Non-Slip Soles
Non-Slip Soles for my Crocheting or Knit slippers can sometimes be time-consuming. Very often I rely on the old faithful puffy fabric paint. Other times I will sew on those non-slip shelf liners that are used in kitchen shelves to keep your drinking glasses and dishes from sliding off the shelves. Those options work well but many times they are time-consuming and don’t always look very good. I never want to give someone a gift that could endanger them and slippery soles can be very dangerous. I had made a pair for my aunt and mother, so I definitely wanted them to be safe while wearing these comfy slippers.
Knit slippers with full knit lining
While at my knitting class my teacher mentioned that she uses a different method. She said it’s fast and seems to work pretty well Well, the fast part had me intrigued. She shared a method of using a quick spray method. She said she uses a product called “Rust-0leum Leak Seal.” It is a spray that is used to repair leaks on rain gutters, skylights, cracked cement etc. She told me it’s easily available at hardware stores like HomeDepot Armed with this new information I made a quick trip to my local Home Depot store. I went straight to the paint department and asked the salesperson for assistance. They took me to the caged area where they keep spray paint and other items which can only be sold to adults. He unlocked the cage and asked me if I wanted the clear coat or a color coat. I chose the clear coat so that my slippers could look more natural. I also bought some blue painters tape. I rushed home anxious to try out this new method and create Non-Slip soles.
Preparing my slippers for spraying:
When I got home I got busy. I took my slippers (they are all knit and fully lined) and went to work. I wanted to try a few different ways of taping the slippers. I suppose cutting out a cardboard stencil and placing it over the bottom of my slippers would have been quicker but I had never used this spray product and had no idea how it would react. I didn’t know if it would spray neatly or bubble. I didn’t want to take the chance of it bleeding under the cardboard. I had decided that using painters tape would be a safer bet. It would also be easier to remove than say duct tape. I didn’t want to use something that would damage my knitting.
Then I taped the sides and tops of my slippers. For my first pair; I put the tape on the top and edges with a little of the toe and sides being exposed. My slippers tend to wear out on the toes so I wanted spray to cover that areaI then put tape on the top of the slippers and anywhere I didn’t want the spray to go. I sprayed 3 pairs of slippers. On other two I put tape on a different way to get a different effect. Those people who follow me on my fan facebook page got to see the results before my YouTube audience when I did a facebook live feed.
Taping slippers is the first step to preparing to treat soles
Following the manufacturer’s directions, I took my slippers to a well-ventilated area which in my case happened to be my backyard patio. The smell was pretty strong so you definitely DO NOT want to spray it indoors. Also, this is not a safe product for children. Only adults should be doing the spraying. I placed some brown paper on an old table. Then I proceeded to spray the soles of my slippers. I’m not sure if I used too much on the pink slippers (these seemed to be a thicker coat). I then proceeded to spray the other two pairs. I then proceeded to spray the other two pairs. The can says that you should wait 15-30 minutes between coats to ensure they are dry. Since the spray soaked into the knitted soles I waited 24 hours. I left them outdoors overnight (the patio was covered) and the next day they were dry.
The results of my Non-slip soles test:
I removed the tape and tested them out. I put the slippers on and did a traction test on my wooden floors. They passed the test. I actually had created Non-Slip soles. I then took them into my bathroom to try them on my slippery tile floors. They did well although not as well as on the wood floors. Overall I think this was a success. I think maybe the tape might not be necessary although I did find overspray on the blue tape on the sides of the slippers. If I hadn’t taped them the spray would have been on my slippers. I did not want the top or back of my slippers to get sprayed. The sprayed area is stiff and not soft.
Since these are fully lined inside the inside is still super soft and comfortable. I think this will be a much faster option than having to paint w puffy fabric paint. At least it gives me another option. If you want to see how I taped the slippers or a longer review please watch my Youtube videos below. I filmed one and then the next day I Filmed the update with the results.
If you try this please let me know how it worked. I think only one layer of spray would have been enough. I love getting new tips like this one that makes my knitting and crocheting projects easier to make safe. Fast and easy non-slip soles are now easier for me to obtain.
Do you want to learn to knit these slippers? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share this post. Remember, sharing is caring.
The test:
The Results:
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