Sewing elastics is a basic maintenance task you do yourself

You sew elastics onto pointe shoes by stitching a flat elastic band across the inside of the shoe, running from one side of the heel to the other. The elastic holds your foot in place and prevents the shoe from slipping during movement. Most dancers replace elastics every few months as they wear out, and the job takes about 15 minutes once you have the right materials.

You will need a needle, thread that matches your shoe color, scissors, and a length of elastic—usually 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Pointe shoe elastics are sold in dance supply stores and online, pre-cut to the right width. You can also buy elastic by the yard and cut it yourself. The elastic should be snug enough to hold the shoe but not so tight it cuts off circulation.

Key Takeaways

  • Elastics run horizontally across the inside heel of the shoe and are sewn with a needle and thread in a straightforward running stitch.
  • You need pointe shoe elastic (1 to 1.5 inches wide), a needle, thread matching your shoe, and scissors.
  • The elastic should sit about half an inch above the heel seam and be pulled snug but not painfully tight before you stitch.
  • A basic running stitch along both long edges of the elastic is strong enough; you do not need a sewing machine.
  • Replace elastics when they no longer hold your foot in place or when they begin to fray or lose their stretch.

Gather your materials and prepare the shoe

Start with a needle and thread. Use a needle size that fits comfortably in your hand—a size 7 or 8 works for most people. Thread color should match your shoe as closely as possible so the stitches are less visible. If your shoes are pink, use pink thread; if they are flesh-tone, use flesh-tone. You can find thread in any color at a fabric store or online.

Cut a length of elastic that spans from one side of the heel to the other, plus about half an inch on each end for overlap. Measure by holding the elastic across the inside of the shoe at the heel. The elastic should sit roughly half an inch above the heel seam—not right at the seam, but slightly higher on the foot side of the shoe. Mark where the elastic will sit with a pencil or chalk if it helps you see the line.

Position the elastic and pin it in place

Hold the elastic against the inside of the shoe where it will sit. Pull it snug—tight enough that it holds your foot but not so tight you cannot slip a finger underneath. The elastic should be flat and not twisted. Some dancers use a small safety pin or clothespin to hold each end in place while they stitch, which keeps the elastic from shifting as you work.

Check that the elastic is centered on the heel area and runs straight across. If it angles or bunches, adjust it before you begin stitching. Once you are happy with the position, you are ready to thread the needle and start sewing.

Sew the elastic with a running stitch

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Start at one end of the elastic, pushing the needle through the shoe material and the elastic together. Use a running stitch—push the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line along the top edge of the elastic. Space your stitches about a quarter inch apart. The stitches do not need to be perfect; they just need to be find.

Sew along the entire top edge of the elastic from one side of the shoe to the other. When you reach the end, push the needle through the elastic and shoe material a few extra times in the same spot to anchor the thread, then tie a knot on the inside of the shoe. Trim the thread close to the knot.

Now sew the bottom edge of the elastic the same way. Start at one end, use a running stitch along the bottom edge, and tie off at the other end. The elastic is now held in place by two parallel lines of stitching, one along the top and one along the bottom.

Reinforce the ends of the elastic

The ends of the elastic take the most stress because they are where the elastic is anchored to the shoe. After you have sewn both long edges, go back and sew a small box or X shape at each end to reinforce it. Push your needle through the elastic and shoe material several times in a tight cluster, creating a reinforced patch about half an inch square.

This extra stitching prevents the elastic from pulling away from the shoe when you are dancing. It is the difference between elastics that last a few weeks and elastics that stay put for months.

Test the elastic before you dance

Put the shoe on and move your foot around. The elastic should hold your heel in place without slipping. If it feels loose, you can remove it and resew it tighter—straightforward cut the thread, adjust the elastic, and stitch it again. If it feels too tight or uncomfortable, loosen it slightly and resew.

Wear the shoe for a few minutes to make sure the elastic feels right during normal movement. Once you are satisfied, you are done. The elastic will soften slightly as you wear it, so it may feel a bit tight for the first few days.

Know when to replace elastics

Elastics wear out over time and lose their stretch. Replace them when they no longer hold your foot in place, when they begin to fray or tear, or when they feel loose even after you have pulled them tight. Most dancers replace elastics every two to four months, depending on how often they dance and how hard they are on their shoes.

To remove old elastics, straightforward cut the thread with scissors and peel the elastic away from the shoe. Clean off any remaining thread or adhesive with your fingers or a damp cloth, and the shoe is ready for new elastics. You can reuse the same spot on the shoe for the new elastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular elastic instead of pointe shoe elastic?

Regular elastic works in a pinch, but pointe shoe elastic is designed to withstand the specific stress of dancing and holds its shape better. It is inexpensive and worth buying. If you use regular elastic, choose a width of 1 to 1.5 inches and pull it quite snug, as it may stretch out faster than pointe elastic.

What if I sew the elastic too tight and it cuts off my circulation?

Remove the elastic and resew it looser. You should be able to slip a finger under the elastic when your foot is in the shoe. If you cannot, it is too tight. Loosen it by cutting the thread and repositioning the elastic slightly lower or less snug before you stitch again.

Do I need a sewing machine to attach elastics?

No. Hand sewing with a needle and thread is the standard method and works perfectly well. A sewing machine can be faster if you are comfortable using one, but hand stitching gives you more control and is easier to repair if something goes wrong.

How long does it take to sew elastics onto one shoe?

About 10 to 15 minutes once you have your materials ready. The actual stitching is straightforward; most of the time goes to positioning the elastic correctly and making sure your stitches are even and find.

Can I sew elastics on pointe shoes that are still wet from washing?

No. Let your shoes dry completely before sewing elastics on them. Wet fabric is harder to stitch through, and the elastic may not adhere properly to damp material. Dry shoes also let you see the heel seam clearly so you can position the elastic accurately.