Sewing Your First Pair of Pointe Shoes: A Fool-Proof Guide

Sewing ribbons and elastic onto your first pair of pointe shoes is more than just a necessary task—it’s a long-standing ballet tradition that helps dancers connect with their shoes and the art of dance itself. While it may seem a little intimidating at first, the process is simple once you understand the basics.

Whether you're a beginner preparing for your first class en pointe or a parent helping from home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get a comfortable, secure, and professional-looking finish.

What You’ll Need

• 2 to 2½ yards of 7/8″ wide satin pointe shoe ribbon
• ¾″ wide pointe shoe elastic
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Pencil or pen for marking placement
• Lighter (to seal ribbon ends)
• Strong sewing needle
• Reinforced pointe shoe thread or waxed dental floss

Helpful Tip: Our compact pointe shoe sewing kits are a perfect fit for your dance bag. Each kit includes two large-eye needles, folding magnetic scissors for better organization, and 75 yards of strong, wax-coated thread in pink. We also offer skin-tone shades with a built-in thread cutter and two large-eye needles that provide added convenience, especially for quick fixes at the studio.

Preparing the Ribbons

Begin by cutting your ribbon into four equal lengths. The simplest method is to fold the ribbon in half and cut, then fold each half again and cut once more.

To prevent the ends from fraying, carefully seal the ends of each ribbon using a lighter. Hold the flame just close enough to slightly melt the edge. Adult supervision is recommended for younger dancers.

Marking the Ribbon Placement

Put your pointe shoe on and locate the highest point of your arch—typically near the side seam of your pointe shoe, exact placement should be personal and depends on your foot structure. Placing the ribbon at the highest point of your arch is typically the best place to attach your ribbons because it offers optimal support and will hug the shoe to your arch.

Use a pencil or pen to lightly mark this spot on the inner canvas lining of the shoe.

Another popular method is to fold the heel of the shoe forward toward the toe and mark the point where the fold meets the side seam.

Since every dancer’s foot is unique, placement may vary slightly. If you're unsure, consult your ballet teacher or pointe shoe fitter.

Sewing the Ribbons

Align the end of the ribbon at your marked spot on the inner lining, overlapping an inch of ribbon inside the shoe. Use a whipstitch to sew a secure square around the base of the ribbon. Be careful to stitch only through the inner lining and not through the outer satin. This keeps the outside of the shoe looking clean and professional. Don’t stitch through the binding/drawstring! If you sew through the drawstring you will no longer be able to adjust it.

Once the ribbon is secure, tie off the thread with a strong knot and trim the excess. Repeat this process for all four ribbons—two on each shoe.

Measuring and Cutting the Elastic

With the shoe on, place the elastic about half an inch forward from the heel seam on a slight diagonal. The angled placement helps prevent the elastic from digging into your foot and allows it to flex as you move.

Pull the elastic over your instep to measure how tight it should feel. It should be snug but not restrictive. Mark the spots where the elastic meets the inside of the shoe on both sides, then cut the elastic, leaving about half an inch beyond the marks for sewing allowance.

Double-check placement and fit by trying on the shoe again before sewing.

Sewing the Elastic

Flip the heel of the shoe inside out to give yourself more room to work. Using the same whipstitch method, sew a secure box around each end of the elastic, avoiding the binding, and attaching it to the inner lining. As with the ribbons, avoid stitching through the outer satin.

Repeat the process for the second shoe to ensure even placement and support on both feet.

How to Tie Your Pointe Shoes & How the Finished Shoes Should Feel

Once your ribbon and elastic is securely attached, put on both shoes and tie the ribbons.

To tie pointe shoe ribbons, cross them neatly over the ankle, wrap once, and secure them with a flat double knot inside the ankle, tucking the knot into the small pocket created between the ankle and Achilles tendon. This placement minimizes pressure on the Achilles, enhancing comfort, creating smooth lines, as well as preventing irritation and tendonitis.

The shoe should feel snug and supported, with no gaps or slipping. The elastic should keep the heel in place and prevent the shoe from gaping or twisting during movement.

If anything feels uncomfortable or looks uneven, don’t hesitate to adjust. Pointe shoe sewing is very personal and often takes a bit of trial and error, especially when you’re first starting out.

Why Hand Sewing Is the Preferred Method

While it may be tempting to use a sewing machine, hand-sewing is much safer for your pointe shoes. Reasons not to use a sewing machine:

• Sewing machine thread is not as sturdy as pointe shoe thread
• You will see the stitches on the outside of the shoe
• If the machine is not powerful enough it can jam the machine and damage your precious handmade pointe shoes
• Lack of control (unless you’re an experienced seamstress)

Hand-stitching gives you more control and helps preserve the integrity of the shoe. Hand sewing preserves a long-standing ballet tradition and shows respect for these handmade tools that take over an hour per pair to create.

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Final Thoughts

Sewing your own pointe shoes is more than just a practical step—it’s a meaningful milestone and a rite of passage for every ballet dancer. The time and care you invest reflects your dedication to your training and your respect for the art of ballet. Each stitch creates a fit that’s tailored specifically to your foot, helping your shoes move with you and support your technique.

It’s completely normal if your first few tries aren’t perfect. Just like in class, learning to sew your pointe shoes takes patience and practice. The more you do it, the more confident and efficient you’ll become.

At Linden’s Dancewear, we’re here to support you through every stage of your dance journey. With over 4,000 pairs of pointe shoes in stock and more than 40 styles available, we’re proud to offer one of the largest pointe shoe selections in the region. Whether it’s your first pair or your tenth, we’re committed to helping you find the right fit.

Schedule a personalized pointe shoe fitting with our Pointe Shoe Expert today to ensure your first pair supports your technique and matches your unique foot shape. You can book your fitting or learn more by visiting us in-store. We look forward to helping you take that first step en pointe—prepared, confident, and ready to dance.

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