To find the correct position for the elastic, fold down the heel of the shoe and flatten it. Mark where the flattened heel comes to on the edge of the shoe on both sides. Pin the elastic to these marks and try on the shoe, to check it feels comfortable. Make slight adjustments if necessary. Sew the elastic firmly.

A similar technique can be used to find the correct position for ribbons. Cut the ribbon into four equal lengths. When sewing ribbons, angle the ribbon slightly towards the toe. This will help create even tension when tying. Check the angle by pinning and tying the ribbons before sewing.

Once sewn, tie the ribbons and trim to length. Note the inside ribbon will almost always need to be longer than the outside ribbon if tied correctly! Cut the ribbons at 45°. To prevent fraying, hold a lighted match (please ask an adult to do this for you) close to the ends of the ribbons. NOTE: the aim of this is not to ignite the ribbons or shoes!!! The flame will melt the end fibres of the ribbon so they bond together and do not fray.

For pointe shoes, you may find the ribbons need to be sewn slightly further forward. Use the wide-ballet-shoe-ribbon for extra support. You will be shown how to prepare your pointe shoes properly in class when you first go on pointe.