Ballet flats

In my Make 9, I challenged myself to learn to make shoes. I mean, how hard it could be? I found this Ballet flats pattern by Living DIY Style and decided to try it. Jenni from Nuppu Print Company gave me this little piece of canvas for free for this project.

It took a few tryouts to get the fit right. I started with size 8 and made a mock-up. Then after a try-out, I made it slightly smaller.

For this pair, I used Nuppu print company canvas that I got for free, as it was a small and partly damaged piece. However, it had enough fabric to make a pair of ballet flats! I interfaced the slippers with this Vilene H 640 fusible interfacing that adds a bit of structure to the canvas. The lining is a piece of scrap cotton that I had in my stash.

For some added structure, I also decided to make insoles. After consulting the interwebs, I cut the sole pieces out of cardboard. I covered the cardboard with light green fabric and glued it on. After the glue was dry, I slipped the insoles in. They stay well in place without any glue.

I decided to make these into indoor slippers, so I only made a fabric sole to them. The next time, however, I want to add proper rubber soles. For that, I think I need to extend the upper piece a bit, as now the sole curves slightly upwards at the toes. I might also shape the heel and make it a bit rounder. Using double-sided fusible web between the lining and the interfacing might make the slippers look more professionally made.

I love how these look and feel like real shoes and can’t wait to make more of these! With different straps and embellishments I could make so many different pairs. And what is the best thing: making a pair doesn’t take long!

This is all for today! Thank you for reading, happy sewing and enjoy the spring!

Katja