Prepare Ribbons and Elastics

• 1). Cut four pieces of ribbon approximately 22 inches long each.
  
  
• 2). Cut two pieces of elastic. Size them by putting on your shoes and placing the elastic in the position in which you prefer it. Make sure they are long enough so that you can attach them under the shoe's string.
  
  
• 3). Place a glass of water in easy reach. Light the candle.
  
  
• 4). Pass all the ends of the ribbons and elastics just over the top of the candle flame one at a time. Avoid holding them in the flame, as you don't want to burn the ends of your ribbons and elastics. Simply melt them slightly to prevent fraying. Blow out the candle when you have treated the ends of all the ribbons and elastics you will be using.
  
  
• 5). Dunk a ribbon or elastic in the water if it starts to char or catch on fire.
  
  

Sewing

• 1). Pull a 15- to 20-inch piece of thread through the eye of the needle until the needle is centered on the thread. Make a knot that includes both ends of the thread, and trim off the excess.
  
  
• 2). Use very small stitches, placing them extremely close together for extra security. Run your stitches through the fabric just above the string, not the string itself.
  
  
• 3). Sew the elastic first. You can attach the elastic across the arch of your foot, as you do with soft shoes. Alternatively, use a single elastic, attaching it to the back seam of the shoe and then wrapping it around your ankle.
  
  
• 4). Fold the heel of the shoe so that it lies down flat across the sole of the shoe. Most dancers attach ribbons approximately 1/2-inch forward of the fold. Sew the ribbons shiny side-out. Try on your shoes and check them in a mirror. If your shoe gaps at all when you are on pointe, adjust the position of the ribbons. If this is your first pair of pointe shoes, try stitching them loosely and checking them in a mirror before stitching them more solidly.
  
  
• 5). Consult your teacher to make sure your shoes are correctly sewn and fitted before your first pointe class.