https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/how-to-widen-your-shoes-retro-fabulous-style • Posted by Nina Ten
It's a common story; buying shoes off the net, no trying on, they're just a little too small and stuffing them with newspaper just won't cut it. So....I did something more invasive. TAKE NOTE: this is a very permanent procedure. So, I picked the main colour on the shoes and got some ribbon folded my own bows (which are pretty kick ass, I might post a tutorial on them later) and went all Vivien-Leigh-Streetcar-Named-Desire on their asses. Have fun!
It's a common story; buying shoes off the net, no trying on, they're just a little too small and stuffing them with newspaper just won't cut it. So....I did something more invasive. TAKE NOTE: this is a very permanent procedure. So, I picked the main colour on the shoes and got some ribbon folded my own bows (which are pretty kick ass, I might post a tutorial on them later) and went all Vivien-Leigh-Streetcar-Named-Desire on their asses. Have fun!
Ok...so you start out with your basic heels. These are a pair of TUK Pinup wedges. Cut a slit halfway down the middle of the front of the shoe. Then cut a little off either side to form a triangle. Slip on the shoes and test for size. If they are a still a little too small, cut into a wider triangle.
Next get your fishingline or tigertail (I've used tigertail, see the black loop) and stitch along the edge, just to hold it together. I've used backstitch, but essentially you can just do a running stitch. Or better yet, be lazy and seal with glue! Or do both! NOTE: I've found that it helps to use the pliers to pull the needle through the shoe.
By now they should look something like this!
Apologies I didn't take photos for these next few steps but they're pretty easy. Get the 10mm ribbon (you can actually go thinner but either way you can fold this one in half)and cut four lengths.Each pair will be a set of 'laces'. Cut one pair aprox 2cm and the other pair aprox 3-4cm depending on how wide you've pulled the shoes appart. The first two,with a shorter length will be the bottom 'lacing'. Glue one down, it'll be shaped like this '/'. Put a dab in each corner of the ribbon and fold it over if you want the ribbon thinner. Repeat, crossing it over the other way, it'll look like this '\'. Repeat with the longer ribbon and glue a length of ribbon over the edges to make it look nice and tidy. Take a look to your left and you should see 'sort-of' how it would look.
Glue your bow on top (or sew it on, whatever you want) and VIOLA. Very cute retro looking shoes, of course it helps mine has pinups printed all over them but hey! Have fun with it!