Do you want to make your baby shoes look more professional? I’ve got couple of great tips and tricks for you today. For most of them, you’ll find me over at Everyday Art sharing all the fun things I’ve learned about making baby shoes over the past few years.
But before you go, I have a tutorial for making professional baby shoes that you don’t want to miss.
Have you ever noticed how most baby shoe patterns leave a raw edge at the top of the shoes? This isn’t as noticeable if you’re making them out of leather and you have a really clean cut line, but sometimes it’s pretty noticeable. Especially when the felt lining starts to get fuzzy or the cotton you’ve used as the outer starts to fray. The fix to this problem is pretty easy actually, and only adds a couple of steps to the process but it makes a huge difference in making a more professional-looking baby shoe.
So let’s get started! I’ve used several different patterns over the years, and they’re (obviously) not all the same, but I’ve never seen this included on a pattern I’ve used. So let’s call it my little secret.
The Secret to Professional Baby Shoe Construction
- Most patterns have you start by fusing your lining (usually felt) and your outer material together. Do it for the soles, but skip this step for the uppers.
- When you’re cutting out your pattern, cut 1/8″-1/4″ outside the pattern on all edges that will be “exposed” on the finished shoe. Here’s an example:
- Now cut out your upper lining and outer fabrics separately–there’s no need to fuse them or even to cut one from the fusible material.
- Right sides together, sew along the inner curve of the shoe upper (anywhere that will be a finished edge of the shoes).
- Clip your curves, then turn the uppers so the right sides are out. Then topstitch around the same curve for a finished look.
- You may find it easier to baste all the way around the uppers at this point to keep your layers together, but it’s optional. Finish making your shoes as instructed.
You’ll be amazed at how this simple process will help you make professional baby shoes!
Hi Lisa, Thanks for these tips on making baby shoes! I love this! Can’t wait to try it. I have a new grandson, what would you suggest to make boy shoes look boyish with this pattern?
Thank you,
Deborah :o)
HI Deborah, thanks for your comment! I think boy shoes would be super cute with chevrons on the side or with racing stripes. I’m going to have to make a few boy pairs for some friends, so it’s fun to start thinking about boy designs…
Do you have any ideas for boy’s shoes? I’m in need of making some shoes for my little boy, and I can’t make a pattern to save my life. 🙂 I’m glad I found your post for some ideas from the Take a Look Tuesday link party.
Hi Anne, I’m glad you found me! I think boy shoes would be super cute with stripes or chevrons on the side or capped toes…I’m going to have to make a few pairs of boy shoes now!
These are soooo cute!