Sew the ribbons to the inside back seam of the shoe

The ribbons attach to the inside of the pointe shoe, along the back seam where the heel meets the vamp. You will sew one ribbon on each shoe, positioned so the ribbon runs up the back of your ankle when you tie it. The exact spot matters: too high and the ribbon pulls away from your foot; too low and it doesn't support your ankle properly.

Start by holding the shoe in your hand with the inside facing you. Locate the back seam — the vertical line where the two pieces of the shoe are stitched together. The top of your ribbon should sit roughly where your ankle bone is when you wear the shoe. Mark this spot lightly with a pencil or use your finger to remember the position.

Key Takeaways

  • Ribbons attach to the inside back seam of the pointe shoe, positioned at ankle height, with one ribbon per shoe.
  • Use a needle and thread that matches your shoe color, and sew through the ribbon and the shoe's fabric with small, tight stitches in a box or X pattern.
  • The ribbon should be long enough to wrap around your ankle and tie at the front, usually 18 to 24 inches depending on your ankle size.
  • Test the fit before you finish sewing by putting on the shoe and wrapping the ribbon around your ankle to make sure it sits flat and doesn't twist.

Thread your needle and choose the right stitch pattern

Use a needle and thread that match your shoe color — usually pink, black, or flesh tone depending on the shoe. A regular sewing needle works fine; you do not need anything special. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end.

The strongest stitch pattern is a box or X. Sew through the ribbon and the shoe fabric four times in a small square or cross pattern, making each stitch about a quarter-inch long. This distributes the force across the ribbon attachment point so it does not tear out when you tie and untie the ribbons repeatedly. Sew through both layers of the ribbon and the shoe's outer fabric, but try not to go all the way through to the inside of the shoe where your foot sits.

Pull the thread snug but not so tight that you pucker the fabric. When you finish the box or X pattern, tie off the thread on the inside of the shoe and trim the excess.

Position the ribbon so it wraps around your ankle

Before you sew the second end of the ribbon, put on the shoe and wrap the ribbon around your ankle to check the fit. The ribbon should sit flat against your skin without twisting, and it should reach far enough around to tie comfortably at the front of your ankle.

Most ribbons are 18 to 24 inches long, but your ankle size affects how much you need. If the ribbon is too short, you cannot tie it; if it is too long, the ends flap around. Wrap it once around your ankle and add about 2 inches for tying — that is your target length. If your ribbon is longer than that, you can trim it with scissors before sewing the second end.

Sew the other end of the ribbon to the opposite side of the back seam

Once you have confirmed the fit, sew the other end of the ribbon to the opposite side of the back seam. This means if you sewed the first end on the left side of the seam, sew the second end on the right side. The ribbon now forms a loop that you can tie around your ankle.

Use the same box or X stitch pattern on this end. Make sure both ends are sewn equally tight so the ribbon does not slip or come loose on one side. Test the attachment by pulling on the ribbon gently — it should not move.

Repeat the process for the second shoe

Sew ribbons on both shoes the same way. Position them at the same height on each shoe so your ankles feel balanced when you wear them. If one ribbon is higher or lower than the other, it will feel uneven when you dance.

Once both shoes have ribbons, put them on and tie the ribbons around your ankles. They should feel snug but not cut off circulation. You should be able to fit one finger between the ribbon and your ankle. If the ribbons are too tight, loosen them slightly; if they are too loose, retie them tighter.

Reinforce the ribbon attachment if it starts to fray

Over time, the edges of the ribbon may fray where it is sewn. You can seal the cut edges with a small dab of clear nail polish or fabric glue to stop the fraying. Let it dry completely before you wear the shoes again.

If the ribbon attachment itself starts to come loose — if you can see the stitches pulling away from the shoe — you can reinforce it by sewing over the same spot again with fresh thread. You do not need to remove the old stitches; just sew right over them with a new box or X pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use elastic instead of ribbon?

Elastic works, but ribbon is standard because it does not stretch and gives you more control over how tight the shoe sits. Elastic can loosen over time and make your shoe feel unstable. If you use elastic, sew it the same way as ribbon, but choose a width that matches your ribbon width so the attachment looks even.

What if the ribbon keeps twisting when I tie it?

The ribbon is twisting because it is not lying flat against your ankle. Make sure you are wrapping it straight up the back of your leg, not at an angle. If the ribbon itself is twisted, untwist it before you tie it. You can also sew a small stitch in the middle of the ribbon at the back of your ankle to keep it from rotating, though this is not necessary if you wrap it correctly.

How do I know if the ribbon is sewn in the right spot?

Put on the shoe and wrap the ribbon around your ankle. It should sit at the widest part of your ankle bone, not higher on your calf or lower on your foot. If it feels like it is pulling your ankle forward or backward, move the attachment point up or down slightly and resew it.

Do I need to sew the ribbon ends together after I tie them?

No. The ribbons are meant to be tied and untied each time you wear the shoes. Sewing the ends together would make it impossible to put the shoes on and take them off. Just tie them in a knot or bow and tuck the ends inside the shoe or under the ribbon wrap.