How to Sew the Ribbons on Ballet Slippers
A ballet slipper or pointe shoe that does not fit properly can ultimately cause you a lot of unnecessary pain. Properly fitted ballet shoes should be completely snug against your feet. You shouldn't be able to move your toes in the shoes or fit any objects inside. Once you've found a well fitting pair of shoes, you need to attach the ribbon to the heels to ensure that the shoes stay in place while you go en pointe.
Things You'll Need
- Pointe shoes
- Matching ribbon, at least 7/8 inch thick
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Matching durable thread
- Hand sewing needle
- Elastic (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut the ribbon into four pieces of equal size. The ribbon pieces should be long enough to wrap around your ankle.
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2
Fold the heel of one slipper over towards the toe. Fold the bottom edge of the piece of ribbon up 1/2 an inch. Place one piece of ribbon on each side of the fold, on the inside of the shoe and pin in place. Repeat with the other slipper.
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3
Cut a length of thread, tie a knot in one end and thread it through the needle. Push the needle through the ribbon on the inside of the shoe and through the shoe's canvas layer. Try not to go all the way through to the outside of the shoe with your stitches. You do not want them to show. Continue stitching until the ribbon is secure on one side. Repeat with the other side of the shoe and then with the second shoe.
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4
Pin a strip of elastic across the vamp of the ballet slipper if you need more support. Sew the elastic in place as you did the ribbons. You want the ribbons to hide the elastic from view.
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Tips & Warnings
Position the ribbons so that the dull side is on the inside and the shiny side is visible.
Don't sew the ribbons to the drawstring along the top of the shoe or else you will not be able to adjust the string.
References
- Photo Credit three ballet on point image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
