Crochet slippers are a winter time staple! I’ve designed several pairs for Moogly, and I also put together a roundup of 20 crochet slipper patterns for the whole family! And one question always comes up – how do you make crochet and knit slippers non-slip? As a home owner with all wood floors and 3 kids, it’s a quest I’m familiar with! So with slipper gift giving season upon us, today’s roundup features a collection of ideas I’ve put together to make slippers non-slip. Some stuff you might already have, or be able to find at the hardware or craft store – or just click the link to buy online!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
7 Ways to Make Crochet & Knit Slippers Non-Slip
- Plastic Dip: I’ve seen this recommended by lots of crocheters and knitters – just use a cotton swab to dab on some dots that will dry into neat rubber grips! Despite the neon color on the picture, the actual color is black – great for every member of the family!
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Fiber-Lok Non Skid Backing: This product is made to be brushed on the back of rugs, so it’s great on fabrics and easy to use! Just be sure to let it dry and use two coats. With 15 square feet of double coat coverage, that’s a lot of slippers!
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Puffy Fabric Paint: How many of you have some of these already in your crafting stash? You don’t see too many puff paint shirts out there anymore, but the paints are still popular – for making socks and slippers non slip. Bonus, you get to make fun designs in all the colors!
- Non-Slip Indoor Rug Pad: Some knitters and crocheters like to use the stuff you’re supposed to layer between the rug and the floor. Just trace their shoes, cut it out and sew it on – or if you don’t sew, try washable fabric glue! Just like footie pajamas!
- Silicone Sealant: Flexible, and dries clear! Check your garage – you might already have some laying around…
I even found a great video on youtube that shows just how to apply it:
- Slipper Soles: Boye is a brand most yarn crafters know, but did you know they sell pre-made soles for knit and crochet slippers? There are a couple of other manufacturers too – some look very cozy indeed!
- Fancy Custom Felt Soles on the Zen of Making: Aren’t these gorgeous! If you’ve got the sewing skills, these give a truly exceptional finished look. You’ll need thick felt and the puffy fabric paint listed above.
And now I’m super interested in what the new Cricut Maker can do for slipper soles! The Cricut Maker can cut leather and fabric (including felt!) and might just be the key to custom non-slip soles – I hope to try it out soon!
Have you found any other ways to make slippers non slip? Any tricks, products, or methods I missed? Share your ideas in the comments! And stay warm AND safe!
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Julie says
I tried some of the puff paint on the last pair I made. It didn’t work; I still slip around on my kitchen floor.
Tamara Kelly says
Shoot, sorry to hear that! So many people recommend it – maybe there’s a trick to it?
Andrea says
I know, that’s why I tried it — it’s so highly used! Ah well, at least it was cheap lol
Julie says
I know. I had too. I even put more on after the first slip. I’m not sure where to get the Dip stuff in #1 but I’m thinking a hardware store or big name home improvement store would carry the Fiber-Lok Non Skid Backing for rugs; I’ll look for it next time I’m out.
Andrea says
The plastidip is at hardware stores, as well. Both are available on Amazon too 🙂 Also, the Fibre-Lok is at some crafting stores (like Joann’s) with a more “crafty” packaging
Chrystalkay says
One thing about the Plasti Dip! Do not invest in a nearly $10 can of it if you are only making one pair of slippers. It will not last! No matter how careful you are about sealing the can, it will still start to harden after it is opened. The sprat, I am not certain about. Will it clog the spout? I haven’t tried it yet. But I made three pairs of adult slippers for Christmas with the canned one, and intended to make my own slippers non skid after Christmas when I got around to making them. About 3 weeks later… solidish plastic in the can. I had to throw out about $7 dollars of plastic. I did fimally use some goop glue for one, and bought some Gorrilla goop for the other slipper. Both work and dry clear.
Leslie says
Or Michaels Craft Store too…I bought mine there. The only thing I didn’t care for, is it dried white…not clear.
Kathey says
You can get the Dip in a strap on aresol can. It works great . I take my boot slippers and turn them upside down on top of cans and set on plastic or an old box, then wrap packing tape or masking tape around the outside edges of the souls to keep the stay over off the slippers . This stuff works great . Oh they have clear and black .
Shell says
Not sure if your still looking but I found it on amazon x
Karen Ragsdale says
Where? I have slippy houseshoes!
sh says
Sock stop
Tamara Kelly says
I haven’t seen that product, but it sounds promising! Thanks for the tip!
Andrea says
I agree! Now I’m in the market to try the non-skid rug paint 🙂
Lila says
I ,too , tried the puff paint and it didn’t work on the slippers either. On the other hand, it works well on my t-shirt. I have washed and dried it many times and it is still good. You can buy the plasti-dip in clear in a spray can and it doesn’t dry up. I also bought some clear flex seal spray. It should work , will let you know.
Cricket proctor says
I had that too and had the same problem. So I tried smearing it on the entire sole instead of the little dots. Added bonus, the little dots were uncomfortable on the feet. I could feel them like bumps when I stepped. Smearing it made it more comfortable, and also much safer.
The same thing is true of the puffy paint. But if you smear it on instead of dotting it on, it’s much more comfortable and much safer too.
Another tip, Instead of using the non-slip indoor rug pad that you buy to put under your rugs (that doesn’t keep my rugs still, so I don’t trust it) I get the rubber matting that’s in the store area with shelf liners. The rubber mesh kind, and it works great!
I’m not sure how I feel about using silicone. Not sure how it would do in the laundry.
Somebody said the Plastic Dip won’t last, so I’m not going to try it.
And their idea of using felt to stop slipping? How dumb is that!!!!!!!!!!!
Jordan says
Plastidip will last if you do several layers!
Kate says
I have used the non skid rug paint with GREAT success! We do not slip at all in our house, entirely covered with hardwood floors. The first few times I used it, I covered the entire bottom with two coats. But I learned that coat the heel and the balls of the toes areas it works just as well. The only real downside is that mine doesn’t dry 100% clear – it has a yellow tinge to it. Also, it picks up dust/dirt. But if I rinse them or throw them in the washer, that dust/dirt comes right off. But I will not stop using it because of these two issues. I even felt comfortable giving my grandma at the nursing home a pair of slippers, and she has some serious balance issues.
Tamara Kelly says
Oh that’s fantastic! Thank you for sharing your experience Kate!
Tonyatigraham says
How does it hold up getting washed? I’m making a few rugs and I want them to be washable?
Deborah says
I have tried rubber cement glue . It also works well , just make sure it is dry !
Tamara Kelly says
Great tip Deborah, thanks!
Karen Ragsdale says
Agreed! Thank u !
Patricia Seaton says
I believe I purchased the rug “paint” at Michael’s Crafts for the back of a hooked wall hanging I made. I imagine other craft stores would have it, too. I’m glad I still have some since I plan to make slippers and will need it for this idea. Thanks for this post – very helpful.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 You’re very welcome!
Frederica Panon says
I have seen the anti-slip rug paint at Michael’s (craft supply store) as well.
Mandie Leenheer says
I use “Sock-Stop” made by a German company called “EFCO” It has a handy nozzle to apply.
Tamara Kelly says
Sounds ideal!
Kelly McPhail says
You can get Sick Stop at Mary Maxim. They have it in black, cream, and blue. It looks like you apply it in a series of dots, like you see on the bottom of socks the hospital gives you. So, a bottle should be able to do several pairs of socks or slippers.
Grace Lee says
I used “sock stop’, I used it on two pairs of slippers with great success. But no matter how you store it it dried into a big blob of rubber, and as I live in the Netherlands this is not readily available and you pay quite a bit for it plus the shipping costs it is not an option for me. I used from Bison soft plastic glue transparent, in dutch (zacht plastic lijm 25ml) which works perfectly. You just put glue on bottom of sole or sole fabric and spread with wooden spatula or you can do swiggles, up to you, but it is rather runny at first, but once dry is fantastic. Hope this helpes anyone out there.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you for the tip Grace!
Kelly M says
Thanks for the great advice and for sharing your experience with the different products. I had not tried the sock stop yet, so it’s good to know about the problem
Patti says
Thanks Grace! I will try to find it here in Canada or online perhaps. It’s worth a try. I want to use it for grippers on my niece’s socks but everything either dries too hard and hurts to walk on, or it comes off in the wash! If anyone knows where you can get it online, I’d appreciate hearing from you! Thanks! Patti
Patti says
Sounds like it is worth a try! I am still searching for the best product to use on the bottom of my niece’s socks. Everything I have tried thus far either dries too hard and hurts her little feet, or doesn’t stay on in the wash. Thanks for sharing! Patti
Lynne H says
There is a product sold in Canada, perhaps the USA also, available at yarn stores. It is made by a company named Regia. It is ABS Latex designed for the bottom of socks, headbands etc. Very similar what is on non slip socks purchased in stores.
Tamara Kelly says
Oh neat, I’ll have to keep an eye out for that, thank you!
Patti says
Thanks for the heads-up Lynne. I am in Canada so I will have a look around for that product and give it a try.
Patti
Reba says
Con-Tact Grip Ultra Shelf Liner. Cut to fit the foot and sew on. I have used it on fleece booties too!
Tamara Kelly says
Some people mentioned that on Facebook too! Great idea!
Chrysta says
I was wondering how long it lasts? I would think it would scuff up quickly especially when walking on cement. Thanks
Julie says
How has it held up? Have you tried washing in washing machine and putting in the dryer?
maria de lurdes lima de sousa says
gostaria de esperimentar o produto aonde posso adquirir
Tamara Kelly says
Você pode clicar nos nomes dos produtos acima para comprá-los a Amazon.com, ou olhar em seu artesanato local ou loja de ferragens! 🙂
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy says
Thanks for sharing. I’m getting ready to make my son slippers because we haven’t be able to find any with rubber grips that won’t slide on our hardwoods. Looking forward to tryin out the plastic dip and seeing how it works.
Tamara Kelly says
You’re very welcome! I hope you come back and let us know how it works for you!
Karna says
I use hot glue on the bottom of crochet slippers. works great for me.
Jan says
Just a warning if you are to use Silicone. I tried that on my slippers and it made my laminate wood floors incredibly slippery….like I polished them with wax 🙁
I peeled off as much as I could, but they still seem to be making the floor slippery.
Tamara Kelly says
Oh dear! Thank you for sharing your experience Jan!
Rita says
DO NOT USE SILICONE! It made the slippers totally non-slip BUT…it made my wood floors extremely slippery. I’ve fallen twice and once I was wearing rubber soled shoes!. I’ve ordered the suede sew on bottoms from Webs. Also, I have another pair of slippers that I sewed the suede on the bottoms. The problem with that is the threads kept wearing out. I hope this helps someone.
Tamara Kelly says
Yikes, thank you Rita!
Barb says
Use Phentex to sew sole on
Deanna Morrison says
Just read this. I wonder if you’ve gotten the wrong product. Silicone comes in multiple forms and in one of them is a VERY slippery lubricant. Sounds to me like that’s what you may have picked up.
What I have used to make crocheted slipper soles grippy is ***silicone kitchen and bathtub caulk***
Not the same product at all and it works perfectly. I throw the slippers in the wash, line dry (unless I forget and throw them in the dryer) and they come out fine. The clear seems to dry slightly yellow, but I don’t cover the bottom of the sole, just make a line down the center and some U shapes on the ball and heel of the foot, so the intended color stills shows.
Cheryl says
Try some rubber shelf liners as I did on my slippers
makayla says
I used non skid shelf liner ! Cut a few strips and hand sewed . works well since I have a baby just starting to walk and I sell baby size on etsy !
Janet says
These are great non-skid ideas I had not thought of. I am sewing throw pillows for my leather furniture, and will try some of them. Usually the pillows slide down and eventually wind up on the floor. Could be applied to ready-made pillows too. Does anyone else have experience with or recommendations for this problem? Tamara, thank you for having this nice website and for the sweet free crochet patterns. I may make the waves bath rug using colors from my new shower curtain.
Janet says
These are great non-skid ideas I had not thought of. I am sewing throw pillows for my leather furniture, and will try some of them. Usually the pillows slide down and eventually wind up on the floor. Could be applied to ready-made pillows too. Does anyone else have experience with or recommendations for this problem?
Pam Mellone says
I have also used the rubber shapes that are for the bottom of the tub and attached them with a washable glue.
Tamara Kelly says
Love that idea Pam!! Thank you!
Cheryl Godwin says
I have heard that hot glue from a hot glue gun works well too but I haven’ tried it yet.
Kate says
Hot glue will melt some acrylics and blends!
Patti says
Hi,
The only problem with using hot glue from glue gun is that the little drops dry hard. Since I want something that will work on the bottom of my young niece’s socks, the glue will be too hard for her to walk on.
Might work on slippers….but I’d be careful what kind of materials you use it on as it could melt them.
Patti
Deborah Harrison says
I used the hot glue on mine and it works great. If you use the tip of the gun to spread out as you go it won’t be in blobs. It also makes the glue embedded into the yarn so it doesn’t fall off, I also didn’t have any problem with it affecting my yarn (acrylic).
Tamara Kelly says
Great to know, thank you Deborah!
Rebeckah says
These are really great! I will have to keep this handy for when I get around to making shoes and slippers… one of these days.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thanks Rebeckah!
Patti says
HI! I am trying to find a way to put ‘grippers’ on my niece’s socks. I have tried lots of things and many different kinds of glues as well, but unfortunately, when they dry, they are hard and hurt her little feet. I have tried the rubber rug backing, the paint-on rug backing from Michaels, rubber bathtub pieces, foam letters, Con-tac shelf liner, silicone, and puff paints. Another thing I tried (but it didn’t work) was from FabricLand and it was made specifically for the bottom of slippers or pyjamas with feet. It was a white material with small white dots of plastic or rubber (??). Does anyone know if the Plastic-Dip (#1) or the “Sock- Stop” (mentioned in the comments) dry hard or will be hard for little feet to walk on? Does anyone have any other suggestions as to what I could try? Thanks!
Chrystalkay says
The plasti Dip is very pliable. I would suggest you use it. I would also suggest you make more slippers to put it on. A few adult ones maybe. This stuff doesn’t last well once you open the can. Even extreme measures will only help it last a couple of weeks before starting to harden in the can..
Patti says
Great! Thanks for the info. I will give it a try. I hope I can find it in our local Hardware store….but knowing my luck they won’t sell it in Canada!! I guess I can always buy it online though! Thanks again for your feedback! Patti
Tamara Kelly says
Thanks Chrystalkay!
Patti says
HI, I am wondering….if you took plastic wrap like “Press and Seal” or something along that line and put it INSIDE the can, touching the entire surface of the liquid, up the sides of the can as well, and right out over the top edges and then put the lid back on tightly with a rubber mallet, perhaps THAT would keep it from hardening??? Even if it didn’t work completely, it might, at the very least, extend the shelf-life of the product for a bit longer!! I have done this with paint that I know I am not going to be using again for awhile and it ALWAYS works- even a year or two down the road there isn’t a hard layer of paint on the top, as no air can get to it to dry it out. If someone tries it before I get my Plasti-dip, I would love to hear if this works!! Patti
Micah says
2 Things. Plast Dip manufactuer says if you cover the can with aluminum foil then it will keep from hardening. Also I have found plasti dip makes something called Super Grip for non skid on clothing, rugs, etc. Now only to get it and try it for my baby’s footie pj’s.
Micah says
Plasti Dip Super Grip is ok’d to be washed also.
Jackie says
Try turning can upside down after use. It may prevent air from drying out contents.
K. says
Hi, what about odour of plasti – dip? I use German vertion of it for th first time and it stinks 😀 Really stinks so strong 🙂
I used silikone before, it was durable and ok until the tiles and laminate got wet in kitchen and bathroom. when oh dear… was reallyslippery
Sheila says
I bought some packs of nonslip rug backing at the Dollar store that could be glued or sewn on. Will let you know how well it works on slippers. Also sold at Wal-Mart.
Pat says
I haven’t used it yet on slippers but I used the spray latex on the back of a rug (available at Home Depot or Lowes). It’s used like the dip stuff for tools etc. Works great. I put on 3 coats. The rug has since been machine washed and dried and is still gripping the bathroom tile floor without a slip. I got the idea from another article I read similar to this one.
Kim says
I used Regia ABS Latex purchased from herrschners it worked great, had no issues with it. I also purchased the stencil tool as it had fun shapes to use with the latex.
Heather says
If you use the dip, the best way to use it up is to coordinate with friends who have tools. It was originally sold in hardware stores to do the foam rubber handles on pliers. Just use it for your slippers then have hubby dip his tools and round up any friends who want to do the same. No money wasted that way.
Karine says
You could maybe dip your crochet hooks into it to make handles… crocheters probably all have about 100 hooks anyways! (I know I do! 🙂
Janp. says
Here’s another great way to make them non skid and outdoor ready. Apply them to the sole if some old flip flops.
http://acraftycook.blogspot.com/2012/03/flip-flop-crocheted-flat-tutorial.html?m=1
Rosalie Crump says
I used the puff paint. Messy and couldn’t get it to look nice. It just cheapened the looks of my slippers.
Patti says
Hi Rosalie, When I did “trial runs” on old socks, I found the puff paint dried hard on the bottom of socks. No matter how small the little drops were, it would hurt little feet to walk on it (almost like little pebbles in your shoes that drive you crazy!) so that wasn’t a good option for me. I have had some great suggestions from people on this website, but haven’t had time to try them yet. When I do, I will be sure to post my findings. My earlier post listed all the things I HAVE tried and have not had success with for any number of reasons….ie. SO MANY glues won’t hold something on in repeated washing, or products that dry too hard to be effective grippers on socks. Having said that, I am sure some of the methods I have tried WOULD be successful on the bottom of slippers since they are thicker than socks. My search continues!! Thank you to everyone who keeps adding to the list of products to try! I will be doing some more “trial runs” soon in search of the solution to putting grippers on my niece’s socks!! Patti
jodie says
Hi, I’m planning on trying the non slip dishes pad for mine, if they get washed which they eventually will have to can you just throw in the washing and dryer?
Tamara Kelly says
I’m not sure Jodie, you’d have to check the instructions on the specific pad.
Missy says
I wouldn’t put any of these in the dryer. Even if they survive, some of the glue may melt and get onto other clothes. I always dry mine by hanging them.
Tamara says
My mom uses rug backing when she makes crocheted rugs to sell, which is made out of the same stuff as the dish pads. She has had no problems putting them in the dryer. I would suggest using a low heat setting (if your dryer supports that) and maybe avoid putting any good clothing in that load, at least the first time, just in case, but it shouldn’t be a problem.
Alice Sillis says
I must disagree on Use of toxic substances on clothing… Any of these can be ingested by children and be dangerous… long term contact with the skin is also considered chronic contact… Fiber Lok; PLastic Dip and Silicone Caulk Material safety Data Sheets list health hazards for skin contact, inhalation and ingestion…. Here is MSDS for Plastic Dip…. Note: Ingestions- contact poison control… http://www.plastidip.com/docs/Plasti%20Dip%2014.5%20oz%20MSDS.pdf
Fiber Lock MSDS- http://eti-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FIBERLOK2.pdf
Dap Silicone Caulk… http://www.dap.com/docs/msds/00000684_english.pdf
I am a retired RN… I was a hospital Nurse Educator in charge of review of all MSDS info on products used by staff… Note that schools review MSDS for products used by kids…. puff paint is approved… if you wear it… it needs to be not toxic…. if it could be ingested by a child… it needs to be nontoxic… Puff paint is machine wash and dry… Products that are slipper fabric made my Dritz is non toxic… Please do not disseminate this erroneous information Thank you!
JulieMom says
I was wondering the same thing, especially for little ones who may chew on their feet or shoes. I would only use non-toxic materials. Thanks for the confirmation for me!
Joanna says
I hope Grip Tight i bought from Fabricland will work better. It is used for children’s pajama bottom to prevent slip. I will try it on my knit slippers.
Tamara Kelly says
Sounds like the perfect product!
Joanna says
Grip Tight works very well.
Patti says
How does the Grip Tight hold up with repeated washings? I have found that many of the glues I have tried (including fabric glues) come loose or peel off after just a few washings. I need a long-lasting one since it will be used on the bottom of socks. I’d like to hear feedback and suggestions from readers!
Maria says
For soles like my grandmother made: recycle the suede or brushed side of an old heavy leather jacket or purse. It’s not all that difficult to punch holes in the leather for sewing with an awl (or hammer and nail if an awl isn’t available). You can get several from a thrift store find for a couple of dollars. Use an existing shoe or slipper to trace the pattern.
Tamara Kelly says
Fantastic idea Maria, thank you!
Lindsay says
I tried fabric paint to make non slip socks for a senior dog who was having trouble with her back feet on the laminate floor. The fabric paint dried too hard and my old girl still slipped around on the floors. And once she went outside in them in sub-zero Minnesota temps, the paint froze and started to peel off. i am going to try the Plasti-dip or rug backing for my next doggy socks. Thanks for the suggestions.
Anna Summers says
Please be sure to use something non-toxic, such as Grip Tight (for childrens pj feet), for your sweet elderly baby.
Brit says
I bought some faux suede material at Joann’s and an awl to make my own slipper bottoms. It was easy enough to trace a pair of the kids shoes that fit them well on to the material and cut them out. No rubber bottoms on them so they’re not completely non slip but they work well enough if your house is mostly carpet like mine. 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Great idea Brit! Thank you!
Martine says
My mother did this with recycled sheepskin,it was so comfy!I loved it and Will make some for my grandkids
Tamara Kelly says
Ooo, that sounds lovely Martine! 🙂
Kelly M says
Thanks for the great advice and sharing your experience with the different products. It’s good to know about the problem with storing leftover sock stop. It may still work out well for those who can get it easily and can use most or all of a bottle right away.
Pat says
Somewhere I read about using the spray variety of coating for tool handles, etc. I tried it on a favorite bathroom rug, applied 3 coats, and it’s working wonderfully. It even stood up under the first washing. We’ll see how long it lasts!
Tamara says
My sister bought a jar of the fiber-lok to use on the back of a hooked rug she made. It turned out to be far too thin to work properly, and ruined the rug, but I opened it up earlier this year (No issues with it drying out, despite the fact that it had sat for months) and used it for the soles of some toddler slippers I made. It does have a certain amount of stickiness, even after dried, so it would get dirty pretty quick, and I would suggest using a double thick sole, since it is absorbed by the yarn a certain amount. I haven’t actually tried it on a single sole, myself, though.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you for the tips Tamara! 🙂
lilia vanini says
Lovely! I will try some ideas to add to my knitting and crochet collection!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you!
AMBER says
I used a hot glue gun and did circle and juat squished it down.
Tamara Kelly says
Good idea, thank you Amber!
mawya m says
Hiii.. lovely ideas.. my opinion I guess that if I melt a candle to be liquid and dip something in it like a straw or a think yarn and dot it on the back of the sock after it dries I think it will be better, because wax stick a lot to fiber and wool and stuff.. Havent tried it yet, but just an idea. will try it out today and tell you the results.. !
Thanks 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Intriguing! Thank you Mawya!
Anna Summers says
Candle wax would make the FLOORS slippery! It is used on drawers to make them slip & slide more easily. Wax makes things MORE slippery, NOT less slippery. We used to put waxed paper under our butts to slide down a sliding board that wasn’t slippery enougjh!
Tiina says
I used fabric glue and took a wide rubber band cut into pieces and stuck them on the bottom. Worked well, but have not made slippers in a while so would have to try it again. I also put a few stitches in with needle and thread just to make sure they would not come off.
With it laying flat it didn’t make it hard on the bottom of your feet.
I will be trying some of these new tips to see how it works.
Oh after some years of use the rubber just fell apart. I would wash them, but not put them in the dryer.
Patti says
Hi Tiina! Well now there’s one I hadn’t thought of!!! I think I have tried almost all of these suggestions so far, (in addition to all kinds of different materials I have experimented with myself) but this is a GREAT idea that I am going to to try on my niece’s socks. There are lots of good suggestions on here, but they seem to be more applicable to slippers because most things I tried made hard little bumps that would hurt her feet. I love the idea of using rubber bands because you can get them in so many colours (even neon!) AND you can cut them into little shapes (I was thinking hearts or stars!) using scissors or maybe even paper punches??? I can’t wait to try it out. Right now I think I have 6 different kinds of fabric glue…May I ask which one you used because that’s amazing how long it held up for. I thought the washing (especially if it was hot water) would be harder on the rubber than the dryer. I’m going to do experiments on a bunch of my old socks- washing them in cold, hot, and in the dryer to see what happens. If you could post the kind of fabric glue you used I would appreciate it! I was also wondering about using rubber cement or contact cement. More experiments to conduct!
Sue says
Beacon GemTac is a great fabric glue! It dries clear & flexible in hours, and is machine washable after 72 hrs. I used it for gluing crystals onto my daughter’s figure skating dresses, because I needed a glue that wouldn’t become brittle when exposed to the cold of the ice. I haven’t tried it on the bottom of socks/slippers, but after reading all these comments, I just might do that!
Tammy says
I’ve USED to use “puffy paint” for our little kids slippers years ago but not good enough results.
I have made several pairs of slippery wool felted house shoe boots in the last several years….. & the BEST & longest lasting product I’ve used has been the Plasti-dip. (1st used as a tool dip to re coat handles.)
I don’t just put a few scattered “drops” on soles of the slippers. . . .I spread a LAYER on the entire bottom of the sole with a popsicle stick & allow to dry! I want it to last a long time & be durable, which it is! I don’t have to re coat them for over 2 years! I went over 2 yrs w/o recoating….& wore them EVERY day [in cold WA state!] I use black on black slipper boots.
You will NOT SLIP on very slippery wooden floors! Never again! [Plus it’s cushiony!]
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you for sharing your experience Tammy!
Kayce says
I made some felted slippers for christmas for 8 people. My boyfriend painted two coats of plastidip on each pair. It dried nicely and wasn’t too hard and seemed to deter the slipperiness. The only problem is most of them have worn away. one pair the plastidip was completely gone after a month, Not sure if it was because they were felted or if we needed a few more coats. And the only colors they had were blue or black so all my cute light pink and light purple sneakers had a very noticable black sole.
Tamara Kelly says
Thanks for sharing your experience Kayce!
Donna Miller says
So I make the same loop boots but have a question. For babies that seem to put their feet in their mouth all the time, should I be concerned with using the canned slip free stuff? I make and sell my shoes but don’t want customers coming back with sick kids.
Tamara Kelly says
Oh, that is a good questions Donna! I’m not an expert on child safety of different ingredients, so you’d need to check the label or contact the manufacturer. But that said, I don’t think babies who are putting their feet in their mouths are usually walking yet to worry about slipping? Unless they are very early walkers! But then again, it’s been a while since I had one that little…
Sharon wolford says
I bought 6 pairs of “footies” or baby socks for my daughters twins at the dollar store. She informed me they couldn’t wear them because they don’t have “skids” on the bottom. At the same time I was washing a load of to wells for her and I noticed some clumps on this one white hand towel. It had bloche’s of a thick white substance. After washing it hadn’t budged. Turns out my son-in-law used to towel to wipe excess caulking. I’m going to try using the caulking on the socks, however, the socks are made of some kind of nylon/cotton and the towel was terry-cloth type (like they have in hotels), so I’m not sure if it’s going to stick as well but I have a strong suspicion it’s going to work well. Considering the caulking may be toxic (I have looked it up yet) I’d say this … If the caulking sticks to the socks, as well as it has this towel (which Has ended up in the wash several times and the caulking hasn’t budges) then I’d say it’s no less safer than if your child tried to eat the bathtub, or perhaps his shoes. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out (or if anyone gets a chance to try this first please let me know). Oh, it may or may not be important to say that the caulking my son and law used (that I’m going to try) he said he hated and he’d never buy again because it was so messy.
Tamara Kelly says
Sounds like an interesting experiment! 🙂 Good luck!
Anna BerTram says
I think I will be trying aquarium sealant (the clear gel stuff which you can use to build your own aquarium out of sheets of glass). It’s definitely non-toxic, as it will be in contact with water which fish swim in, and fish are really sensitive to contaminants.
Tamara Kelly says
Ooo, I hadn’t heard of that before – please come back and let us know how it works out!
Patti says
Yes! That sounds like a GREAT idea! Never even crossed my mind. It would be water-proof too, so wouldn’t deteriorate in the wash as fast as other products might. Thanks for the great idea. I would love to hear how it works! Patti
Julie says
Sounds like a great idea! Did this work?
Clara says
JoAnn’s (and I’m assuming many other craft/fabric stores) sell a pebbled-looking fabric that many baby pajamas have on the bottom of their feet. At my store, it is about $13 per yard, and you do have to fold the edge under when sewing it on, or it unravels. The sewing is a bit of a pain, and the only color they had was white, but I just cut out a piece for the heel, and another for the ball of the foot so it wasn’t noticeable when they were worn.
Tamara Kelly says
Great one, thank you Clara!
MindsetterB says
I have some rubbery shelf-liner left over. I will try sewing that on.
PattyLynn Johnson says
I’ve purchased a pair of cashmere bed sock for my elderly father and am looking for the best solution that will take the first time ( at 35$ a pair, I’ve got one shot!). Any Recommendations?
Lisa says
I used some sheets of that craft foam stuff u buy and use for crafts… I mean it’s not as good as leather but it’s cheap and does help with grip… I just cut out the size of the sole and sewed 1 on each sole… 😊
Tamara Kelly says
Oh neat, I hadn’t heard that one before! Thank you for sharing it Lisa!
Jennifer Iacono says
Did you ever experiment with the cricut?! I am currently trying to design grippy gloves with heat transfer vinyl and $1 knit gloves. Tried some glitter vinyl but its not quite grippy enough.
Tamara Kelly says
This is one thing I haven’t tried with the Cricut yet, but it’s definitely on my list! I’m hoping that the deep cut blade will make some cool leather or vegan leather soles too when it becomes available.
Hunter Gaenslen says
HI I am wanting to make some riding breeches that are tacky on the thighs and butt so I don’t slide around in my saddle. I’m looking for a flexible, rubber tacky like material/product to apply to some leggings I have. Do you all have any suggestion of products I can use? I would prefer it not to be hard as I would be ridding in it and it has to be flexible. Thank you! looking into the bather grippers and sewing them and plasti dip. What is you alls experience. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly says
Hm, that’s a new one for me! I will leave this for others who might have more experience to chime in! 🙂