9c. Once you’ve finished blind stitching (so called because the stitches
are hidden) one strap edge, fold in
another 6mm flap on the remaining
edge of the tape, ironing it down flat to
make a crease. Stitch along that edge
in the same fashion as you did for the
first edge of the strap, aligning the
tent stitch edge with the crease of the
bias tape. Make small stitches down
the length of the strap, alternating
with small stitches down the crease of
the bias tape. Large stitches, you will
notice, make the fabric bunch and
look shoddy.
Repeat this process of invisible
stitches along the remaining edge of
all of the straps. For further instruction
and illustration of blind stitching, see
The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito
Christensen.
Details of the finished
arch strap (left) and
toe strap (above).
10. GO FROM STRAPS TO SANDALS
If you’re handy and resourceful, you
can add soles and put the sandals
together yourself.
There are several tutorials and
resources available online, everything from making Roman sandals
( craftzine.com/go/roman) to making
soles from recycled tires (hollowtop.
com/ sandals.htm). A great resources is Make YourOwnShoes by Mary
Wales Loomis.
I also recommend collaborating with
artisans and increasing the longevity
of your creation by having a cobbler
or a needlepoint shop assemble
the sandals.
