Learn to Knit Thrummed Slippers

Registration for this class opens to MMFS members on November 10, and then to the general public on November 12, 2026. Not a member yet? You can sign up here.

Thrummed knitting, a centuries-old technique from the most northern reaches of North America, produces some of the warmest knitting ever made. Captain James Cook actually named one of the islands in Newfoundland "Thrum Cap" because sailors so highly valued their warm, thrummed caps.

In thrummed knitting, unspun fleece is incorporated into knitted fabric at regular intervals to create an insulating lining. As the piece is worn, the fleece lining felts and becomes waterproof as well as incredibly warm.

In this class, you will first learn to make thrums out of fleece. Then you'll start knitting a pair of slippers, incorporating your thrums. (Slippers will be any size you choose, from baby to adult.) If you make baby slippers (as in photo), you may complete one during class. Most likely, you'll have a good start on the first slipper and will finish it on your own at home.

Class size will be small to ensure you get plenty of individual help. Questions are welcome; they're part of learning! This will be a friendly, no pressure class.

To take this class, you need to be comfortable knitting and purling, and should have already completed several projects.

 

About the Instructor: Lizabeth Towers

Instructor will provide the following:

• wool yarn
• fleece
• printed handouts

 

Students are asked to bring:

• One pair of double pointed needles, size US 10.
• 1 week before class, the instructor will send a link to the class pattern source. Students will purchase, download, and print the pattern, which costs approximately $5.50. 
• note-taking tools (if you’d like to take notes)
• We recommend dressing in layers, as certain classrooms can be drafty depending on the time of year.
• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, you may want to consider bringing a lunch or snack. Click  HERE to learn about local eating opportunities available before or after your class.

 

Skill Level
Intermediate - students should be comfortable knitting, purling, and knitting in the round.

 

Age Recommendation
Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend without a parent/guardian in attendance as long as MMFS is provided with written parental permission by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine Street
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

 

Cost Details
Tuition: $50
Materials Fee: $22
Total Cost: $72

 

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy  HERE.