How to Sew Elastic On Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes are interesting shoes in that they are complicated and difficult to wear. One of the most important things to a ballerina is that her shoe is snug and secure. While everyone can see the beautiful ribbons that wrap around her ankle not many people realize there's an elastic strap underneath that as well. Here is how to attach the elastic strap.

Things You'll Need

• pink thread
• needle
• scissors
• pointe shoes

Instructions

1. Place your foot in your pointe shoe. Take a piece of elastic that matches the color of the satin on the shoe and tuck it in the shoe about 3/4" away from your ankle. Cross the elastic over your foot so it forms a strap. Tuck it in on the other side and gently pull it so there's some tightness then cut the end. This is your strap.

2. Now take your foot out of the shoe. Place one end of the elastic on the inside of the shoe about 3/4" from the ankle. It should be at least 1/2" down from the top of the side but preferrably at almost the bottom. With your threaded needle sew the elastic onto the shoe using a square sewing method meaning sew four straight lines that will form a square on the elastic band.

3. Next take the other side of the elastic and place it on the opposite side so it is exactly even on either side. Repeat the square sewing method on the other end of the elastic.

4. Now put your foot in the show and gently tug on the elastic to ensure it is strong enough. Then check the outer side of the straps to make sure the stitching isn't coming loose. If it is then you should restitch the top of the strap.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you fit the shoe strap before you start sewing to make sure it won't be too loose or too tight

• Don't rush the sewing, it's important you sew the straps well