How to Sew Elastic on Ballet Slippers

So you've purchased a pair of ballet slippers, but they didn't come with an elastic. You can easily sew the elastic on using either a single or a crisscross pattern by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing needle and thread
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Pen

Single Elastic

1. 
    
   Single Elastic

   Put the ballet slipper on your foot.

2. Measure the elastic from an inch below the drawstring--located on the side of the slipper in front of the ankle--across the arch of the foot to other side of the foot, also an inch below the drawstring. The elastic should fit snugly across the top of the foot.

3. Mark and cut the elastic. Using a pen, put a mark on the inside of the slipper where you've measured the elastic. Cut the elastic to the measured length.

4. Remove the slipper and sew the elastic at both marked spots. Make sure to sew the elastic on the inside of the slipper below the drawstring, and double check that the elastic is not twisted.

Crisscross Elastic

5. 
    
   Crisscross Elastic

   Put the ballet slipper on your foot.

6. Measure the elastic an inch away from the seam of the heel to crisscross over the foot to other side and end at the slipper's midpoint. Cut the elastic an inch below the drawstring. The elastic should fit snugly across the top of the foot. Using a pen, mark the spots you've measured on the inside of the slipper.

7. Repeat Step 2 on the other side of the heel seam.

8. Remove the slipper and sew the elastic at the marked spots. Make sure to sew the elastic on the inside of the slipper about an inch below the drawstring. Double check that the elastic is not twisted before you start sewing.