Pointe shoes...sewing the elastics?

Question

I'm not sure if I am sewing the elastics on my pointe shoes right because it is really hard to get the needle through the elastics so please help and explain how I should do it!

Answer 1

JK- I've been sewing for over 40 years... if you can, take them to a shoemaker.  A shoemaker/leather repair shop will have the industrial type of sewing machine to do the job.  If that is not an option.  1)use a heavy duty thread or a hand quilting thread.  2) use a heavy duty needle or a curved needle  3) you may need a thimble to push the needle through or a small pair of plyers or medical hemastats to hold the needle.  Make small stiches and be patient.  Before you get started if the elastic is frayed, either trim it or if you can't afford to shorted the elastice, dab the end of the elastic with a small amount of nail glue/crazy glue before getting started.  Make sure the glue is dry before you sew.  It's an old trick for repairs.  Also if you do manage to repair the elastic dab alittle nail glue over the finished stiches to  protect the repair and the thread from further damage.  good luck.

Answer 2

Hey, don't worry about taking them to a shoemaker or anything its not that hard. Here's a guide that explains it all really well:

http://www.dance.net/read.html?postid=36...

Good Luck ;)

Answer 3

Hi, I have found that, sewing on elastics is a very hard process.  You usually sew the elastics to the back more of the shoe, so it gives more support. I actually broke a needle while I was sewing my pointe shoes, the elastic is very thick, I have found that it actually helps to not go all the way through the satin of the pointe shoe, just the first little bit.

Answer 4

you'll need a heavy-duty needle....and i use dental floss actually to sew my elastics and ribbons. it's extremely durable considering it's being thread through thick elastic and delicate, easily-frayed ribbon. (and it's cheap)

i always found it easier to sew elastics on before the ribbons (or maybe i was superstitious :p ). i sew one side of the elastic on and then put the shoe on and, while pointing my foot, measure where i should sew the other side. you might find it helpful to flip the heel of the shoe inside out, too. once you do it enough, you'll start to learn where you like the elastics and how long they should be to keep your foot secure.

there's no best way to sew on the elastics. i always went around the edge to secure it all to the shoe and then made random stiches just in case. and a big hefty knot.

you can always resuse elastic and ribbons too. just dab some nail polish on the ends of the ribbon to make sure they don't fray.