How to Dye Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes are very specified pieces of footwear. They are made by hand for ballerinas. But sometimes a ballerina wants her shoes to match her costume so the pink satin must be dyed. However since pointe shoes are so special they cannot simply be tossed in the washer and dyed like a piece of clothing. You have to follow a series of steps and take some items into consideration when changing the color of your pointe shoes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clothing dye
• Bucket
• Paintbrush
• Cotton
• Cardboard
• Masking tape
• Gloves

1. Get your pair of pointe shoes and if the ribbons and elastic are already on the shoe then remove them. Take masking tape and tape the inside of the shoe starting at the bottom edge of the satin on the inside. Cover the entire inside sole as well as the inside satin.

2. Cut a piece of thin cardboard into a 3-inch by 6-inch strip. Stuff the strip into the toe of the shoe so it wraps around the inside toe and holds the form. Then stuff loose cotton or lambs wool into the toe. You do this so the dye doesn't weaken the shoe so much that it loses its form. The shape of the shoe is extremely important, stuffing it will help maintain this structure.

3. Fill a small bucket with the dye and water as directed on the bottle. Put on a pair of gloves and dip the pointe shoes into the dye. Dip several times making sure to get the entire outside of the shoe covered and evenly. Set the shoe out to dry inside in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Allow to dry for one full day.

4. Inspect the shoes. Notice any sections that have spots, seem lighter or just need some work. Get a paintbrush and dip it into the dye. In short quick strokes cover the problem area. Allow to sit out and dry for at least 12 hours. Dip the ribbons and elastic straps into the dye. Allow to sit out and dry for 12 hours as well.

5. Remove the stuffing, tape, and cardboard. Sew the ribbons and elastic straps back on. You're ready to dance in your new colorful pointe shoes!

Tips & Warnings

• Test the coloring on a similar piece of satin.
• Don't leave out in the sun, the rays may alter the pigment.