How to Tie The Ribbons On Ballet Slippers

Ballet is one of the most graceful and elegant art forms. Every aspiring ballerina needs to be able to tie her ballet ribbons correctly. Learn how to tie the ribbons on all types of ballet slippers – satin, leather and pointe shoes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ballet slippers with sewn-on ribbons
• Ballet tights
• Bobby pin or hair pin
• Needle and thread (if required)

1. 
    
   Tie the drawstring

   Put on the ballet tights and the ballet slippers. Place one foot flat on the ground (it doesn’t matter which foot you start with, either the left or the right). Tie the drawstring at the front of the shoe and tuck it in.

2. 
    
   Wrapping the inside ribbon

   Start with the ribbon on the inside of the foot. Holding the ribbon firmly, pull it diagonally across the top of the foot (# 1 in the picture) and then around the back of the leg (2) to the inside of the leg (3) making sure it remains above the ankle bones. Continue pulling the ribbon around to the front of the leg (4).

3. 
    
   Finish on the inside of the leg

   Wrap the ribbon around the back of the leg to complete the circle (5) and end holding the ribbon firmly in place on the inside of the leg (6).

4. 
    
   Wrapping the outside ribbon

   Now take the ribbon on the outside of the leg and firmly pull it diagonally over the top of the foot to cross the first ribbon (7). Wrap the ribbon around the back of the leg (8). Continue pulling the ribbon across the front of the leg (9), making sure it lies directly over the first ribbon (i.e. it must cover the first ribbon completely so it looks like there’s only one ribbon). Finish with the ends of both ribbons on the inside of the leg.

5. 
    
   Tying the ribbons

   While it is important to tie the ribbons firmly and securely, they must not be so tight that they restrict blood flow to the feet. Gently flex the foot (10) to ensure there will be sufficient foot movement when the ribbons are tied in place. Tie a normal knot (i.e. cross right over left and pull it through) on the inside of the leg (11). Repeat to form a double knot (12) to prevent the ribbons from coming undone.

6. 
    
   Tucking the ribbons in

   Tuck the ends of the ribbons in. Use a bobby pin or hair pin if the ribbons are too tight to use your fingers.

7. 
    
   Sewing the ribbons

   For ballet classes, it may be sufficient that the ends of the ribbons are just tucked in. However, for ballet exams or stage work, you may need to sew the ends of the ribbons in place to prevent them from popping out during the performance. Use a needle and thread (with a color that matches the ribbons) to tack the ends of the ribbons in place. If you do sew the ribbon ends, be very careful when you cut the thread to take the ballet slippers off – do not cut the ribbons or the ballet tights!

8. Repeat steps 1 - 7 above for the other foot.

Tips & Warnings

• You might want to ask a ballet teacher or somebody experienced to help you tie the ribbons the first couple of times. It may also help to have someone hold one of the ribbons, or to have an extra hand when tying the second knot to keep the ribbons firmly in place. You’ll soon get the hang of it though – like all steps in ballet, practice makes perfect!
• You may wish to sew a piece of elastic on the inside of the ballet shoe to sit across the top of the foot to provide extra support, in addition to the ribbons.
• Ballet ribbons should measure 22 inches (about 55 cm) long and 7/8 inch wide (about 2 cm), sewn into the ballet slipper so that the shiny side of the ribbon shows on the outside.
• The ends of the ribbons should be hemmed (if 100% satin) or singed with matches or a lighter (if nylon or nylon + satin) to prevent them from unraveling (fraying). Take care not to burn yourself or anything else when using the matches or lighter.