Chloe Toes Soft Leather Boots

     

Trace and cut out two soles, two uppers, two casings, two backs and four ties.  Be sure to reverse the pattern pieces for the soles and uppers (so you have one each left and right).  The remaining pattern pieces are reversible. 

Transfer all pattern markings to the wrong sides of the leather.  Note that the suede side is the right side which will face out on the soles, to provide a non-skid surface.  For the remaining pieces, you may choose whether you want the smooth or sueded side as the right side. 

 

If you will be embellishing the boots with any appliques, decorative stitching, etc, do so now, before assembling the boots.

When you are ready to begin assembly, sort the pieces for left and right boots, so as not to get them mixed up in construction. 

Begin by sewing the casings onto the boot backs.  Use a washable glue stick to temporarily baste the casing in place, then stitch carefully along both sides, close to the edge of the casing.

 

When you have completed sewing both casings, insert a knitting needle or other long, pointed object through the casings to open them up. 

 

Insert 1/4" elastic through each casing, leaving about 3-4" extending from the casing at each end.

            

Match sole and back pieces at center back marking and baste together, using washable glue stick and paperclips to hold the two layers securely.

Sew back to sole with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Use a leather needle in your sewing machine and a strong polyester thread or jeanstitch.

A narrow pointed tweezers is helpful in holding and manipulating the layers of leather as you sew around curves.  Take care to keep seams smoothly curved.  Use the handwheel and stitch very slowly if necessary.  You may stop with needle down and raise the presser foot to reposition the leather if necessary.

 

Photo below shows back joined to sole.  Next you will sew the upper to the sole.  Be sure to match the correct upper to the sole (right or left).

Match markings, glue baste and clip pieces together and sew the upper to the sole in the same manner as you sewed the back.

  

 

Secure the ends of your stitching by backstitching a few stitches.  Remove from machine and trim threads.

 

Booties, inside out.

 

Trim seam allowance to 1/8".        

Turn booties right side out.

Next you will finish the ties.  You should already have threaded the 1/4" elastic through the bindings.  If you have not already done so, mark the elastic at each side at the edge of the casing.

 

Cut your laces to the width and length you prefer (1/4"-3/8" wide by 6"-10" long should be sufficient).  A rotary cutter and ruler are helpful in cutting straight, evenly sized laces.

Begin by trimming the first end of the elastic 1.5" shorter than the mark you made. 

 

Overlap the ends of the tie and the elastic.  Pin to secure.

Stitch the ends together with a zig-zag stitch. 

 

 

Next you will finish the opposite end of the tie in the same manner.  When you pull the opposite end of the elastic, you will draw the end of the first leather tie into into the casing.

 

  At the opposite side of the casing, pull the elastic out and join the second leather tie to this end as before; trimming 1/5", overlapping the tie and the elastic by 1" and zig-zagging to join ends.  Ease elastic and leather ties back into casing evenly.  The elastic will be completely hidden within the casing so only the leather ties show.

Tie laces and fold down cuff.  You are finished!

 

Now try them on your favorite little feet!