Sewing Instructions For Pointe & Pre-Pointe Shoes
Please note that this is one of many variations on sewing ribbons and elastic.
Elastics Instructions
Instructions & Illustrations by wikiHow
1
Measure the elastic around your ankle. Put on your pointe shoes and wrap a piece of elastic from 1 side of your heel to the other so that the ends of the elastic are overlapping the edges of the pointe shoe by about 0.25 in (0.64 cm). The elastic should be snug, but not so tight that it might cut off your circulation. Mark your elastic at the desired length and cut it.
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Repeat this for the other piece of elastic for the other shoe, or use the first piece of elastic to measure out and cut an equal-sized piece of elastic.
2
Position the elastic on the sides of the heel portion of the shoe. For a loop around the ankle elastic, each end of the loop should be on 1 side of your heel. While wearing the shoe, position the ends so that they are about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) away from each other. Pin them in place or mark the positions on the shoe with a pen.
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You may position the ends of the elastic band on the inside or outside of your shoes depending on where you want them. Some people prefer to have the elastic on the outside of the shoe because it irritates their heels when it is on the inside.
3
Sew around the elastic in a square shape using a needle and thread. Sew around the edges of 1 end of the elastic where it overlaps the shoe. Sew in a square shape and go over the edges twice to ensure that the elastic is totally secure. Insert the needle in and out of the elastic and shoe and pull the thread taut after each stitch.
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Tie off and cut the thread on the inside of the shoe after you finish sewing the elastic into place.
4
Repeat for the other side and then sew the elastic to the other shoe. Follow the same process for sewing the other end of the elastic to the other side of the heel. Then, repeat this process for the other shoe.
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Make sure that you sew the elastic to the same positions on both shoes so that they will look and feel the same.
Ribbons Instructions
Instructions & Illustrations by wikiHow
1
Measure and cut 4 pieces of ribbon using your forearm. Your forearm is about the ideal length for each of the strands of ribbon. Hold the end of the ribbon with 1 hand and bring it up to your elbow. Then, cut the ribbon at this length. Use the first piece as a guide and cut the other pieces to the same length.
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Make sure that you cut each piece of ribbon cleanly with a sharp pair of scissors and avoid any jagged edges
This step must be done with parental supervision and NOT at the studio.
2
Move the end of each ribbon over a flame for a few seconds. To prevent the ends from fraying, ignite a lighter or light a candle. Then, move each end of each piece of ribbon over the flame for a few seconds to secure the ends. This will help to prevent the fibers in the ribbon from fraying.
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Make sure that you do not hold the ribbon ends over the flame for too long or you may catch it on fire or melt it too much.
3
Position the end of the ribbon 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the heel elastic. The ribbon should overlap the edge of the pointe shoe by about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) and be at a slight angle bending in the direction of your toes. You can pin the end of the ribbon where you want it to be and angle it however you like.
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It is a good idea to do this while you are wearing the shoes so that you can get it exactly how you want it to be before you sew it.
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You can also fold the heel of the shoes over while you are not wearing them. Line up the edge of the ribbon with the area where the folded heel meets the side of your pointe shoe
4
Sew the edges of the end of 1 ribbon into the inside of the pointe shoe. Insert the threaded needle into the ribbon and pointe shoe near the edge of the pointe shoe. Sew in a square shaped fashion around the edges of the ribbon. Make sure to pull the thread taut after each stitch. Then, cut and tie off the thread on the inside of the shoe to secure the end of the thread
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You may want to make 2 passes to ensure that the ribbon is secured.
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Only secure 1 end of each piece of ribbon
5
Repeat for the other side of the shoe. Do the exact same thing to secure the next strand of the ribbon, but on the opposite side of the shoe. Position this piece of ribbon so that it is the mirror image of the first piece.
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After you finish sewing the ribbons onto 1 shoe, repeat the same process to attach the remaining 2 ribbons to the other shoe.