Pointe shoes[1] X Research source A large, thick sewing needle or curved needle[2] X Research source Wool or cotton embroidery thread (approximately two arms-length of thread)[3] X Research source Scissors[4] X Research source A thimble (optional)
Darning thread can be found at nearly any sewing or craft store. Cut the excess threading off from the end of the knot.
Push the needle completely though the shoe, and pull the thread all the way until the threaded knot reaches the shoe. [9] X Research source
The spacing between the stitching isn’t too important, but they do need to be close together, and they do need to be relatively uniform. [13] X Research source
Consider securing and sealing the last bit of excess thread by swiping it with a bit of clear nail polish. That will keep the thread sealed onto the shoe rather than hanging off freely.
Remember, you rather have an excess amount of thread, than not have enough when you are in the middle of stitching.
After your last horizontal stitch, tie a simple overhand knot as close to the shoe as possible, and snip off the excess thread.
When you get to the end of a horizontal row, continue to move down the rows, and connect them together. Eventually, you will connect all of the horizontal row stitches together, completely covering the face of the platform with darning.
If you decide to remove the satin from the platform of the shoe, use scissors and dig one of the blades in toward the side corners of the shoe platform, around the toe box. [15] X Research source Once you insert the tip of the scissors into the slight spacing between the sides of the platform and the rest of the shoe, cut away the satin only on the top, flat platform of the shoe. [16] X Research source
The needle must be thick and heavy duty, or else it will bend and break as you try to push it through the pointe shoe platform.
All of these modification methods are less time consuming that darning, but can help pointe platforms last longer, while still providing a gripped surface for the pointe shoe.
