(Left: "Winterscape" socks from Terrific Toe-Up Socks by Janet Rehfeldt)
One of my favorite family traditions has always been opening one present from Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve. Once, the surprise I found inside the colorful wrapping was a new pair of comfy slippers—perfect for keeping my toes warm while I was too excited to sleep and for wearing Christmas morning, all warm and toasty by the fire.
Since then, it always feels like a cozy pair of slippers or socks on my feet is what makes Christmas morning complete. There are plenty of wonderful holiday pairs being sold this time of year, but how about a handmade pair instead? Today we have a delightful roundup of sock and slipper knitting patterns perfect for wearing while opening presents, staying warm by the fireplace, or wearing under boots for some dashing in the snow.
From Knitting Scandinavian Slippers and Socks by Laura Farson
From Knitting Circles around Socks by Antje Gillingham
From Sock Club by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott
From More Crocheted Socks by Janet Rehfeldt
From Knitting Scandinavian Slippers and Socks by Laura Farson
From Knitting Brioche-Stitch Socks by Barbara Sander
From Knitting Scandinavian Slippers and Socks by Laura Farson
From Crocheted Socks! by Janet Rehfeldt and Mary Jane Wood
Christmas is just over a week away, but if you purchase a book at ShopMartingale, you also get the eBook version for free right away. No need to wait—just start stitching! Plus, your new pair of handmade socks will keep you warm all through the winter, even after the new year. Hooray!
If you’re new to knitting slippers, Laura Farson offers some great instructions in her book Knitting Scandinavian Slippers and Socks. For help with knitting socks, check out The Sock Knitter’s Handbook by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott. You can also watch our helpful sock-knitting video tutorial, in three parts.
What’s your favorite thing to wear on Christmas morning? Tell us in the comments!
P.J’S AND WARM SLIPPERS.
—Patricia D. Roberts on December 14, 2012It’s a family tradition to get new pajamas (sometimes all matching) to open on Christmas Eve. Of course, that’s what we wear Christmas morning!! Footwear is optional.
—Cathy Troutman on December 14, 2012My favorite thing to wear during the holidays is a sweatshirt made in 1989 by my daughter and little granddaughter with her toddler handprints on it. I have worn it on Christmas day ever since.
—Rsgna Rogero on December 14, 2012a new sweatshirt and matching sweatpants and slippers made out of the old sweats!
—ritainalaska on December 14, 2012Flannel jammies! My kids will sometimes opt for fleecy pj pants, but it’s flannel all the way for me. I like wearing hand knit socks too.
—Jane S. on December 14, 2012Definitely pajamas and my red and white candy cane stripe footies. So festive. judy c in nc
—JudyCnNC on December 14, 2012Something warm and cozy and RED!
—Claudia on December 14, 2012My favorite things to wear are clothes. My housecoat is an old stained sweatshirt, my jammies are sweatpants and a T-shirt, and my hospital "booties" cover my toes and support stockings, that I wear, 24/7. None of these items ever match and on occasions, I do look pathetic, but I am comfortable and warm. When it gets really cold, I add my "housecoat." My booties ensemble remind me of the muk-luks, I wore as a child in the cold winter months of Michigan.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on December 14, 2012My husband’s family celebrates on Christmas Eve. So on Christmas morning, we would wear whatever gifts we could from the night before while we visited friends and neighbors handing out our Christmas cards.
—Sheri~mama to eight on December 14, 2012Before noon, you ask? That would be warm blankets topped by breakfast in bed, of course! We visit family on Christmas Day, but not until mid-afternoon.
—Lynne on December 14, 2012My favorite Christmas day attire is an ensemble that consists of my comfty boot cut jeans, a red cable sweater, and a pair of hand knit socks. My hand knit felted slippers complete the ensemble, and I stay warm and comfy all day long as I enjoy the festivities!
—Joanne Lenigan on December 15, 2012I am learning how to crochet house shoe
—Diane Yates on December 15, 2012