How to Weave Zori Sandals

Geta sandals look similar to Zori, but are made with a wooden bottom.

The Zori sandal was the most popular sandal in Japan before the Geta sandal was introduced. Peasants could cheaply make the Zori sandal out of rags or straw without needing to sew the sandal together. Now, making Zori sandals is a common craft in Japan. They are simple to make and use materials you probably already have around the house. You can wear Zori sandals outside, but they will wear down quickly, or you can wear your Zori sandals inside as slippers.

Things You'll Need

• Four yards of solid cotton, wool or fleece
• One yard of patterned fabric
• Ruler
• Fabric Marker
• Fabric scissors
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Unroll your patterned fabric and measure an inch in from one side. Cut eight 1-inch strips that are one yard long. Tie together the ends of two of the strips and place the other six to the side for the second sandal and the straps.

2. Place your fabric strips in front of you so that the knot is closest to you. Put the bottom of the wrench against the knot . Loop the two strips of fabric over the top of the wrench in a crisscross between the wrench's fork. Pull them back down to the bottom of the wrench and tie the ends together in a second loose knot. This is the sole of your sandal.

3. Measure, mark and cut two 1-inch wide strips of your solid fabric that are four yards long. Put one aside for the second sandal. Tie the other to the first knot of the patterned fabric, leaving four inches of the strip hanging down.

4. Place your fingers inside the four pieces of the sole to separate them. Weave the solid fabric strip into the patterned fabric by going over the first, under the second, over the third and under the fourth. Then weave back in the other direction. As you weave, push the woven strip down to the bottom of the sandal to create a tight, hard mass of fabric. Once you have gotten about half way up the sandal, remove the wrench.

5. Add the straps when you have woven about 2/3 of the way up the sandal. Take the four-inch piece you left at the bottom of the sandal and poke it through the bottom of the weave about two inches from the end, so that it leaves a two-inch piece. Twist together two of the patterned strips you cut in the beginning. Tie one end of the twisted strips to the outer strip of the sole. Tie it to the two-inch piece at the top of the sandal and then tie it to the other outer strip of the sole parallel to the first knot. Cut off the extra patterned fabric.

6. Weave the solid fabric strip below the straps of the sandal and push the strip around them to make it tight. Continue to weave until you reach the end of the sole. Wrap the end of the solid strip around the two loops of the sole and tie into place. Trim any excess fabric.

7. Repeat the weaving process to create the second sandal.

References

• Ebay Reviews and Guides; How to Make Japanese Zori Sandals; 2006
• "Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia"; Margo DeMello; 2009