Ballet wouldn’t be possible without pointe shoes, which help dancers earn a beautiful look while they dance on the tops of their toes. However, you still have to customize pointe shoes for your feet to be snug and supportive but not too loose. Ballet shoes often require customization, by this I mean sewing the elastics and the ribbons on the ballet shoes. In our article, you’ll find out how to sew pointe shoes by picking suitable materials and preparing them for a finished product.

Understanding Pointe Shoes: Beyond Basics

Anatomy of a pointe shoe

Image Credits: pointetilyoudrop.com

Understanding the various parts of a pointe shoe can help with the customization:

• Box: it encases the toes and supports the foot. You have many options in terms of shapes and hardness levels depending upon your foot condition and personal preference.

• Shank: the part that provides stiffness under the arch. Shanks come in various strengths to suit the dancer's needs.

• Vamp: the front section of the shoe that holds the foot when pointing.

• Platform: the flat tip where the dancer balances when on pointe.

• Inner sole: the bottom of the shoe, where the shank resides.

• Heel: protects and supports the heel, coming in different heights.

Materials and Tools Needed in Sewing Pointe Shoes

Image Credits: joficina.com

Before diving into the sewing process, you need to gather the proper materials and tools:

• Pointe shoes: choose the right pointe shoes for your feet. It's advisable to consult with a professional fitter.

• There are three types of pointe ribbons, but using satin ribbons (generally 7/8" wide) is recommended.

• Elastic (usually 1/2" or 3/4" wide): attach these to your shoes.

• Scissors: For cutting the ribbons and elastic to size.

• Thread (e.g., waxed dental floss, button thread, or upholstery thread): it's best to choose a strong nylon thread that matches the colour of the shoes and ribbons.

• Needles(a heavy-duty sharp needle is ideal): a needle that can still pierce the fabric of the shoes.

• Thimble: so it will protect your fingers while sewing.

• Pencil or tailor's chalk: to mark the position where you will sew the ribbons and elastic.

• Measuring Tape: to measure the correct length of ribbons and elastic.

• Lighter or fray check: seal the edges of the ribbons to prevent fraying.

• Seam ripper (optional)

How to Sew Ribbons on Pointe Shoes

Here's a step-by-step guide on sewing ribbons onto pointe shoes:

1. Prepare your materials: be sure to have everything you need to sew ribbons ready. If each shoe has a ribbon about 22 inches long, you can choose ribbons. In addition, if you don’t have clean shoes, you will probably get dirt on them somewhere.

2. Pin the ribbons: you put on your pointe shoes and tie the ribbons around your ankle so they can be placed where you want them to be secured. You can then use pins to keep the ribbons in place temporarily. When ribbons are draped over your instep, they should cross over and wrap around your ankle.

   

   Image Credits: danceinsight.com

3. Mark the placement: wear the shoes with the pinned ribbons to mark the ideal placement of the ribbons on the inside and outside of each shoe. For this you can use a pencil or chalk.

   

   Image Credits: scholofballet58.org

4. Trim and fold: just take off the shoes and trim the ribbons to the proper length, leaving a little extra for folding. To avoid fraying, fold the ends of the ribbons under.

5. Thread the needle: thread your needle and knot it at the end.

6. Sew the ribbons: from the inside of the shoe, you start sewing. The needle is inserted through the lining of the shoe and out through one of the marked points. Sew through the folded end of the ribbon, pulling it taut but not too tight..

   

   Image Credits: statesboroschoolofdance.com

7. Secure the ribbon: sew tight but not too tight—just a few stitches to secure the ribbon to the shoe. You can create small stitches to form a neat and sturdy attachment. Do this both inside and outside the ribbon placement.

8. Crossing the ribbons: after you have securely attached both ribbons, cross them over your instep and wrap them around your ankle. Check the fit and, if needed, adjust the tightness.

   

   Image Credits: ballerinasbynight.com

9. Sew the other ends: repeating the same placement as you just sewed, sew the other ends of the ribbons to the opposite side of the shoe.

10. Knot and trim: when you are done sewing both ribbons onto your shoe, knot the thread inside the shoe and snip off any excess thread.

11. Repeat for the second Shoe: for the second pointe shoe, all the steps are to be repeated.

12. Test and adjust: try it out by putting on both shoes. Ribs are adjusted as needed for comfort and proper support..

How to Sew Elastic on Pointe Shoes

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sew elastic onto pointe shoes:

1. Prepare your materials: make sure you break in your pointe shoes first, then gather all your materials and attach the elastic.

2. Measure and cut elastic: if you do not have store bought elastic, then you will need to measure and cut two pieces of elastic, each about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. The length will depend on your foot size and your preference. Always test the elastic first to know it’s comfortable but not too tight.

3. Pin elastic in place: put on your pointe shoes and position the elastic pieces at a slight angle across the back seam of the shoe—right above the heel seam. The elastic should overlap the Achilles tendon and fit snugly and securely. Then, temporarily pin the elastic with a sewing pin.

4. Sew the elastic: thread your needle with a length of thread, knot the end, and start sewing from the inside of the shoe. Insert the needle through the lining of the shoe and out through one end of the elastic. Make a few stitches to secure the elastic to the shoe, ensuring it is taut but not uncomfortable.

   

   Image Credits: inspirationdancewear.com

5. Stitching pattern: for more strength, you can use a crisscross stitching pattern. Using a needle and thread, sew through the elastic and then the shoe's lining, creating diagonal stitches that resemble an 'X'; make sure you do not sew the outside of the shoe, as the lining will affect the fit and integrity of the shoe.

6. Repeat for the other end: now sew the other end of the same elastic piece to the opposite side of the shoe exactly as you just did.

7. Repeat for the second elastic: with the second piece of elastic, repeat the same process, but just above the first. It will keep the arch of your foot secure.

8. Knot and trim: when you’re done sewing on both elastic pieces, knot the thread inside the shoe and trim the excess thread.

   

   Image Credits: straighttothepointe.net

9. Test and adjust: put on both shoes and test the fit. The elastic should provide a secure hold without causing discomfort or restricting movement.

10. Repeat for the other shoe: repeat all the steps for the second pointe shoe.

11. Final adjustments: walk around and dance in your new pointe shoes to ensure the elastic is securely attached and comfortable. Make any necessary adjustments to the tightness or positioning of the elastic for the best fit.

Tips

Here are a few pointe shoe hacks:

• Paint the shoes or match the colour of the thread to the ribbon and elastic.

• If you're struggling to push the needle through the shoe, pliers can help.

• Ensure not to sew through the drawstring or any shoe part that needs to move with your foot.

• If you're unsure of the fit, baste everything in place first (using loose, temporary stitches) to test it out before final sewing.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Sew Pointe Shoes

1. Can you use a sewing machine to sew pointe shoes?

While you can technically use a sewing machine to sew pointe shoes, professional dancers or shoemakers do not recommend nor practice the using a sewing machine. They require precision and care to make pointe shoe ribbons and elastics stick securely in place without making the dancer uncomfortable or compromising safety.

Hand sewing the ribbons and elastics to the pointe shoes allows me to better control the tension of the ribbons and elastics, which will lead to a more personal fit. It’s especially delicate with pointe shoes, and the hand-stitched ribbons and elastics for pointe shoes are just too important to risk.

2. Why do pointe shoes need to be sewn?

The main reason you need to sew pointe shoes is to tape ribbons and elastics that support and stabilize the dancer in ballet. These components sewn together offer a snug and fitted fit, which is absolutely needed to maintain the dancer’s balance, control, and general comfort while working on pointe.

Conclusion

Sewing pointe shoes is not an exact science. With these instructions, you can make your pointe shoes appropriate to your feet' shape, providing comfort, support, and a nice appearance.

Keep in mind that each dancer may need something different, so it is best to talk to a highly experienced professional or instructor before purchasing your dance shoes. Sewing point shoes is like any craft; it will take some practice and patience. But the end result is that you will have a pair of shoes specifically for you, and you will get a better performance out of it all.