Sewing the Ribbons

Two and one half yards of 7/8" wide pink satin/grosgrain ribbon is needed for each pair of pointe shoes. This type ribbon is shiny satin on one side and rough grosgrain on the other. The grosgrain side will be placed toward the leg to help grip the tights and hold the shoe in place.

1. Place the two ends of the ribbon together. Fold the ribbon in half. Cut into two equal length pieces.

2. Fold each piece in half and cut again. You should now have four 22½" lengths of ribbon.

3. Next, take the pointe shoe and fold the heel forward from the end of the shank. Place the ribbon inside the shoe next to the edge of the heel and lightly mark the shoe on each side of the ribbon with a pen or pencil.

4. Take one section of ribbon. Fold under one end about 5/8" shiny sides together. Fold under again.

5. Place the folded end between marks on the shoe. The fold should be even with the bias tape edging of the shoe. The shiny side of the ribbon should face outward, toward the outside of the shoe. The grosgrain side faces inward.

6. With a double strand of thread, sew small whipstitches around the two sides and bottom of the ribbon. Go through all thicknesses of ribbon, but only through the white canvas shoe lining. Stitches should not go through the satin to the outside.

When sewing across the top, use a running stitch catching only a little of the bias tape casing. Be careful not to sew through the drawstring, as this will prevent proper adjustment. You'll know that you've stuck your needle into the drawstring if it becomes difficult to pull the needle through the casing.

7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 with the other 3 lengths of ribbon.

8. To prevent raveling, run the ribbon ends very quickly through a match flame which will melt the nylon fibers. Caution: This should be done only by an adult.