Attaching elastic to pointe shoes is a crucial step for dancers, providing essential support and ensuring the shoe stays securely on the foot during all movements. Proper placement and sewing technique are vital for both comfort and performance.
Why Elastics Are Essential for Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoe elastics serve a fundamental purpose: they help keep the shoes securely on the dancer's foot, preventing them from slipping off during intricate steps, jumps, and turns. Without properly attached elastics, a pointe shoe would easily fall off, compromising stability and increasing the risk of injury. They provide a snug fit around the heel, complementing the ribbons that tie around the ankle.
Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools for a successful attachment:
| Material/Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Elastic | Opt for a strong, durable elastic, typically about ¾” wide. Many dancers prefer standard elastic, but some might choose specific types like mesh elastic for better airflow or softer elastic for sensitive skin. |
| Needle | A strong, sharp needle designed for heavy-duty fabric, such as a darning needle or a leather needle. |
| Thread | Strong, waxed, or heavy-duty thread that matches the color of your pointe shoes or a neutral color like beige or white. Dental floss can also be used for extra durability. |
| Scissors | Sharp fabric scissors for precise cutting. |
| Pencil/Pen | A fabric pencil or regular pen to mark placement on the shoe. |
| Thimble (Optional) | Recommended for protecting your finger when pushing the needle through the stiff canvas of the shoe. |
| Measuring Tape | For accurate measurements of elastic length. |
Choosing the Right Elastic and Placement
While standard elastic is common, the best choice often comes down to personal preference and teacher recommendations. When it comes to placement, elastics can be sewn on either the inside or outside of the shoe. Some dancers find sewing on the inside more comfortable as it hides the stitching and prevents any rubbing on the skin. Others prefer the outside for ease of sewing and durability. Always consult your dance teacher for their preferred method, as consistency in appearance might be required for performances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Attaching Pointe Shoe Elastics
Proper placement is key to ensuring the elastics provide effective support without causing discomfort or hindering movement.
1. Preparing the Elastic
- Measure: First, put on one pointe shoe. Thread the elastic over your heel and mark where it feels snug but not constricting. You want it to hold the shoe securely without digging into your Achilles tendon. Cut two equal pieces of elastic, one for each shoe. A common starting length is about 8-10 inches, which can then be trimmed.
- Fold and Prepare: Fold about half an inch of one end of the elastic inward to create a clean, double-layered edge. This prevents fraying and provides a stronger point for sewing.
2. Marking the Attachment Points
This is where precise measurement and angling are critical:
- Locate the Back Seam: Identify the center back seam of your pointe shoe.
- Measure and Mark: From the back seam, measure approximately a centimetre (or about ½ inch) towards the side of the shoe. Make a small mark with your pencil on the binding or the shoe's canvas, just above the outer sole. This mark indicates where the bottom edge of your elastic will start.
- Angle the Elastic: The elastic should not be sewn straight across but should be angled slightly away from the back-seam. This angle helps the elastic follow the natural curve of the ankle, providing optimal support without pulling awkwardly. Imagine a slight diagonal line pointing from the back seam towards the ankle bone.
3. Sewing the Elastic
Use a strong stitch to ensure the elastic holds securely, especially through the rigors of dance.
- First Side Attachment:
- Place the prepared, folded end of one elastic piece onto your marked spot. Ensure the elastic is angled correctly.
- Using your waxed thread (doubled for extra strength) and needle, begin sewing. A common and secure stitch is the whip stitch or a very tight back stitch.
- Stitch through all layers of the elastic and firmly into the shoe's binding or canvas. Ensure your stitches go through enough material to be secure but avoid piercing through the inner lining to prevent discomfort.
- Create a strong, neat rectangle of stitches, covering the entire folded portion of the elastic. Aim for small, close stitches for maximum durability.
- Secure your thread with a knot and trim any excess.
- Second Side Attachment:
- Put the pointe shoe on your foot.
- Pull the loose end of the elastic over your heel to the opposite side of the shoe. Adjust the tension so it feels snug and supportive, but not too tight that it restricts movement or causes discomfort when you flex your foot.
- Mark the corresponding spot on the other side of the shoe, again about a centimetre from the back seam and angled slightly away.
- Trim any excess elastic, leaving enough to fold under (about ½ inch).
- Fold the end under and sew it securely to the marked spot using the same strong stitching method.
- Repeat the entire process for the other pointe shoe.
4. Testing and Adjustment
After sewing, try on both pointe shoes with your elastics and ribbons. Walk around, relevé, and demi-plié to ensure the fit is comfortable and secure. If the elastic feels too loose, you might need to re-sew one side, taking up a small amount of slack. If it's too tight, you might need to replace the elastic or adjust its position slightly.
Tips for Long-Lasting Elastics
- Reinforce: For extra security, some dancers add a few extra stitches horizontally across the top of the sewn elastic section, creating a "bar tack" for reinforcement.
- Thread Choice: Using a contrasting thread color when learning can help you see your stitches, but for performance, matching thread is best. Dental floss is an excellent alternative to thread for ultimate strength.
- Teacher Guidance: Always seek guidance from your dance teacher or a professional pointe shoe fitter. They can offer personalized advice on elastic placement and tension based on your foot shape and technique. Resources like Pointe Shoe Fitting Guides or Bloch's Pointe Shoe Guide can also offer visual aids and additional tips.
By following these steps, your pointe shoes will be ready to provide the necessary support for your dance journey.
