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I think I have to give my Mom credit for this idea because I vaguely remember her mentioning it. That said, the cobwebs around the idea make me think I have been carrying this one around in my back pocket for a while! But, when Photochrome Petals by Julie Creus of La Todera landed, I knew I had found the right fabric. Bright, playful and full of hot colors, this collection is a great stash builder for those of you who have a soft spot for vibrant hues.
I have got some mental block, when it comes to bias tape. I have a big stash from my Grandma Pearl that she didn’t get to use in her 90+ years of sewing quilts, aprons and hot pads (among other things!) that I have nearly moved through, and I do pick it up from time to time at thrift stores because they always have grab bags of 5-10 colors for 1.99! I use it bind seams inside dop kits, on hot pads and other small projects. However, when I sew a quilt, I just can’t use pre-made bias tape or pre-made binding. I don’t know what it is. I guess a little piece of it is that making bias tape or binding at home is SO easy if you have a tool (I have a Clover one and this is not product placement!! My Mom gave it to me and I just LOVE it!) And, it’s so fun to custom select fabrics that match (or contrast) with the quilt and it gives quilts a little extra special character. So, after years of making bias tape and binding, I have quite a few odd sized smaller pieces and I have been puzzling about what to do with them. This project answers that question and is just a fun small project to add a little flare to some shoes.
Now, to the directions.
Fabric Featured: Photochrome Petals by Julie Creus of La Todera, Y1098-36
Check out Julie’s new collection, A Closer Look, for more fun colors and good stash builders!
PS–There are many great tutorials out there for how to make bias tape. Several do a continuous loop, so you avoid sewing each piece together. Those are very nice, too. Here is a link to my favorite one from Colette Patterns. I guess I don’t mind stitching each segment because even though I have done these other methods, I always go back to my old way!! If you have a large quantity to make, I think the continuous loop method that Colette Patterns describes is probably REALLY helpful.
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Cool idea! My daughter Janet loves wild laces…this will be perfect for her
I also remember from somewhere that you could get some flexible plastic tubing from the hardware store that was about the right size to fit around the end of your laces and then you would use a heat gun or a hair blower to shrink and seal the tubing around the fabric tube
I’m so excited about this tutorial!! And even more excited that it was featured over on the Stash books blog!! Way to go Susie!!
Not only do I love your tutorial – I have 2 pairs of wild shoelaces – but I appreciate that you offer a Pin It option. Thanks.
Hi Belle–that is GREAT idea! I totally wanted something like that to make a professional looking finish, but all I was coming up with while I was doing it was tape. I wonder if you could even use a colored drink straw? I mean, I’m not worried about any weird chemicals melting through my laces!! I am going to look into the plastic tubing. thanks again, Belle.
Those are awesome. Now when I make my Granddaughter little outfits I’ll have to make her matching shoelaces too.
Thank you for the great tutorial.
These shoes were made for dancing. Wonderful laces