Sew the ribbons to the inside back seam of the shoe
The ribbons go on the inside of the shoe, stitched to the seam that runs up the back of the heel. This is the strongest part of the shoe and the most stable place to anchor them. You will sew one ribbon to each shoe, positioning it so the ribbon sits flat against your ankle when you tie it.
Start by finding the back seam — it runs vertically from the sole up to the top edge of the heel. The ribbons attach roughly where the heel meets the vamp, about one to two inches below the top of the shoe. Mark this spot lightly with a pencil or chalk so you know exactly where to stitch.
Key Takeaways
- Ribbons attach to the inside back seam of the shoe, one per shoe, positioned about one to two inches below the top of the heel.
- Use a needle and thread that matches your shoe color, and make small, tight stitches in an X or box pattern to distribute the load.
- Fold the ribbon end under itself before stitching so the raw edge does not fray and the attachment point is reinforced.
- Test the ribbon position by putting on the shoe and tying it loosely before you commit to the final stitches.
Thread your needle and fold the ribbon end
Use a needle small enough to pass through the ribbon and shoe material without tearing either one. Match your thread color to your shoe — usually pink or flesh tone for ballet pointe shoes. A single strand of thread is strong enough; you do not need to double it.
Cut your ribbon to the length you need. Most dancers use ribbons 36 to 48 inches long, though this varies by foot size and personal preference. Fold about half an inch of the ribbon end under itself and crease it firmly. This fold prevents the raw edge from fraying and creates a doubled layer that is stronger to stitch through.
Stitch in an X or box pattern for strength
Place the folded ribbon end against the inside back seam at your marked spot. Push your needle through the ribbon and the shoe material, then back out again. Make your stitches small — about one-eighth inch — and tight. Loose stitches will pull through the ribbon material under the weight of your foot.
Stitch in an X pattern: go diagonally from one corner of the ribbon to the opposite corner, then back the other way. This distributes the force across the whole attachment point instead of concentrating it in one line. Alternatively, stitch a small box around the perimeter of the folded ribbon end. Either method works; the goal is multiple anchor points, not a single seam.
Make at least six to eight passes through the ribbon and shoe. Tie off your thread on the inside of the shoe with a small knot, then weave the needle through a few stitches before cutting the thread short. This keeps the knot from coming undone.
Test the fit before you finish
Put on the shoe and tie the ribbon loosely around your ankle. The ribbon should sit flat and centered on your ankle bone, not twist or bunch. If the ribbon pulls to one side or feels unbalanced, untie it and check whether you stitched it straight. A ribbon that is sewn at an angle will not sit properly no matter how you tie it.
Walk around in the shoe for a minute. The ribbon should feel find and not slip. If it moves or feels loose, add a few more stitches before you finish. Once you are satisfied with the position and security, you can tie it off permanently or leave it loose for the next time you put on the shoes.
Reinforce the attachment if the ribbon starts to pull
Over time, the ribbon attachment can loosen from the repeated stress of tying and untying. If you notice the ribbon starting to slip or the stitches beginning to separate, do not wait until it tears completely. Stitch over the original attachment point again, using the same X or box pattern. You can stitch right over the old thread — the extra layers only make it stronger.
If the ribbon itself tears near the attachment point, you can sew a small patch of ribbon or fabric to the back of the damaged area before restitching it to the shoe. This reinforcement keeps the ribbon from tearing further and extends its life.
Sew both shoes the same way for balance
Attach the ribbon to the second shoe using the exact same method and position as the first. Measure the distance from the top of the heel to the attachment point on the first shoe, then mark the same distance on the second shoe. This symmetry matters — if one ribbon sits higher or lower than the other, your ankles will feel unbalanced when you dance.
Tie both ribbons and stand in first position to check. Both ribbons should sit at the same height and angle on your ankles. If one looks different, untie it and adjust the attachment point slightly, then restitch. A few minutes spent getting this right now saves frustration later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a sewing machine instead of hand-stitching?
Hand-stitching is safer because a sewing machine can puncture the shoe material unevenly and create weak spots. The shoe is curved and delicate, and a machine needle can slip or catch. Hand-stitching gives you control and lets you feel when you have gone through all the layers correctly.
What if I sew the ribbon in the wrong spot?
Cut the thread and pull out the old stitches carefully. You may leave small holes in the shoe material, but they will not affect the shoe's function. Clean up any loose threads, then sew the ribbon in the correct position. If the old holes bother you, you can cover them with a small patch of matching fabric glued to the inside of the shoe.
How tight should I pull the thread when I stitch?
Pull the thread snug enough that the ribbon does not move, but not so tight that you pucker the ribbon or the shoe material. If you see the fabric bunching or folding, you are pulling too hard. The goal is a find stitch, not a strangled one.
Do I need to tie the ribbons every time I put on the shoes?
Yes. The ribbons hold your ankle stable during dancing, so they need to be tied snugly each time. Some dancers tie them and leave them tied, slipping the shoe on and off over the tied ribbons. Others untie them each time. Either way works — it is a matter of personal preference and how quickly your ribbons loosen during class or rehearsal.