There are 3 options for joining gussets when you make Crochet Animal Slippers from my new book. I thought it would be a good idea to create a short video for each method, as this step is essential to the final look of your slippers. The following instructions are given for right and left-handed crocheters, so if you are a left-handed crocheter, you can just fast-forward to the middle of each video.

Option 1 – FLO Whipstitch

For this method, It’s important to sew through front loops only (FLO), as sewing through both loops may twist your gussets. Thread the tapestry needle using the long tail from the gusset and sew 2 edges together, inserting the needle through FLO as follows:

• SET-UP: Pull the needle through the stitch with Marker A on the slipper and first stitch of the gusset, inserting it under FLO from slipper to gusset.
• STEP 1: Pull the needle through the next stitch of the slipper and gusset, inserting it under FLO from slipper to gusset.
• Repeat STEP 1, ending the last repeat in stitch with Marker B on the slipper and last stitch of the gusset.

Option 2 – Slip Stitch

This is a no-sew option for assembling gussets. Using the long tail from the gusset, crochet 2 edges together as follows:

• SET-UP: Sl st in stitch with Marker A on the slipper, inserting the hook under both loops from front to back. Sl st in first stitch of the gusset, inserting the hook under both loops from front to back.
• STEP 1: Sl st in next stitch of the slipper, inserting the hook under both loops from front to back.
• STEP 2: Sl st in next stitch of the gusset, inserting the hook under both loops from front to back.
• Repeat STEP 1 and STEP 2, ending the last repeat in stitch with Marker B on the slipper and in last stitch of the gusset.

Option 3 – Mattress Stitch

Mattress Stitch creates a smooth and almost invisible seam, it’s also called Invisible Weaving. Using the long tail from the gusset, thread the tapestry needle and sew 2 edges together as follows:

• SET-UP: Pull the needle through the stitch with Marker A on the slipper, inserting it under both loops from back to front. Pull the needle through the first stitch of the gusset, inserting it under both loops from back to front.
• STEP 1: Pull the needle through the next stitch of the slipper, inserting it under both loops from back to front.
• STEP 2: Pull the needle through the next stitch of the gusset, inserting it under both loops from back to front.
• Repeat STEP 1 and STEP 2, ending the last repeat in stitch with Marker B on the slipper and in last stitch of the gusset.

NOTE (for ALL 3 joining options)

Once finished, check to see whether your gusset is straight before weaving in the ends. If you missed a stitch by accident, it will cause slanting. Simply undo the seam and try again.

The step-by-step instructions with photos and diagrams for making these slippers can be found in my book Crochet Animal Slippers. You can order it through your favorite book stores and craft stores as well. The book includes 3 variations of slippers – shoes with covered heels, boots with ankle cuffs, and slides which are backless slippers….I hope you give them a try!