How to Make Cute DIY Slide Sandals With African Ankara Fabric Bows
There’s something so attractive about open-toe slip-on shoes. They’re so easy to put on and with a glimpse of toe cleavage, super sexy. These DIY slides are so pretty you could wear them to a wedding. Don’t be daunted by the long list of items needed. Once you get the hang of it, it won’t take you long to make these beautiful African fabric slides. Let's get started.
Tools and materials:
- Rubber slides (slip on open toe slides)
- 1 yard of Ankara fabric (you’ll have scraps leftover)
- Measuring tape
- Rubber glue
- Brush
- Hot glue and hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Marker
- Paper
- Pins
- Clips
- Heavy-duty sewing needle
- Heavy duty thread
- Sewing machine (optional for bows)
- Needle pliers
- Thimble
- Rhinestone fabric (optional)
1. Make the insole (footbed) pattern
Lay two pieces of paper on top of each other. Lay one of the slides on top of the paper.
Trace out the shape with the marker. Pin the pattern to the second piece of paper.
Draw ¼ inch inside the traced outline of the slide.
Cut out the paper along the inner line you drew. Remove the pins. You should have 2 pieces of the insole pattern.
2. Make the bow pattern
Fold a piece of paper 36 inches long in half lengthwise to measure about 18 inches by 6 inches wide when folded. You’ll use this pattern twice to make two fabric bows.
Measure the strap across the top.
Measure the strap across the bottom.
Measure the length of the strap with a vertical measurement.
Divide all your measurements by 2.
Mark on the paper based on your half measurements on both sides. Watch from 3:33 to 4:53 for an indepth explanation of how to draw it.
Draw curves across the top and bottom freehand.
Cut out the edges.
3. Cut the fabric
Lay the insole pattern on folded Ankara fabric. Pin in place. Cut it out.
Place the paper pattern of the bow on the folded fabric. You’ll have 4 pieces for the bows.
Place two pieces right sides together with ¼ inch seam allowance. Pin in place. Sew, leaving a 2 inch space unsewn.
Use the unsewn space to turn each bow to the right side. Topstitch the space closed.
4. Attach the insoles
Using a paintbrush, apply the rubber glue to the first footbed.
Carefully place the fabric insole inside, pressing down. Repeat for the second slide. Make sure there are no bumps or bubbles and it is completely smooth.
5. Attach the bows
Lay the center of the bow with the strap measurements directly on top of the strap. The bow area should be wider.
Clip the fabric strap in place.
Handsew the outside edge along the foot bed using the heavy duty needle and thread. You may want to use the pliers to help you pull the needle in and out through the rubber.
Once that’s secured, hot glue the fabric across the strap.
Hot glue the fabric to other outside edge of the foot bed at the strap end.
Using the pliers, needle, and thread, sew the inside edge down.
Grab the fabric in both hands and tie into a bow.
Secure the cross-over tie with hot glue and press down to make sure it sticks.
Continue to finish the bow.
6. Attach rhinestones (optional)
This step is totally optional but so much fun! Cut the rhinestone trim to your preferred length and width.
Glue in your desired location. Press the rhinestones, right side showing, into place. Trim any excess.
DIY slide sandals
You’ve just made beautiful Ankara slides. Please let me know in the comments if you made these and how much fun they are to wear.
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