Making the Sole Pattern

 Trace foot of the person.

Note:  If possible, have person step on paper and trace around foot; or place pattern paper on a flat surface like a book and place paper under foot while tracing.  Recommended way for infants.

Locate and mark with dots all outer points.

Note: Think of outer points of foot as little hills and peaks versus valleys.

Step 3

Give the traced foot a smooth and flowing edge by drawing along the outer edges connecting the dots (green line).

Locate the tip of 2^nd toe (next to big toe) and mark with black "X".

Step 5

Measure up 5/8“ above Step 4 at black "X" and place another mark (red dot).

Draw horizontal line (red line).

Locate pinky (baby) toe and mark with black "X".

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Optional step is recommended for feet that bow out on the outer side a bit.  It will give the shoe a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Starting about where the side of the pinky toe is on the outer line, go straight down connecting with the outer line below. Smooth and round it off where this trim starts and ends.

Be careful not to trim too much off. This pattern shows about the max that can be trimmed where it will not affect the fit.

Disregard the trimmed off portion in steps to come.

Step 7

Place another mark right in the middle between steps 4 and 6’s at black "X".

Locate tip of big toe and place mark at highest point.

At big toe, place black "X" on the outer side where it sticks out most.

Notice the angle at which the dots are placed. They are horizontal to the outer line (green line).

Step 10

Measure out from the "X" in between the pinky toe and 2^nd toe 7/8” and place mark (red dot).

Step 11

Measure out from the pinky toe at "X", 5/8” and mark (red dot).

Step 12

Measure out from the tip of big toe at "X", ½” and mark (red dot).

Measure out from the side of big toe at "X", 5/8” and mark (red dot).

The following are two different toe styles: rounded and square. Chose which one you prefer.

Step 14 and 14a

Measure out from green line and mark 5/8” all the way around the rest of the sole (red dots).

Step 15

Connect dots in a smooth and rounded fashion to form the toe shape you desire.

TIP

Shaping the sole toe area is crucial for an aesthetically pleasing look.

Take your time sketching it. When done, take a good look. Does it look funny-shaped, odd, or like a sock? If it does, then your finished product will look odd, funny-shaped, and not like a shoe. 

Step 16

Cut out sole making sure to keep it very smooth and flowing. There should be no bumpy ridges, peaky hills, or jagged edges. Keep it nice and smooth.

Congrats!!  You have completed the sole pattern!

Introduction, Chapter One: Getting Started, Chapter Two:
The Sole Pattern, Chapter Three:  The Upper Pattern,
Chapter 4: Preparing To Sew, Chapter 5: Sewing (With
Ankle Ribbon Straps), Chapter 6: Sewing (Without Ankle
Ribbon Straps), Chapter 7: Ruffled Ribbon, Chapter 8:
Designing,  Conclusion
 

Copyright 2007 by Renee Boley

All Rights Reserved