How to Make Stylish, DIY Lace-up Ballet Flats in 10 Minutes
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
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.
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.
3. Attach the loops
Sew the straps the best you can, always starting on the inside to better hide the knots.
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 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!
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Ballet flats
- Fabric chalk
- Suede cord
- Scissors
- Sewing needle/thread
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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👍️🌺.
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.