of the square. When you reach the corner, continue working single crochet along the next two sides only, leaving the top side open (this open side will form the foot opening). This creates a U-shape foundation around three sides of the square. After completing one round of single crochet around these three sides, continue working back and forth in rows rather than in the round, building up the sides of the slipper. Chain 1 and turn at the end of each row, working single crochet in every stitch across. Repeat these rows until the piece, when folded under the foot, reaches from the toe area to the back of your heel. You can check sizing by placing your foot on the piece and folding the sides upward; adjust length as needed.
To form the sole, once the length reaches your heel, begin decreasing at the beginning and end of each row by working two single crochets together for several rows to curve the heel inward. Continue decreasing gradually until the heel width matches the back of your foot. Fasten off, fold the back edges together, and seam the heel closed using slip stitch or whip stitch with a yarn needle. After closing the heel, attach yarn at the bottom edge and work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire foot opening to strengthen the edge and make it neat. If desired, you can add one more round of single crochet or a round of slip stitches for a firmer finish. To make the slipper more durable, you may sew a separate sole piece (worked as an oval in single crochet starting with a chain foundation and increasing at both ends) and attach it underneath, or stitch a fabric or leather sole to the bottom. Finally, weave in all ends securely. Repeat the process to create the second slipper, making sure to mirror the construction so that the open side and shaping match the opposite foot.
