The Ntaidrin slipper pattern was inspired by the time I spent in a village in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, where I worked with shepherd-knitters to document the knitting patterns they had learned from their forefathers. This work resulted in the book, Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, which is a collection of essays and accompanying patterns about the history and practice of knitting in North Africa. You can read more about the book here.

This slipper pattern is not a traditional High Atlas pattern. Instead, it is my design based on a traditional High Atlas knitting pattern for socks called Tqasher Qadeem. The motif is inspired by a knitting motif from the region that was used on leg warmers.

Since the Ntaidrin pattern is based on the Tqasher Qadeem pattern, this pattern document includes instructions for both. The document also includes background information and process photos.

Tqasher Qadeem is knit-to-fit and worked from the toe up. It can be made with any size yarn and needle; although, High Atlas knitters prefer a thicker yarn (similar to worsted weight) and very thin needles (they use cut bicycle spokes). This sock pattern is perfect for hand-spun yarn.

Ntaidrin is also knit from the toe up and is intended for feet sized US women’s 5 and larger. However, it is also suitable for children’s foot sizes. Although any size yarn and needles can be used to make the Ntaidrin slippers, it will work best with a thicker yarn like worsted or DK weight.

As requested by the shepherd-knitters who contributed their patterns, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book, Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, is donated to their village’s women’s cooperative, Cooperative Ibilou. The cooperative uses these funds for community development projects that benefit everyone in the village. Because Tqasher Qadeem is a traditional pattern, a portion of the sale of this pattern is donated to Cooperative Ibilou.