So I recently got a big bag of leather scraps. I would love to somehow use these to turn my special sneakers (I have flat feet) into something more fantasy looking. How can I attach these things to my sneakers? Special glue? rivets? Obviously ruining the sneakers for normal use is not an issue - these will be retired from everyday use and become costume only...
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How do i attach scraps of leather to my sneakers?
- Thread starter James Trotta
- Start date
You could find a "boot cover" pattern at your local fabric store. Its a basic design that comes in most costume patterns. I know for a fact that the "Jedi" pattern from McCalls has one. Basically its a flap that wraps over the top of your footwear and has an elastic band that slips under the sneaker or boot at the instep and then goes a few inches up the shin and closes either with a strap at the top or zipper up the side. It sounds complicated but it is in fact not hard to make. You would then stitch said leather to the flap in whatever pattern you like. Choose a slightly heavier material if you want it to last.
Alternately, most costume shops sell this "boot cover" that I speak of either separately or in a pirate costume bag. They are normally made of some sort of pleather and are inexpensive. Same thing, just stitch your leather over it.
--Chazz
Alternately, most costume shops sell this "boot cover" that I speak of either separately or in a pirate costume bag. They are normally made of some sort of pleather and are inexpensive. Same thing, just stitch your leather over it.
--Chazz
Thanks for the advice. I actually have shoe covers but it's coming apart - it was designed for bikers so I guess even just using it for a couple weekends wore it out. Can I buy a sturdier shoe cover? I always figured the cheap ones I've seen online would also fall apart.
Well, if you have one to use as a template here is another idea.
Use your previous cover as a template. Take the leather you just got and stich it together to create a nice flat piece. Then use the template to make a new one. You'll wind up with a patchwork style that looks really good for a more wild race. Remember that if you don't want to take the old ones apart to add 1/2 '' or so for seams.
As for making them sturdier, the strap on the bottom will always have to be eventually replaced. The rest will last longer if its not dragging on the ground. Do you have access to boots that offer the same corrective measures as the sneakers? The higher sole will go a long way to helping them last. If not you'll have to cut them a little shorter on the sides to help stop them from dragging.
I wouldn't recommend rivets direct to the sneakers as the backside of rivets will surely casue you hell on the tops of your feet. I wouldn't be too sure about useing an adhesive either. Most shoe goos will permeate the top side of a sneaker leaving you with this hard surface where the glue dried on the top of your foot. I guess you could stitch the leather to the sneaker directly. Or you could use a small hole punch and leather thong and use the lacing holes as an attachment point if sewing leather isn't your thing. Its shouldn't be too hard to get a small leather cord and laces into the same hole.
Just pitching ideas. Hope it sparks something.
--Chazz
Use your previous cover as a template. Take the leather you just got and stich it together to create a nice flat piece. Then use the template to make a new one. You'll wind up with a patchwork style that looks really good for a more wild race. Remember that if you don't want to take the old ones apart to add 1/2 '' or so for seams.
As for making them sturdier, the strap on the bottom will always have to be eventually replaced. The rest will last longer if its not dragging on the ground. Do you have access to boots that offer the same corrective measures as the sneakers? The higher sole will go a long way to helping them last. If not you'll have to cut them a little shorter on the sides to help stop them from dragging.
I wouldn't recommend rivets direct to the sneakers as the backside of rivets will surely casue you hell on the tops of your feet. I wouldn't be too sure about useing an adhesive either. Most shoe goos will permeate the top side of a sneaker leaving you with this hard surface where the glue dried on the top of your foot. I guess you could stitch the leather to the sneaker directly. Or you could use a small hole punch and leather thong and use the lacing holes as an attachment point if sewing leather isn't your thing. Its shouldn't be too hard to get a small leather cord and laces into the same hole.
Just pitching ideas. Hope it sparks something.
--Chazz
Definitely helps. I like the idea of making lots of holes and then using some cord or something to tie it all together.
Hammerfist
Artisan
As someone who also suffers from feet as flat as a table top, I understand your probelm. My recomendation is to go out and get yourself a good pair of boots. Granted this is more expensive but if you only use these for Allicance they will last you for far more seasons than any sneaker will. The leather scraps that you have could then be used to make bracers or grieves or some other piece of armor that would work for you.
I find that while footwear can look very cool, someone wearing normal black or brown boots does not in any way detract from my IG experience and to be fair if I did not wear good supportive shoes I would not be able to walk at all by the end of Saturday.
Just my two cents
I find that while footwear can look very cool, someone wearing normal black or brown boots does not in any way detract from my IG experience and to be fair if I did not wear good supportive shoes I would not be able to walk at all by the end of Saturday.
Just my two cents