How and where do I sew my ribbons (and elastics)?
A2. It is important to remember the ribbons are attached to secure the whole heel of the shoe against the foot and not just the sides of the shoe. Therefore ribbons should be stitched from low down inside the shoe, taking care to attach them to the lining only – do not sew through the satin, and avoid catching the drawstring. To check exact positioning, place the end of the ribbon inside the shoe behind the side seam and angle the inside edge slightly back, towards the heel of the shoe. The whole ribbon should now be angled slightly diagonally forward for comfort and support as the ankle flexes. As you get more experienced in sewing ribbons, you may want to adjust the position slightly depending on how your arch breaks. Everyone’s feet are different, find what works best for you! If you need elastics it is better to choose one that is about ¾” wide. The elastic can be sewn on either the inside or outside of the shoe depending on comfort and teacher preference, and should be placed on e
