Dance World Pointe Shoe Guide
A Few Stitches Before the Dancing Begins
A new pair of pointe shoes is exciting. The needle and thread waiting beside them? Perhaps a little less so. But sewing your ribbons and elastics is part of making those shoes feel like yours, and a little care with placement makes the whole process more straightforward.
This guide builds on professional dancer Niamh O’Flannagain’s original sewing advice, keeping her two ribbon-placement methods and the photographs that show them. Gather your supplies, give yourself some unhurried time and work through one shoe at a time.
Based on Niamh O’Flannagain’s original guide, with additional preparation notes, product guidance and FAQs from Dance World.
The quick answer
How do you sew ribbons onto pointe shoes?
Mark the ribbon position on each side of the shoe, check the angle against your foot, then sew the folded ribbon end securely in a square or rectangle. Work through the lining where the shoe’s construction allows, and keep the drawstring free. Measure elastics individually and check the fit before making your final cuts.
Pointe Shoe Sewing at a Glance
What do you need to sew pointe shoes?
A small, organised sewing kit makes this much easier. Lay everything out somewhere well lit, with your shoes nearby.
Ribbons
Choose a pointe ribbon in the finish and stretch type your teacher recommends. Keep enough length for wrapping, tying and tucking.
Elastics
If required, have enough elastic for your chosen arrangement, including the ends that will be sewn inside or onto the shoe.
Needle & Thread
Use a suitable hand-sewing needle and strong thread. A thimble can help with firmer materials.
Small Tools
Scissors, a pencil, a tape measure and a seam ripper are useful. Sewing clips or closed safety pins can help mark placement.
Niamh’s personal tip: she likes dental floss as her preferred alternative to strong sewing thread. It is a dancer’s preference, rather than a requirement; purpose-made pointe shoe thread is another option.
For supplies together in one place, the BLOCH A0527 Stretch Ribbon Sewing Kit includes stretch ribbon, covert elastic, wax-coated thread, needles, safety pins and a quick unpick. Check the quantities against your chosen elastic arrangement.
You can also browse our full selection of pointe shoe ribbons, elastics and stitch kits.
Which pointe shoe ribbons should you choose?
Traditional satin, stretch satin and ribbons with elastic inserts need slightly different preparation. Confirm your school’s preference and read the pack before cutting.
| Ribbon type | What to know | An example to explore |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional satin | A non-stretch wrap. Measure carefully and check that the tied ribbon allows comfortable ankle movement. | BLOCH A0531 Double Face Soft Satin Ribbon |
| Stretch satin | The ribbon itself has give. Check it while wrapping so it is secure without being pulled to its maximum stretch. | BLOCH A0528 Stretch Satin Ribbon |
| Satin with an elastic insert | The elastic section needs to sit in the intended position behind the ankle. Follow the product’s orientation guidance. | BLOCH A0525 Elastorib Ribbon |
Check what “pre-cut” means. A pack may contain one continuous length for a pair of shoes, or four separate ribbons. Do not automatically cut every pack into quarters, especially when it already has positioned elastic inserts.
Step 1: position your pointe shoe elastics
Niamh begins by checking the elastic arrangement. Some dancers use one strap on each shoe; others use two pieces crossed over the instep. Your teacher or fitter can help choose the arrangement and attachment points for your shoes.
- Try the shoes on with your usual tights and padding. Use the setup agreed at your fitting.
- Hold the elastic in position and mark the attachment points. It should feel comfortably secure without digging in or pulling the shoe out of shape.
- Allow extra length for sewing. Measure each foot separately before cutting.
- Check the crossed arrangement, if using it. Niamh’s method brings the straps across the instep near the high point of the arch; confirm the exact position on your own foot.
Open-mesh options such as BLOCH Covert Invisible Pointe Shoe Elastic offer a discreet appearance. Position and tension still need to suit the individual dancer.
If you use safety pins to hold a position, close them securely and keep them clear of the foot. Remove every pin before dancing.
Step 2: find where to sew your pointe shoe ribbons
The right position is personal to your foot and shoe. Niamh shares two ways to find a starting point. Choose the method that works with your ribbon format, then check the placement before stitching.
Method 1: fold down the heel
Fold the soft heel fabric forwards into the shoe. The diagonal creases at the sides give you a guide for ribbon placement. Mark the position lightly on the inside, then hold the ribbon against it to check the angle.
A slight forward angle can help the ribbon lie smoothly when wrapped. Treat the crease as a starting guide and adjust with your teacher or fitter if needed.
Method 2: use your foot to find the position
This is Niamh’s alternative for ribbon supplied as a continuous length. Keep one longer section for each shoe at this stage, before dividing it into the two separate pieces you will sew on.
- Place the ribbon beneath your bare arch, with an even length on either side.
- Gently point and flex while holding the ribbon comfortably in place.
- Slide your foot into the shoe, keeping the ribbon positioned, and mark where it meets each side.
- Remove the shoe and divide the ribbon into the two pieces for that shoe, allowing enough for the sewn ends and the finished wrap.
Recheck the marks with your usual tights and padding before sewing. For ribbons with pre-positioned elastic inserts, follow their own measuring instructions instead.
Step 3: sew your ribbons and elastics securely
Once the positions are marked, take the shoes off and begin stitching. Niamh recommends sewing around the ribbon’s edges to form a square or rectangle, with the upper stitches below the drawstring.
- Prepare the sewn end. Turn the ribbon’s cut edge under and leave a generous attachment area inside the shoe.
- Hold it at your marked angle. Keep the ribbon flat, with no twist at its base.
- Sew around the attachment area. Use small, secure stitches through the ribbon and the appropriate shoe layer.
- Keep the drawstring free. Do not catch it with the needle or stitch its channel shut.
- Secure the thread. Knot it firmly and trim the loose thread end.
- Repeat for the remaining attachments. Sew the measured elastic ends securely, checking that crossed straps are not twisted.
Check your shoe’s construction. Niamh’s lining-only approach keeps stitches hidden where the lining is separate from the outer satin. Some shoes have bonded layers, so this is not possible. Follow your shoe manufacturer’s sewing advice; use neat, matching stitches and keep the drawstring working freely.
Step 4: check the fit before trimming
Try both shoes on again and wrap the ribbons using the method your teacher has shown you. Keep them flat and check that the elastics feel comfortable. Make any placement adjustments before trimming away useful length.
Your final sewing check
- Each ribbon has enough length to wrap, tie and tuck.
- The drawstring remains adjustable.
- The elastic sits flat without twisting or digging in.
- The stitches and thread knots feel secure.
- All pins and loose needles have been removed.
- Your teacher checks your first sewn pair before pointe work.
Finish the free ribbon ends to limit fraying. A small stitched hem or a suitable fabric fray-prevention product may be an option; follow the ribbon and finishing product instructions. Keep the finish soft and tidy.
Niamh also recommends keeping your stitching neat so it is easier to unpick and adjust. Your first pair does not need to look like a costume department prepared it: take your time and make each attachment secure.
Sewing pointe shoe ribbons: your questions
How much ribbon do I need for one pair of pointe shoes?
Many packs are sold for one pair, but their lengths and formats vary. You usually need four pieces in total. Check that each piece allows for the sewn end, wrapping, a secure knot and tucked ends before making the final trim.
Do I sew through the outside satin?
Use the lining only where it is separate and the manufacturer recommends that method. With bonded layers, stitches may need to pass through the outer fabric too. Follow the instructions for your particular shoe and keep the drawstring clear.
Should I use one elastic strap or crossed elastics?
Both arrangements are used. The right choice depends on your foot, shoe and teacher’s guidance. Measure carefully for either option; pulling elastic tighter is not a substitute for checking a slipping or uncomfortable shoe with your fitter.
Can I sew stretch ribbons the same way as satin ribbons?
The attachment can use a similar square or rectangular stitch pattern, but check the product’s instructions. Keep the material relaxed while sewing, then check the finished wrap on your foot. Ribbons with elastic inserts need particular attention to orientation.
Can I reuse ribbons on my next pair of pointe shoes?
If they remain in good condition and have enough length for a fresh attachment, they may be reusable. Check for fraying, thinning and damaged stitching areas. Reassess the position on the new shoes, and replace elastic that has lost its recovery.
What if the needle is difficult to push through?
Check that you are sewing through the intended layer and using a suitable, undamaged needle. Niamh suggests a stronger needle and a thimble for tougher materials. If the needle keeps bending or snagging, ask your fitter for advice on that shoe.
Get Your Pointe Shoe Sewing Kit Ready
Find the ribbons, elastics and small sewing essentials for your next pair, whether you prefer to gather them individually or keep everything together in a kit.
Shop Ribbons, Elastics & Stitch Kits