Arts >> Dance >> Ballet

How to Make a Ribbon Ballet Shoe

After purchasing ballet pointe shoes, you need to sew the ribbons that provide support for the foot and ankle of the dancer to the inside of the shoe. Position the ribbons that will tie around the ankles below the seam on the inside of the shoe to ensure it stays in contact with the heel of the dancer at all times. Pull the ribbons tightly and tie them so the sides of the shoe do not appear to be baggy when the dancer turns her ankle as she completes ballet positions.

Things You'll Need

  • Pointe shoes
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Needle
  • Thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the ribbon for the ballet shoes into four equal pieces. Find the side seams within the shoes and mark ½ inch below the side seam with a pencil.

    • 2

      Fold the cut end of one piece of ribbon ¾ inch, repeat by folding another ¾ inch. Folding positions the cut edge of the ribbon inside the fold and helps to keep the ribbon from fraying.

    • 3

      Position the ribbon, shiny side out, on the pencil mark inside the shoe. Sew the folded part of the ribbon to the lining of the shoe.

    • 4

      Sew around all four sides of the folded part of the ribbon to the shoe, taking care not to damage its satin exterior. The completed sewn area should have the shape of a rectangle and hold the ribbon securely in place when pulled.

    • 5

      Repeat the process on the opposite side of the ballet shoe. Move on to the second shoe and repeat the sewing process.

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Ballet

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