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How to Sew Pointe Shoe Ribbons

Step by Step Instructions: Attaching Ribbons to Pointe Ballet Shoes

Mar 12, 2008 Cherilyn Watts

Step by step instructions for sewing ribbons on pointe shoes as well as description of Pointe Snaps, a new product that attaches ribbons to ballet shoes quickly.

For first time ballerinas and their parents attaching ribbons to pointe shoes can seem to be a daunting task, but you don’t have to be an expert seamstress to get it right. The following tips will make you a ribbon sewing pro in no time! And for those of you still scared of sewing check out the alternative way to attach ribbons below.

How to Sew Ribbons on Pointe Shoes

Before you start be sure to gather up the following supplies: ribbon, sissors, thread, sewing needle and a pencil.

Step 1: Cut the ribbon into four equal lengths.
Step 2: Take the pointe shoe and fold in the heel to the inside sole of the shoe. With your pencil, mark the spot where the satin meets the inside cloth on the inner sides of the shoes.
Step 3: Take the end of one ribbon and fold it over ½” to keep the inside from fraying. Place this folded part of the ribbon on the inside of the shoe, where you marked it, shiny side facing out.
Hint: You may want to pin the ribbons in place and tiethem around your ankle as if you were going to dance in them to see if this placement works for you. Some dancers prefer them to be slightly farther forward or farther back.
Step 4: Using needle and thread sew the ribbon into the shoe. Be very careful not to sew though to the outside of the shoe. Keep the needle from piercing through the satin outside. Make sure you sew small stitches all the way around the 4 edges of the ribbon, making a rectangle.
Step 5: Repeat the process of sewing ribbons on the other side of the shoe and the other shoe.
Step 6: To keep the ends of the ribbon from fraying, fold the ends in and make a few small stitches.

Alternative: The No-Sew Way to Attach Ribbons

Pointe Snaps are an alternative way to attach ribbons on your pointe and ballet shoes. They are available at www.pointesnaps.com All you need is a pair of pliers and a package of pointe snaps.

While fairly new, these seem to be taking the dance world by storm. It’s basically a set of snaps that match the color of pointe shoes and according to the website take ten minutes to attach the ribbons.

Whichever method you choose to attach ribbons, be sure to have them checked by your dance teacher before class. And never attempt to dance in pointe shoes without the okay from a dance teacher.

The copyright of the article How to Sew Pointe Shoe Ribbons in Ballet/Jazz/Tap Dance is owned by Cherilyn Watts. Permission to republish How to Sew Pointe Shoe Ribbons in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.