written by balletboy  on 24.04. at 20:07:53

   In the back, where the leather or canvas comes together, there's usually a thick piece of material.  This is at the very back of the shoe, above the heel.  Take this thick strap-like area and fold it down onto the insole of the shoe, and you'll see that the sides of the shoe make a triangle.  It's at this point that you tie the back-elastics.

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME.....  (This area can be confusing when trying to put it into words....too bad we can't just have a video!)

The only other thing I would suggest is that I sew the front or arch-elastics so that the slipper fits firmly into my arch.  Like you say, when the slipper is on, it's pretty easy to identify the right site.

One word of CAUTION: Use a thimble!  Oh, and make sure the stitches from the elastics do not go into the drawstrings.

Good luck!  balletboy

>The drawstrings should be tightened - but not to a point of discomfort.  When you are satisfied they are correctly tight (not crimpting your feet) then tie them off and cut - and tuck in the ends.  As for sewing the crossed elastics - turn down the heel flap across the top of the shoe.  Now where that triangle is formed is where the  end of the elastic is sewn - one on each side.  Now put the shoe on your foot and see where you need the other end sewn.  It will depend to some extent on the height of the arch of your foot.  Where it needs to be - mark the shoe lightly - take off the shoe and sew.  Basheva>>>Can anyone please answer some basic ballet slipper questions for me -- I am rather clueless:>>1) What's the best way to sew on double (crossed) elastics on a canvas slipper?>>2) I have been told to tuck the drawstring ends under, but am I supposed to tighten and knot them in a permanent matter (they are rather long when I tighten them) and can I cut off some of the excess length?>>Thanks in advance!