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How to Sew Ribbons on Pointe Shoes

When you purchase ballet shoes they often are not equipped with the ribbons that tie up the ankle and leg of the dancer. The ribbon that forms these ties are generally attached after the purchase by the wearer because they are custom fit to the particular foot. Read on to learn how to sew ribbons on pointe shoes.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 1/2 yards of 7/8 inch ribbon
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Ballet shoes
  • Pen or pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fold the ribbon in half and cut into two equal pieces, which will be about 45 inches long.

    • 2

      Fold each of the pieces in half again and cut equal pieces from them. You should now have four pieces of ribbon approximately 22.5 inches in length.

    • 3

      Take the pointe shoe and fold the heel forward towards the toe. Place the ribbon to the edge of the fold and lightly mark it with a pen or pencil on both sides. This should be done with all four sides of the two shoes. This is where the ribbon will be sewn.

    • 4

      Make a double fold in the end of the ribbon to be sewn into the first shoe. Make sure the shiny side of the ribbon will face outward.

    • 5

      Sew the ribbon to the inside of each side of both shoes. The bottom of the ribbon should be positioned at the bottom of the inside of the shoe. Carefully sew the ribbon by catching the canvas lining and not going all the way through the satin outside of the shoe. This will hide all stitching marks from the ribbons.

    • 6

      Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the other side of this shoe and for both sides of the other shoe.

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Ballet

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