How-to Sew Espadrille Shoes

DIY Espadrilles

It’s almost the end of summer!!  I spent the summer teaching sewing classes, traveling and being a bit of a student taking a few online training’s and workshops.  I love the process of lifelong learning and obtaining new skills along the journey.   My intention was to have a new pair of custom made espadrilles to wear all summer.  I have to admit it has been a slow process and I have just completed my first pair of DIY shoe project.   

Espadrilles are very comfortable, lightweight and provide full coverage of the feet.  I selected a solid color material, to match with an assortment of clothing.  

Style: Espadrille Shoes

Pattern: Dritz Espadrille Kit

Fabric: Heavy Cotton

Sewing: Machine & Hand

Project time: 2 hours

Level: Intermediate, the difficult part of the project was sewing the fabric to the sole of the shoe.  The needle can become a challenge to push through the sole.

Destination: Casual Work Day

Materials

• Fabric: Cotton Outer layer & Lining – select any color
• Pattern:  Comes with the Dritz Soles Kit
• Soles: Select shoe size
• Iron on stabilizer
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Iron
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Large hand sewing needles: curved or straight
• Optional – Rubber Gloves: They will help with gripping the hand needle, while you sew the fabric onto the soles.  

 

DIY ESPADRILLE STEPS

Cutting Pattern

Step 1: Cut paper pattern, pin and trace paper pattern on fabric outer layer and lining.  Cut stabilizer pieces of fabric.

Step 2: Iron fabric.  Iron stabilizer on fabric.

Sewing

Step 3: Machine Sew ⅜ seam around the edges on the wrong side of the fabric.  Place bright (color) side of the fabric toward the middle.  (Sew on the wrong (raw) side of fabric).  Leave 2 inches open (not sewn) along the bottom curve.  

Step 4: Turn fabric to right side.  Push out corner (using a turner or non sharp pencil)

Step 5: Fold raw edges to the inside.  Sew 2 inch hole closed using sewing machine or by hand.

Step 6:  Pin & Sew the heel piece to the toe material.  

Attaching

Step 7:  Place soles on table surface.  Pin the fabric to the soles.  Pin around the sole every ⅜ , to ensure that the fabric stays in place.  

 

Sewing

Step 8:   Cut Yarn and thread hand needle.  I like to double the thread to ensure that it will not unthread.  I also used the curved needle and rubber gloves.  The gloves help with the slippery needle.  

Step 9: Sew blanket stitch or whip stitch all around the sole of shoe.  Attaching the fabric to the sole.  

Step 10: Repeat Steps on second shoe.  Reinforce yarn and stitches.

 

Pair your DIY espadrilles with a midi dress or skinny jeans.  They are perfect for a comfortable and casual afternoon.  I am thinking about making a pair of wedge espadrilles, for my next shoe project.

 

What are your favorite color and style espadrilles to wear?

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