How to Make Stylish, DIY Lace-up Ballet Flats in 10 Minutes

Curly Made
by Curly Made
5 Materials
$15
10 Minutes
Easy

Hi, everyone! I've been dying to try out this DIY lace-up shoes tutorial I saw recently, but because my lace-up flats are made of fabric, the method I watched wouldn’t work for me since I can’t just punch a hole through them or the fabric will fray. Instead, I decided to come up with my own technique and see how it goes. If you want to make your own DIY lace-up ballet flats, you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.

Tools and materials:

  • Ballet flats
  • Fabric chalk
  • Suede cord
  • Scissors
  • Sewing needle/thread
lace up flats

1. Mark where you want the loops

I figured the best way to attach the laces would be to sew some small loops on the sides and center of the shoe, so that’s what I did. First, I used some fabric chalk to mark where I wanted the loops. I did one in the center and two on each side.

DIY lace up ballet flats

2. Cut out the loops

Then, I cut small pieces of suede cord, ensuring that they’re all the same size. These will be our loops. I quickly found out that it’s super hard to put the needle through suede, and it took me a lot more time and effort to sew than it would have if I would've used ribbon or a small piece of fabric.

DIY lace up flats

3. Attach the loops

Sew the straps the best you can, always starting on the inside to better hide the knots.

DIY lace up ballet flats

4. Lace the cord

After all the straps/loops are attached, I cut out 2 yards of suede cord and laced it through the straps, crisscrossing in the front. 

DIY lace up shoes

DIY Lace-up Shoes Tutorial

Here’s the finished look! I think these DIY lace up flats look super cute and will look great with my summer outfits. What do you guys think about this lace-up flats technique? Let me know if you try it out!

Suggested materials:
  • Ballet flats
  • Fabric chalk
  • Suede cord
See all materials

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 4 comments
  • Carollynda Carollynda on Jul 02, 2022

    Hmmm... what about using fabric glue and satin ribbon to make loops and then the cord to lace through?? This is cute idea, I like the lace up factor👍️🌺.

  • Joseph Giunta Joseph Giunta on Jul 02, 2022

    I have done similar upgrades to shoes, and I use a leather awl, grommets, and a grommet press to make sturdy holes. That will last, and not irritate your feet.

Next