How to Make Reusable DIY Shoe Covers to Keep Your House Clean

Tools and materials:

• Fabric
• Elastic
• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Matching thread
• Iron

1. Cut fabric

Cut a piece of fabric that measures 14x14 inches. This should fit a standard shoe size. 

If you want to make bigger DIY shoe covers, then keep the 14x14 size but increase the width by however inches you need. So, something like 14x16 or 14x18 inches will also work. 

2. Finish the edges

Zigzag stitch your edges, or if you have a serger, then feel free to use that. 

3. Make the DIY reusable shoe covers

Now, fold the square in half, right sides together, and pin along the top edge. 

Next, cut the edges on either side to have more of a curved finish. I’m also using pinking scissors so that the fabric won't fray.

The reason why I’m curving the sides is that if I don't, my bootie will have squared finishes, and it will end up looking like elf shoes. 

Now, sew these edges with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Also, ensure you backstitch when you start and finish each side. 

Once your sides are sewn, fold over the top and create a casing for the elastic. How much you fold over depends on the width of your elastic. 

This elastic is a ⅜ width; you can, of course use a much thinner one. 

So, be sure to fold over enough for it to fit. 

Also, the length of this elastic is around 16 inches. If you’re making a bigger shoe cover, then add an extra inch or two. 

Now, press the casing. If you press it down well, you won’t even need to pin the edges (but that’s up to you and your comfort level). 

Now, sew all around the edge and leave an opening to feed through the elastic. 

4. Insert the elastic

Your DIY shoe covers are almost done; we just need to feed the elastic through the casing. So, pin a safety pin to one end of the elastic, and feed it through the gap, and around the casing.

Scrunch the fabric onto the safety pin and slide it through the tunnel as you go along. 

Sew the ends of the elastic together; also backstitch a few times. 

Now, close up the opening by continuing the stitch right on the edge of the casing. 

Tip: Make sure you do not sew over your elastic. 

Just like that, you have your lovely DIY shoe covers that you can offer to guests or to people who typically don’t remove their shoes upon entering your house. This is also great if you’re having work done around your house. 

Also, you can opt for nylon fabric, as this is somewhat waterproof and is extra useful for those wet, miserable days. Just make sure to make the right sides the rough sides; you don’t want anyone slipping with these DIY reusable shoe covers.

DIY shoe covers

Thank you for joining me on this tutorial on how to make sew covers. I hope you found it useful. Good luck!