The pointe shoe notebook
A neat knot. A smooth finish. Ready for class.
There is a little ritual to putting on pointe shoes: settling your feet, smoothing the satin and wrapping the ribbons. When you are learning, though, those last few centimetres can feel surprisingly fiddly. Where should the knot go? How tight is tight enough? And how do you make the ends disappear?
This guide to tying pointe shoe ribbons follows professional dancer Niamh O’Flannagain’s method, with her original photographs and practical advice for a tidy, comfortable finish.
Based on Niamh O’Flannagain’s original guide, with additional ribbon-choice, knot and preparation notes from Dance World.
The quick answer
How do you tie pointe shoe ribbons?
With your foot resting flat, wrap the inside ribbon first, then cross the outside ribbon over the front and around the ankle. Tie a secure double knot in the hollow just behind the inner ankle bone, away from the Achilles tendon. Fold and tuck the ends beneath the ribbon layers, then check that the ribbons stay comfortable as you move.
Pointe shoe ribbons at a glance
Before you tie your pointe shoe ribbons
Good ribbon tying begins with a correctly fitted shoe and secure sewing. Ribbons help hold the shoe against your foot; pulling them tighter cannot correct a poor fit.
- Put on your usual tights and padding. Use the combination agreed at your fitting so you can check the ribbons as you will wear them in class.
- Check the stitching. Give each attachment a gentle check before wrapping. Repair loose stitches before dancing.
- Smooth out the ribbons. Start with the full width lying flat, and untwist any sections near the shoe.
- Leave the final trim until later. Tie, tuck and check movement before deciding how much excess to remove.
Still preparing a new pair? Our guide to sewing pointe shoe ribbons and elastics includes Niamh’s placement tips and photographs.
How to tie pointe shoe ribbons: Niamh’s five steps
Dancers and teachers have slightly different preferences. This is Niamh’s inside-ribbon-first method; ask your teacher to help you practise it on your own shoes.
Step 1: Rest your foot flat
Sit or kneel comfortably with one foot flat on the floor in front of you. Niamh prefers sliding the foot slightly forwards, opening the angle between the foot and shin a little.
Keep the position relaxed. You will check the tension through movement after tying, so there is no need to force a particular ankle angle.
Step 2: Wrap the inside ribbon first
The inside ribbon is the one attached on the arch side of the shoe, nearest your other foot.
- Bring it smoothly across the front of the ankle.
- Wrap it around the back, then continue around the ankle again.
- In Niamh’s method, stop when you reach the inside of the ankle for the second time.
- Hold it in place while you pick up the outside ribbon.
Keep the layers flat and close together. A ribbon that twists or climbs up the leg becomes harder to tuck neatly.
Step 3: Cross the outside ribbon over the front
Take the ribbon attached on the little-toe side of the shoe and bring it across the front of the ankle, forming an X with the first ribbon.
Continue around the back in the opposite direction, laying the wrap neatly over the first ribbon. Bring the ends together on the inside of the ankle. Smooth out any twists before making the knot.
Step 4: Tie the knot beside the inner ankle
Tie a secure double knot in the soft hollow just behind the inner ankle bone. Keep it off the bone itself and away from the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle.
Step 5: Fold, tuck and flatten
This is the finishing detail at the heart of Niamh’s method.
- Lift the knotted ends gently and arrange the two ribbon layers so they lie flat over one another.
- Separate the layers with a finger and guide the knot down between them, below the lower edge.
- Fold the loose ends into a small, flat bundle.
- Tuck the knot and folded ends upwards beneath the lower ribbon, letting the top layer lie smoothly over everything.
Check that the ends are fully contained and the knot feels comfortable. If the bundle is bulky, check the folding and remaining ribbon length before tightening anything further.
How tight should pointe shoe ribbons be?
Your ribbons should feel snug and help keep the shoe in place, while allowing the ankle to move. They should not dig into the back of the ankle or cause pain, tingling or numbness.
After tying, check a gentle plié and the movements your teacher has already introduced. Ask them to look at the ribbons as your foot position changes. A wrap that looks tidy while sitting may need adjusting once you move.
If you feel pinching or restriction, stop and retie with less tension. Persistent discomfort or a slipping shoe needs a fit and placement check. Stretch ribbon can change how the wrap feels, but it does not correct every fitting problem.
Why do pointe shoe ribbons slip, twist or look bulky?
Before starting again, check which part needs adjusting. Often it is one small detail.
The ends escape
Check the knot, then refold and tuck the tails fully. Very short ends can be difficult to contain, so avoid trimming in a hurry.
The knot bulges
Flatten the folds and check for excess ribbon. Once your teacher has checked the length, trim gradually with the shoes off.
The wrap twists
Unwrap and smooth from the sewn attachment upwards. Keep the ribbon’s full width against the ankle as you wrap.
The ribbons gape
Ask your teacher to check the sewing angle, tension and ribbon type in motion. Avoid solving every gap by pulling harder.
Satin, stretch or elastic-insert pointe shoe ribbons?
The broad tying principles stay the same, but the ribbon material changes how the wrap responds as your ankle moves. Choose with your teacher or fitter, especially when preparing your first pair.
| Ribbon type | What feels different? | An option to explore |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional satin | A familiar non-stretch wrap. Soft satin describes the surface feel, not elasticity. | BLOCH A0531 Double Face Soft Satin Ribbon |
| Stretch satin | The ribbon gives along its length. Keep the tension gentle; avoid pulling it to its maximum stretch. | BLOCH A0528 Stretch Satin Ribbon |
| Satin with an elastic insert | A traditional satin ribbon with a flexible section. Its sewn position matters so the insert sits behind the ankle when wrapped. | BLOCH A0525 Elastorib Ribbon |
For a new pair, the BLOCH A0527 Stretch Ribbon Sewing Kit brings together ribbon, elastic and sewing supplies. You can also browse our ribbons, elastics and stitch kits to see the current selection.
A final ribbon check before class or a performance
Give yourself a quiet minute before dancing. Smooth both ankles, check your knots and make sure the ribbon ends are still tucked after moving.
The ready-to-dance check
- Ribbons lie flat without twists.
- Knots sit comfortably at the inner ankles.
- Both knots are secure.
- Loose ends are folded and fully tucked.
- Ankle movement feels unrestricted.
- Ribbon and elastic stitching is sound.
If a ribbon comes loose during class, let your teacher know and stop to retie it. A quick pause is better than trying to manage a trailing ribbon while dancing.
Tying pointe shoe ribbons: your questions answered
Do you tie pointe shoe ribbons on the inside or outside?
The knot sits on the inside of the ankle, in the hollow just behind the ankle bone. Keep it away from the Achilles tendon and tuck it beneath the ribbon layers.
Should pointe shoe ribbons be tied in a bow?
Use a secure double knot and tuck the ends. A bow creates extra loops and bulk. Ask your teacher to show you a flat reef knot if you are learning how to make the finish neater.
How much ribbon should I leave after the knot?
Leave enough to fold and tuck securely without making a bulky bundle. The amount depends on your wrapping method and ribbon type. Ask your teacher to check before trimming, and make small cuts with the shoes off.
Do you tie stretch pointe shoe ribbons differently?
The same wrap, knot and tuck approach can work. The main difference is tension: stretch ribbon needs gentle adjustment rather than being pulled fully taut. Check how it feels through the movements you practise in class.
Can I use this method for ballet shoes with ribbons?
The same basic principles can apply to soft ballet shoes or demi-pointe shoes fitted with ribbons. Follow your school’s requirements for ribbon type, placement and presentation, especially for exams.
Do I need hairspray to keep my ribbons tied?
Hairspray is not a necessary part of the everyday routine. Start by checking the knot, tail length and tucking method. If the ribbons repeatedly work loose, ask your teacher to watch you tie them and check the result in motion.
The little essentials behind a neat finish
From fresh ribbons to the thread in your sewing tin, a well-prepared kit makes this ballet ritual easier. Find the ribbon and sewing essentials recommended for your next pair.
Shop ribbons, elastics & stitch kits