Adding Ribbon to Ballet Shoes

Sewing ribbons onto your pointe shoes makes them more supportive.

Ribbons add not only a beautiful element to ballet shoes, they also serve to reinforce the ankle of the dancer. This is especially true of pointe shoes, while you rarely see ribbons on soft slippers. Sewing the ribbons onto your shoes is a personal task that all dancers learn to do. The sewing itself is simple enough, but strong stitches and accurate placement of the ribbon are essential to be able to dance safely.

Things You'll Need

• Pointe shoes
• Ballet ribbon
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the ribbon into four pieces. Ballet ribbon is generally sold in lengths of 36 inches, so cut four 9-inch pieces of ribbon.

2. Find the side seam of your pointe shoe and mark a spot a 1/2 inch in towards the heel.

3. Fold one edge of a piece of ribbon in by 1/2 inch and pin it to the shoe at the pencil mark. The edge of the ribbon should be parallel to the edge of the shoe.

4. Repeat the process for the other side of the shoe, and then for the other shoe.

Tips & Warnings

• Ribbons are sold at the same places that sell pointe shoes. They are generally sold in two widths, and the width you choose is a matter of personal preference.

• If the insole of your shoe gaps when you point your toes, you may want to move the ribbon closer to the middle of your foot.

• Stitch the ribbons to your shoe securely. Sew more than one line of stitching if the ribbons feel loose after the first row of stitching.

References

• Ballet-feetfirst: Care and Maintenance of Ballet Pointe Shoes and sewing ribbons and elastics