:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-05-21at2.26.15PM-6b28bef676fe4601b4b05c0a95a85614.png)
sarahwolfephotography / Getty Images
Halloween costumes often need a finishing touch to pull everything together—a shoe cover. After all, it can be a little odd to see Peter Pan in a pair of sneakers.
Instead of searching high and low to find a pair of shoes that coordinate with your child's costume, use some leftover fabric to make shoe or boot covers. This version even has a good elastic grip to prevent falls. They're just the ticket to complete any costume.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Measuring tape
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
Materials
- Newspaper or a large sheet of paper
- Fabric to match the costume or vinyl for pleather boots
- Elastic
Instructions
-
Draw a Pattern
Have your child stand in the shoes or sneakers that need to be covered, and work from one side. You will be drawing a shape similar to this diagram for your pattern.
-
Measure Leg for Area A
Using a tape measure, measure the distance around half of the leg for the area labeled A in the diagram.
-
Measure Length of Shoe
Measure the length of the shoe as shown for B in the diagram.
-
Measure Top of Foot
Measure the top of the foot from the center of the foot to the floor for the area labeled C in the diagram.
-
Measure from Tip of Toe
Measure from the tip of the toe at the floor to where the ankle starts to bend for measurement G.
-
Sketch Pattern
Sketch out your pattern on the paper using these measurements. On the curved edge of the pattern, add 1/2 inch to the outside edge for a seam allowance.
-
Cut the Material
Use the pattern to cut four pieces from your fabric/vinyl (cut two from a double layer of fabric wrong sides together).
-
Sew the Shoe Covers
With the wrong sides together, sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance on edge D as shown in the diagram. Leave sides E and F open. Trim and clip the seam so the covering will curve to the correct shape when opened.
-
Attach Elastic at Top
Attach elastic at the top, bottom and halfway marks on both E sides as shown in the diagram above. The elastic can be two pieces that you tie or a single piece to fit the child.
-
Attach Elastic to F Edges
Attach a piece of elastic to both F edges of the covering, under the shoe's sole, that will hold the covering in place. It is best to use a single piece of elastic that will stretch just enough to hold the covering snug but not pull it under the shoe.
Hints and Tips
- Costumes made using pajamas can be easily dressed up with animal ears and these foot coverings.
- Add shoelaces to the front of your foot covering for a tied boot effect. Just tack the laces where you would normally put them through an eyelet and tie them at the top.
- Add a piece to the top to create a cuff that can be folded over for pirate boots.
- Make a shorter version for dressy shoes. For example to make Dorothy's "Wizard of Oz" shoes, make a covering with red sequin fabric that will cover just the shoe. If you can only find plain red fabric, glue red glitter all over them.