Difference between revisions of "Make Shoes"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
#*If you're new to shoe making, it's probably best to stick to something simple. A basic laced shoe goes without some of the finesse of more complicated types, and you can still add plenty of flair to a basic formula. | #*If you're new to shoe making, it's probably best to stick to something simple. A basic laced shoe goes without some of the finesse of more complicated types, and you can still add plenty of flair to a basic formula. | ||
#Design, find or purchase a blueprint for your shoe. Before you think about making your shoe, it's important you have an accurate and well-detailed set of plans to work on. After all, you don't want to be making design decisions on the go; shoemaking is a very precise business, and the slightest mishap could keep the shoe from turning out well. | #Design, find or purchase a blueprint for your shoe. Before you think about making your shoe, it's important you have an accurate and well-detailed set of plans to work on. After all, you don't want to be making design decisions on the go; shoemaking is a very precise business, and the slightest mishap could keep the shoe from turning out well. | ||
| − | #*Basic shoe templates are available on the internet. Do a search and look up some 'recipes'. If nothing else, it might give you inspiration for your own design. <ref>http://sneakerfactory.net/sneakers/2015/04/how-to-make-a-shoe-pattern/</ref> | + | #*Basic shoe templates are available on the internet. Do a search and look up some 'recipes'. If nothing else, it might give you inspiration for your own design. <ref name="rf1">http://sneakerfactory.net/sneakers/2015/04/how-to-make-a-shoe-pattern/</ref> |
#*Online art outlets like www.etsy.com may have more elaborate shoe templates for sale. | #*Online art outlets like www.etsy.com may have more elaborate shoe templates for sale. | ||
#*Designing your own is only recommended if you've made a shoe before. If that's what you're ultimately looking to do, try stitching together something basic with a free template, and put that experience towards making your own the second time around. | #*Designing your own is only recommended if you've made a shoe before. If that's what you're ultimately looking to do, try stitching together something basic with a free template, and put that experience towards making your own the second time around. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
#*Remember to get at least twice as much as you think, so you'll have enough to make a pair! | #*Remember to get at least twice as much as you think, so you'll have enough to make a pair! | ||
===Making A Foot Cast=== | ===Making A Foot Cast=== | ||
| − | #Make a custom last. A last is a block in the shape of a human foot shoemakers use to guide their work. To do this, you'll want to make a cast mould of your foot; that way, the shoes you'll be making will be custom-fitted for you personally. Get a box filled with an alginate jelly and place your foot in, ideally up to the ankle. Let your foot rest for 20 minutes while the jelly solidifies, then slowly remove your foot. <ref>http://lastmakingschool.com/history-of-Lastmaking-.htm</ref> | + | #Make a custom last. A last is a block in the shape of a human foot shoemakers use to guide their work. To do this, you'll want to make a cast mould of your foot; that way, the shoes you'll be making will be custom-fitted for you personally. Get a box filled with an alginate jelly and place your foot in, ideally up to the ankle. Let your foot rest for 20 minutes while the jelly solidifies, then slowly remove your foot. <ref name="rf2">http://lastmakingschool.com/history-of-Lastmaking-.htm</ref> |
#*Make sure to remove your foot slowly; you don't want to damage anything once it solidifies. | #*Make sure to remove your foot slowly; you don't want to damage anything once it solidifies. | ||
#*It's highly recommended you do this for both feet at the same time. The idle time is best to get over with early on in the process. | #*It's highly recommended you do this for both feet at the same time. The idle time is best to get over with early on in the process. | ||
| Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
#Cut out your leather and fabrics. Using your template or personal design, cut each necessary section of fabric or leather out using a surgical knife or scalpel. You may find it helpful to use a ruler or protractor to help you with the incisions. | #Cut out your leather and fabrics. Using your template or personal design, cut each necessary section of fabric or leather out using a surgical knife or scalpel. You may find it helpful to use a ruler or protractor to help you with the incisions. | ||
#*While cutting your pattern, you should leave at least an inch of extra material along the bottom edge of the shoe, as well as a centimetre or so, where the different pieces of the upper join together. This will be your seam allowance. | #*While cutting your pattern, you should leave at least an inch of extra material along the bottom edge of the shoe, as well as a centimetre or so, where the different pieces of the upper join together. This will be your seam allowance. | ||
| − | #Stitch pieces together. <ref>https://www.shoesofprey.com/content/bespoke</ref> A fluid stitch is one of the most skill-testing parts of making your own shoe. Be meticulous and slow as you're piecing it together; while it may be easier to go faster, bad stitching will certainly show in the final product, and your shoe won't look as good as it should Try to get the stitches as close to the end of each piece of fabric as you can. Overlaps might leave unnecessary ridges on the shoe. If you intentionally cut your pieces to be slightly bigger than necessary for the sake of having stitching space, remember to take that into account. You don't want to end up with a shoe that's too big, or too small for the sole. | + | #Stitch pieces together. <ref name="rf3">https://www.shoesofprey.com/content/bespoke</ref> A fluid stitch is one of the most skill-testing parts of making your own shoe. Be meticulous and slow as you're piecing it together; while it may be easier to go faster, bad stitching will certainly show in the final product, and your shoe won't look as good as it should Try to get the stitches as close to the end of each piece of fabric as you can. Overlaps might leave unnecessary ridges on the shoe. If you intentionally cut your pieces to be slightly bigger than necessary for the sake of having stitching space, remember to take that into account. You don't want to end up with a shoe that's too big, or too small for the sole. |
#*While fabric won't be any problem to stitch through, you may have an issue with leather. Leather is notoriously sturdy, and you won't be able to stitch it fluidly. Rather, it's recommended you punch holes in it before connecting it to your other pieces. | #*While fabric won't be any problem to stitch through, you may have an issue with leather. Leather is notoriously sturdy, and you won't be able to stitch it fluidly. Rather, it's recommended you punch holes in it before connecting it to your other pieces. | ||
#Make eyelets. Eyelets are the holes you'll need to fix your laces through. Chances are your shoe design will use these. Evenly space the eyelets apart from one another (just less than an inch, in most cases) and offer enough of them (4-5) to encase most of the laces. If you're the DIY type, you can make these incisions with a scalpel easily enough. If you're going for a more professional-looking product however, there are specific eyelet-making tools you can order from a specialty outlet. | #Make eyelets. Eyelets are the holes you'll need to fix your laces through. Chances are your shoe design will use these. Evenly space the eyelets apart from one another (just less than an inch, in most cases) and offer enough of them (4-5) to encase most of the laces. If you're the DIY type, you can make these incisions with a scalpel easily enough. If you're going for a more professional-looking product however, there are specific eyelet-making tools you can order from a specialty outlet. | ||
| − | #Cut out your sole. <ref>http://howdidyoumakethis.com/diy-shoes-part-1-intro-supply-list/</ref> If you purchased a pre-fabricated sole or nabbed a pair from old shoes, you won't need to worry about this step. If you're trying to make a purely homemade set of shoes however, picking up a few sheets of cork is your best bet. Cork has a comfortable amount of cushion, and it's waterproof. | + | #Cut out your sole. <ref name="rf4">http://howdidyoumakethis.com/diy-shoes-part-1-intro-supply-list/</ref> If you purchased a pre-fabricated sole or nabbed a pair from old shoes, you won't need to worry about this step. If you're trying to make a purely homemade set of shoes however, picking up a few sheets of cork is your best bet. Cork has a comfortable amount of cushion, and it's waterproof. |
#*If you have the fabric stitched together already, you can use that as a point of reference while making your incisions, although you should ultimately rely on the empirical measurements laid out in your template. | #*If you have the fabric stitched together already, you can use that as a point of reference while making your incisions, although you should ultimately rely on the empirical measurements laid out in your template. | ||
#*Your last should come in handy here as well. Cut the sole out of the cork sheet, leaving a little extra space around the last so your foot will ultimately have some breathing room. | #*Your last should come in handy here as well. Cut the sole out of the cork sheet, leaving a little extra space around the last so your foot will ultimately have some breathing room. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
#*Give the glued cork soles some time to solidify once you've finished gluing them. | #*Give the glued cork soles some time to solidify once you've finished gluing them. | ||
#*You can make a shoe heel by adding an extra layer to the posterior third of the sole. | #*You can make a shoe heel by adding an extra layer to the posterior third of the sole. | ||
| − | #Stitch and glue your pieces together.<ref | + | #Stitch and glue your pieces together.<ref name="rf4" /> Stitching the fabric to your sole won't work, at least not by itself. It's recommended you pick up a shoe-specific adhesive to glue your fabric to the sole. Apply the glue slowly and evenly. This will maximize the waterproof seal for your shoe, and keep it sturdy. If your blueprint suggests any additional stitches, do those as well. |
#*Make use of the last inside the shoe as you're putting it together. It will make a great point of reference and support while you're getting the tricky stitches done. | #*Make use of the last inside the shoe as you're putting it together. It will make a great point of reference and support while you're getting the tricky stitches done. | ||
#*If you're a real pro with stitches, don't be afraid to spice up your stitching style. Stitches themselves can be an interesting aesthetic tool. If you're feeling more daring than the rest of us, you can experiment with irregular stitching patterns, so long as they're fundamentally sturdy enough to do their practical job. | #*If you're a real pro with stitches, don't be afraid to spice up your stitching style. Stitches themselves can be an interesting aesthetic tool. If you're feeling more daring than the rest of us, you can experiment with irregular stitching patterns, so long as they're fundamentally sturdy enough to do their practical job. | ||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
#*If you were frustrated making the first shoe, you should find making the second is a lot more enjoyable. | #*If you were frustrated making the first shoe, you should find making the second is a lot more enjoyable. | ||
===Putting Finishing Touches on Your Creation=== | ===Putting Finishing Touches on Your Creation=== | ||
| − | #Waterproof your shoes with a sealant spray. A leather-based shoe will own with its own natural waterproofing abilities, but you're going to want to do everything you can to make sure water isn't able to get in. Getting a relatively inexpensive sealant spray and give your shoes a thorough going-over is a smart idea, especially if you live in a wetter part of the world. <ref>http://www.craftyladyabby.com/2012/11/fashion-shoe-makeover-tutorials-paint.html</ref> | + | #Waterproof your shoes with a sealant spray. A leather-based shoe will own with its own natural waterproofing abilities, but you're going to want to do everything you can to make sure water isn't able to get in. Getting a relatively inexpensive sealant spray and give your shoes a thorough going-over is a smart idea, especially if you live in a wetter part of the world. <ref name="rf5">http://www.craftyladyabby.com/2012/11/fashion-shoe-makeover-tutorials-paint.html</ref> |
| − | #Add decorative touches to your shoes. Let's face it; most of the time you're making something from home, it's because you want to put your own unique spin on it. You have plenty of chance to do so even after the shoe is made. <ref | + | #Add decorative touches to your shoes. Let's face it; most of the time you're making something from home, it's because you want to put your own unique spin on it. You have plenty of chance to do so even after the shoe is made. <ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #*Taking a leather paint and adding an inventive design to the sides of the shoes is a fun and effective way to add style to your creation. <ref>http://angelusdirect.com/collections/paint</ref> | + | #*Taking a leather paint and adding an inventive design to the sides of the shoes is a fun and effective way to add style to your creation. <ref name="rf6">http://angelusdirect.com/collections/paint</ref> |
| − | #*There are countless ways you can stylize your shoes. Look online for some ideas if you're in need of inspiration. <ref>https://www.pinterest.com/artsychick31/diy-decorating-shoes/</ref> | + | #*There are countless ways you can stylize your shoes. Look online for some ideas if you're in need of inspiration. <ref name="rf7">https://www.pinterest.com/artsychick31/diy-decorating-shoes/</ref> |
| − | #Take them for a test walk! Now that your spiffy creations are finally finished, it's time for the defining moment of trying them on and putting them to use. Try walking down the hallway or the street and get a hang for the way they feel. Are they comfortable? Do you think they could keep out water if you accidentally stepped in a puddle? If this is your first time making shoes, it's perfectly normal for there to be issues. If you're not satisfied with the end result, you can always put the expertise you've gained to good use and make another pair. <ref>http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/walking-shoes.html</ref> | + | #Take them for a test walk! Now that your spiffy creations are finally finished, it's time for the defining moment of trying them on and putting them to use. Try walking down the hallway or the street and get a hang for the way they feel. Are they comfortable? Do you think they could keep out water if you accidentally stepped in a puddle? If this is your first time making shoes, it's perfectly normal for there to be issues. If you're not satisfied with the end result, you can always put the expertise you've gained to good use and make another pair. <ref name="rf8">http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/walking-shoes.html</ref> |
#*If it's just the insole that's uncomfortable, you can buy gel-based insoles (like Dr. Scholl's) to give your feet some much-welcomed cushion. | #*If it's just the insole that's uncomfortable, you can buy gel-based insoles (like Dr. Scholl's) to give your feet some much-welcomed cushion. | ||
| Line 55: | Line 55: | ||
==Warnings== | ==Warnings== | ||
| − | *Making shoes from scratch can be an incredibly challenging thing to do, particularly if you're not usually inclined towards arts and crafts. It may take a few times to get the proper hang of it, so keep trying and don't sweat it if you mess up the first time. Learn from your mistakes, and try practicing your skills with measurement and stitching a bit before jumping in again if you're unsure. <ref>http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/mar/14/stuart-heritage-homemade-life-making-shoes</ref> | + | *Making shoes from scratch can be an incredibly challenging thing to do, particularly if you're not usually inclined towards arts and crafts. It may take a few times to get the proper hang of it, so keep trying and don't sweat it if you mess up the first time. Learn from your mistakes, and try practicing your skills with measurement and stitching a bit before jumping in again if you're unsure. <ref name="rf9">http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/mar/14/stuart-heritage-homemade-life-making-shoes</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
*[[Find the Perfect Shoes]] | *[[Find the Perfect Shoes]] | ||
