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Ballet equipment4 minutes
Ballet shoes: How to properly sew and prepare ribbons
By Mary De LucaUpdated
- New ballet slippers must be individually adjusted, as the included elastic and satin ribbons are supplied loose by the manufacturer.
- The elastic bands are sewn crosswise or as a single loop just in front of the heel and on the inside of the shoe at the midfoot.
- Satin ribbons are attached at an angle at the highest point of the arch and sewn in such a way that they gently support the foot when stretching.
- The ribbons are tied flat and the ends are hidden invisibly inside the shoe or under the wraps to avoid tripping hazards during training.
To ensure your new training shoes do not slip off your heel when pointing and stretching, the elastic straps must be adjusted exactly to the shape of your foot. With a needle and thread, you can get your slippers ready for the dance floor in no time at all.
What you need to prepare your dance shoes
- A pair of new, unsewn ballet slippers
- Matching satin ribbons and elastic bands
- Tear-resistant sewing thread in the color of the slippers
- A sharp sewing needle and sharp fabric scissors
- A few pins for temporary fixing
- A lighter to seal the ends of the ribbons
Why ballet slippers need to be individually fitted
If you start ballet as an adult, you will quickly realize that new ballet slippers are rarely ready to use immediately. The elastic bands and elegant satin ribbons are usually included loose in the box or are only pre-sewn on one side. There is a simple reason for this: every foot is anatomically unique. Only by individually measuring and attaching the ribbons to your own foot does the shoe get the exact support you need for work at the ballet barre. If you would like to get some general information beforehand, you will find valuable tips on purchasing in our guide Ballet shoes for adults.
When preparing the slippers, precision is key. Elastic bands sewn too tightly cut into the skin and can irritate the Achilles tendon, while ribbons that are too loose cause the shoe to slip off at the heel when pointing your foot. Therefore, take enough time for the adjustment in front of the mirror. A perfectly fitting slipper hugs your foot like a second skin and supports you optimally with every movement, without constricting your toes or joints.
5 steps to the perfect hold
Marking attachment points for elastic bands
Fold the heel part of the slipper forward flat onto the insole. Mark the crease edges on the left and right with a pen, because these are exactly the points where the elastic bands will be attached.
Measuring and pinning the elastic band
Pin the elastic band to the marked points using pins. Carefully put on the slipper and adjust the tension of the elastic so that the heel does not slip out when you stretch your foot.
Sewing elastics flat into the shoe
Sew the elastic bands in place using small, tight backstitches. Make sure not to sew through the hem channel of the drawstring, so that you can still adjust the width of the shoe later.
Positioning satin ribbons at the arch angle
Place the satin ribbons at the highest point of your arch. Pin them at a slight forward angle so that they lie flat against your skin when you wrap them later.
Securing satin ribbons with a cross stitch
Sew the satin ribbons firmly using a square stitch pattern to distribute the pulling load evenly. An additional cross in the center of the square ensures maximum tear resistance while dancing.
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1. Feb 2027, 18:00 - 1. Jan 2028, 21:00Kawkab.Elfan · Pyramidfrom $800.00Do's and don'ts for sewing on ribbons
Correct
- Attach the ribbons at an angle to the arch of the foot
- Sew only through the inner lining and the canvas fabric
- Test the tension of the elastic while standing and stretching
Wrong
- Sewing the ribbons on so they point straight up
- Accidentally sewing the elastic drawstring into the hem
- Sewing the elastics so tightly that your foot falls asleep
Checklist for perfectly fitting dance shoes
Before sewing
Preparation
While adjusting
Adjustment
After adjusting
Check
Frequently Asked Questions
Satin ribbons are crossed flat, wrapped around the leg twice just above the ankle, and secured on the inside of the ankle with a double knot. Tuck the ends under the wrapping.
Use strong, tear-resistant sewing thread in the color of your slippers, ideally buttonhole thread or special elastic thread, as well as a sharp sewing needle that glides easily through leather or linen.
Sew the elastic bands so that they lie flat on the instep and exert gentle tension without cutting into the skin. If your toes curl while standing, the elastic is too tight.
Read more
Ballet attire for adults: slippers and gear
Leather, canvas, or stretch: Comparing ballet slipper materialsBallet warm-up wear: The best pieces for your warm-up
Full vs. Split Sole Ballet Shoes: Which Is Better?
Washing ballet wear: How to care for leotards and tightsLeotard cuts: Which design flatters your figure
7 costly mistakes when buying your first ballet gear