Yarn Bombed Patriotic Flip Flops

These flip flops are great for any patriotic American holiday! Or, make them in another color combination to accent your favorite summer outfit. Personalize these flip flops to match your unique style!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need:
1 pair of foam flip flops in your size (I used Blue flip flops for the Patriotic theme).

1 package of Lion Brand BonBons yarn in the “Beach” colorway (1 package will decorate many pairs of flip flops). I used the red and white BonBons for this pair.

Scissors

Yarn Needle (preferably metal) for finishing.

Step 2: Watch the Video Tutorial for Detailed Visual Instructions!

Step 3: We Will Start at the Base of the Strap on the Right Side of the Shoe.

To Begin:
Unwrap the end of the yarn from each BonBon. Take the first yarn end and hold it behind the beginning of the strap. Slide it down so it is wedged between the strap and the foam sole. The yarn tail should come from underneath one side of the strap, and the yarn that is coming from the ball should come from underneath the other side of the strap. Repeat with the other color of yarn in the opposite direction. You should have one tail coming from underneath the strap on each side. The yarn that is coming from each ball should come from opposite sides of the strap.

Step 4:

Tie the tails together into a double knot. Pull on the balls of yarn from each side to tighten. Lay the tails against the inside of the strap. They will be encased in the stitches as you work. Switch the balls of yarn so the yarns cross over each other in front of the strap.

Step 5: Bring the Ball on Your Right Behind the Strap and Put It on the Left Side.

Step 6:

Bring the same ball towards you so it crosses over the other yarn. Then bring it around and under the other yarn and pull it away from you. The two yarns should twist like this:

Step 7:

Bring the same ball back behind the strap again to the right. Tug on both yarns to tighten the stitch. Make sure the stitch is centered on the side of the strap that is visible when the shoe is worn. Slide the stitch down the strap so it sits snugly up against the previous stitch.

Switch the balls of yarn so the yarns cross over each other in front of the strap.

Step 8: Continue Making Stitches in This Manner Until You Reach a Point Where the Strap Twists and You Can Easily See the Outside of the Strap From the Side.

Step 9: Now We Will Work on the Strap From the Front. Cross the Yarns Over Each Other Twice to Form a Twist Like This:

Step 10: Tighten and Center the Stitch on the Front of the Strap.

Slide the stitch down so it sits snugly up against the previous stitch.

Switch the balls of yarn so the yarns cross over each other behind the strap.

Step 11: Continue Making Stitches in This Manner Until You Reach the Toe-piece.

Step 12:

When you reach the toe-piece, finish the last stitch by switching the balls so the yarns cross over each other behind the strap. Bring the balls to the front and cross them twice to form the twist.

Step 13: Bring Both Balls Past the Toe-piece. Cross the Yarns Behind the New Section of the Strap.

Step 14: ​Continue Making the Stitches Around the Second Half of the Strap From the Front Side.

When you reach the point where the strap twists and it becomes difficult to work from the front, make your stitches from the back side of the strap as you did at the beginning.

Step 15:

When you cannot fit anymore stitches along the strap, slide the yarns between the strap and the foam as shown. Cut both yarns, leaving 2″ tails.

Step 16: Tie Your Tails Together Into a Double Knot.

Step 17:

Thread the tails through the eye of the yarn needle. Wiggle the yarn needle under the stitches that surround the strap as shown.

Step 18:

Pull the yarn needle through and tug on the tails until the knot slips underneath the stitches. Trim the ends of the tails to finish.

Step 19: Repeat All Instructions for the Other Flip Flop. You Now Have a Unique, Patriotic Pair of Flip Flops!