Hello readers!
Hope everyone had a good first week of summer.
Today I'll be sharing with you guys how to sew your pointe shoes. Yes, this is a very restricted audience, but next time I'll be more universally fun (if that makes sense).
Every time from now on when I have a post that requires different skills, you will find a list of techniques required. If you ever find yourself in trouble with figuring something out (ex. sewing) please leave a comment so I can make a post to teach this technique. Along with the listed techniques required, you'll find bellow it a list of supplies. The fundamentals are listed first, then optional supplies will also be listed with an asterisk.
Now lets get started. Here's a list of supplies that will help you prepare:
Techniques needed: basic hand sewing skills Supplies List:
Pointe Shoes
Ribbon (part 2)
Elastic
Strong thread
Needles and pins
Scissors
*Optional Supplies:
Sharpie or fabric marker
Fabric Glue
Pin cushion
Step 1: Now that we have the necessary supplies, it's time to start. Before you start sewing, try on your shoe to make that the draw string is pulled tight enough for your preference(sometimes the sewing thread can catch hold of the draw string).
Step 2: Now it's time to measure and cut your elastic. Some people like to use tape measures, but I like to gauge my length by fitting it to my foot. In this step, leave your shoe on and have both hands free. This is when the marker comes into play. It's not totally necessary, but it is very helpful when pinning. First go to one side of you heel with the elastic resting on the outside of the shoe. Hold your thumb there and make a mark before moving on.
Step 3: There are two ways you can sew your elastic. The first way I'll show you is the most common and popular way to attach them. Like you did with the first side of your heel, take the end of the elastic and hold it on the other side of your heel. Make another mark with your marker of either your cutting line or your sewing line and cut the elastic. It should look like this.( It wasn't cut it in this picture)
The second way, which is what I prefer, is doing it cross-ways. from the point where your elastic is held, take the other end and reach it to the middle arch lines on your shoe. Repeat this for both sides making marks for the sewing or cutting marks.A tip for when you're measuring your elastic is to stretch it a bit so its not comfortably on your foot. There's nothing scarier than a lose shoe. The following picture shows one elastic crossed.
Step 4: After making your marks, take off your shoe and either pin or glue the elastic according to your personal fitting. I prefer to use pins because it's faster and you can try your shoe back on to make sure you pinned it correctly.
Step 5: Now you can sew your shoes. When sewing, I would suggest double threading your needle using a strong cotton thread. Double, triple, quadruple, or even quintuple your knot. At the point of actually sewing, the back stitch is the way to go. If your knot comes out ( which more than likely won't happen) it will stay inter-weaved in the stitch.
Step 6: After sewing both ends, try your shoe back on to make sure that it fits right. Then repeat sewing the other elastic.
Step 5: Now enjoy you sewn shoes! Well, at least the elastics. The ribbons will be shown on the next post.
* I am not an expert, but I am an intermediate level dancer. I have personally tried these techniques and recommend them.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, please leave a comment. I would love to hear feedback. Better yet, become a follower!
Yours Truly,
Bobfransisco Bob
