| Warmer weather will be here before you know it. Turn | | | | design. Double-knot the two lengths together; tape one |
| your knack for crafting into a fashion statement. | | | | length to the bottom on the sandal to keep it out of |
| Beaded sandals are all the rage but can be pretty | | | | your way while you bead the first row. |
| pricey. Why not design and make your own? | | | | Each section of beads in this design is secured in place |
| The cost of your beaded shoes will depend on the | | | | by sewing through the sandal strap to the back and |
| shoes that you select . The rest of the materials and | | | | then back through to the top. For example, string a |
| tools are very inexpensive. You might even go | | | | section of 3-4mm beads; sew the cord through the |
| shopping in your own closet for dull-looking sandals that | | | | strap; then sew back up to the top very close to the |
| could use a pretty update! If you make jewelry for | | | | first hole. The needle nose pliers are used to help pull |
| profit, beaded sandals can be a very profitable | | | | the needle through the strap. |
| expansion of your product line. | | | | The larger beads can be individually secured: string a |
| What You Will Need- Materials for Beaded Sandals | | | | large bead; sew through the strap; sew back through |
| 1 pair sandals, synthetic uppers are easiest to work | | | | the strap to the top, ready for the next bead(s). |
| with. | | | | Don’t be concerned if the bead or beads don’t |
| SuppleMax 0.30mm illusion cord | | | | lie exactly straight. You can adjust and secure them |
| Your choice of beads and charms | | | | better when you bead the second row. |
| Masking tape | | | | When you’ve finished the first row of beads, sew |
| Beading Tools | | | | through to the back of the strap; un-tape the other |
| Flexible measuring tape | | | | strand of illusion cord; and tape the end of the cord |
| Sharp sewing needle | | | | you just completed to the sole of the sandal to keep it |
| Scissors | | | | out of the way while you string the second strand. |
| Needle nose pliers | | | | For the second row, you only need to add the small |
| Bead Board | | | | beads. When you come to a large bead, run the |
| How to Bead Your Sandals | | | | needle through the bead and position the holes that |
| With flexible measuring tape, measure the length of | | | | you sew to secure and straighten the bead. When |
| the area you want to bead. Lay out your design on | | | | you reach the end, sew through to the back. Un-tape |
| the bead board. Cut a length of illusion cord equal to | | | | the first piece of illusion cord. Double-knot the two |
| two times the length you want plus 2 feet. For | | | | strands together. |
| example, if the length you beaded is 9 inches then you | | | | To hide the ends and prevent them from irritating the |
| will need 42 inches of illusion cord (9 x 2 + 24 inches = | | | | wearer’s foot, use the needle to run each strand |
| 42 inches). | | | | horizontally into the strap between the layers of strap |
| Thread the illusion cord onto the needle; from the top, | | | | material and exit at the back. Snip the end flush with |
| sew through the sandal strap as close to the sole as | | | | the strap. If you can feel the end when you run your |
| you can. Sew back through to the top about 3/16" to | | | | finger over the area, the wearer will be able to feel it |
| one side, exiting as close as possible to the sole. | | | | on her foot and you will need to trim closer. Now you |
| Pull the cord through so that both lengths are equal. | | | | have your lovely footwear masterpiece! |
| This provides the two strands for the double row | | | | |