How do you sew the ribbons onto the pointe shoe?

Question

I think i sewed the ribbons wrongly because they fray. Can anyone tell me what is the correct way of sewing so that i wont be able to see the stitches on the outside part of the pointe shoe?

Answer 1

It takes a little longer to sew them so the stitches don't show, but if you're worried about it, it's doable. It's also a good skill to know. I personally just use a sewing machine because I go through shoes quickly and don't have time to be spending 2 hours sewing my shoes, but I used to do this. It's possible to hide the stitches because there is a layer of canvas on the inside, and a layer of satin on the outside. It takes a bit of experience, but you need to take the needle and grab only the the canvas layer. Push the needle into the ribbon AND canvas from a sideways angle instead of straight down. Once you feel it go through the canvas, lift the needle, feeling like you're trying to pick up the layer of canvas with the needle and push it back through. It's called a hemming stitch or whip stitch. You're looping the thread around. So instead of a running stitch (that isn't very strong) you're always starting from the same side. http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=62839&re... Before pushing the needle back up through the canvas, make sure you haven't gone through the satin. If you have, pull the needle back a tiny bit (we're talking millimeters) until you feel the satin drop. It can help to try to pull the satin away a little with your fingers. With this stitch, you will be always push the needle into the fabric from the same side. If you're doing it correctly, it should look like little diagonal lines running down the edge of the ribbon. This takes some practice to do well, so don't get discouraged if you need to rip it out and try a few times. Also this is easier to do with ribbons than elastics, so start there.

As for the fraying, ribbons will fray regardless of how you sew them. Here's how to prevent it. Cut of any fraying you currently have. Always cut the edges of ribbons on a diagonal line, never flat. This helps with the fraying. After you've sewed the ribbons in, instead of spending money on some fray stopper thing, just paint a bit of clear nail polish on it! Put it on both ends and you'll never have fraying problems. I much prefer this to trying to burn my ribbons because it's easier and less worrysome.

Answer 2

You can burn the edges of the ribbons and they will melt and not fray or buy a bottle of Fray Check. Wal Mart and any sewing store carries it. To burn the edges just take a Bic lighter and gentle wave it across the ribbon. Most dancers do this. I use Fray Check because I sew and always have a bottle on hand.

You will see the stitches on the outside of the shoe. Trust me no one else will be able to see it once the shoe is on your foot. Everyones is like that, even professionals. Just buy the right pink color thread. Most dance stores sell pink thread in a tube by Bunhead for hand sewing. Sew your elastic on the outside of the pointe shoe heel so it doesn't rub the back of your foot