Could someone talk me through sewing elastic bits on ballet shoes?

[Stompythedinosaur]

There is probably proper terminology that I don't know.

My dds have started a ballet class and I've got the shoes the teacher recommended. They've come with bits of elastic that seem like they would go over the top of the foot but are only attached on one side. I think I need to sew these on?

Do I just stick the shoes on my dds and sew the elastic so it fits tightly? I'd really appreciate any advice about how loose or tight they should be, and whether I machine sew or hand sew, and why stitch to use.

I am ok at sewing but I total ballet novice. My dds are 6 and 4, should that matter.

TIA

Yes that’s right and hand stitched is fine

Not really tight - just not loose! And don’t stitch through the cord that runs round the opening of the shoe - or you won’t be able to pull the drawstrings that tie at the front

Fold the back part of the ballet shoe inwards flat against the inner sole so it looks like a triangle and then lay the elastic flat across from the attached side to the opposite. This will be where you need to sew it. Don't stretch it.

Hope that helps! (And makes sense).

Change is correct.

Get on YouTube and watch a tutorial in how to fold and sew them, like you I was unsure but it's easy once you've seen it done.

I have just looked on you tube and there is a tutorial by the premiere dance school which looks pretty good.

You can, however buy shoes that have elastic already sewn on. You need to pull the little laces, tie them neatly and smooth the shoes to a good, smooth fit without gaping before elastic goes on. Although, for half an hour skipping stage around a room it doesn't matter too much.

Basically you should be able to get a finger under when they are on but no looser. Make sure DD tries them on wearing the socks or tights that she will wear during lessons

They are stitched on one side like that when you buy them so that it shows the correct position for the elastic. The other end is left loose so you can sew it yourself depending on the shape of your foot. The elastic needs to be a snug fit - not so loose the shoe flops about or comes off easily, and not so tight it cuts the blood supply off!! Make sure you don't sew through the drawstring, and once the drawstrings are pulled up and tied (in a bow so you can undo them and adjust the fit as their feet grow), tuck the ends inside the shoe. If you aren't sure then ask the teacher to show you.

Did you buy the shoes from a dancewear shop? Normally the fitter would show you what to do and how to sew elastic (and later on, ribbons).

Presewn for littles are the way forward! But the others have explained it well! Welcome to the ballet world.... if you can sew, it'll be tutus and costumes before you know it!

You are all a bunch of heroes!

Very, very useful advice. I'll have a stab at it tomorrow.

So Danca do a nice full sole leather shoe, pre sewn elastics and no drawstrings (ballet shoe pattern in the sole).

Otherwise folding the heel down is a good hide for placement (lots of you tube tutorials on sewing elastics)
I use waxed thread for sewing elastics and ribbons, too. Bun heads do a good version, available at most dance shops.

lots of similar video's on you tube

Was going to give the exact advice as change.

@endehors Why waxed thread? I'm up for anything that makes it easier... may be putting off sewing the show shoes

Diversion It's really strong and thick, and the waxy coating helps adhere to the shoe and feels very secure. I've heard some people mention using dental floss, but I don't know and haven't tried. The bunheads stitch kit contains the wax coated thread, but I bought a huge ball of similar stuff somewhere which has lasted ages, I think it's nylon, wax coated (I'll try to remember the brand).

Just another thank you - I have sewn them on and all looks fine.

I appreciate the people who took the time to answer with clear instructions.

Agree miaow. I haven't sewn ballet slipper elastics in ages ( only really satin, with ribbons, or those for shows as has been mentioned, or pointe shoes).
Do you remember we used to darn the toes of pointe shoes as standard, too (ok we still have ribbons and elastics). Though I know some people still do it.

Just get the presewn ones in future
That's great... if they actually fit. The different makes suit different shaped feet, and you need to get a style that fits properly - ideally from a trained fitter at a dancewear shop.
Otherwise the shoes are uncomfortable (& look ugly too). And you can't use your feet or dance properly if the shoes aren't right - and this is needed right from the beginning so the teacher can see and check that you aren't clenching or bunching your toes for instance, or whether you are pronating.

just had to google what pronating means! we have issues getting ballet shoes to fit, very hard with long thin shallow feet with toes that taper (is that the right word?) I do wish you could buy normal ballet shoes that were actually foot shaped

I think we possibly have similar shoe issues for one child, nonickname. We get feet measured and fitted at the shop and found a stretch canvas split sole works best for child.