Working boots tutorial: how to pull the ...

Working boots tutorial: how to pull the top of the shoe onto the shoelast

Feb 27, 2023

I decided to share a glimpse of the process of making dollie shoes. This particular stage is a very important one, as any mistake done can ruin the item.

Here are my shoelasts. I prefer to form the tips according to a current shoe design.
image Wrap the shoelast into cling film, so it won't stick to the shoe.
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I use thin and soft leathers, which have to be reinforced. So I add a layer of thin fabric and generously soak it with PVA glue. I make double layer at the toes.

PVA glue makes the leather much stiffer, so only a lower parts are soaked with it. I usually leave the parts above the ankle as is, so a natural folds are formed in those places.
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The reinforcement layer should be wrapped around the inner sole.
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I create the anatomical shape out of styrofoam. Usually feet of BJD dolls are flat, so the inner sole creates a necessary support, and the curved shape is added on top of the insole.
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Wrap the top of the shoe around the shoelast.
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Add another layer of PVA. Glue the top of the shoe to the shoelast. Pull on the front part so it stretches and wraps around the protruding tip without folds.
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Cut out the "teeth" from the allowance. Don't cut too close to the bending line, but rather leave 1-2 mm uncut, so these cuts are not visible on the sides.

Glue the allowance with hot glue. It cools off very fast, and can be melted back if you did any mistakes.

I usually proceed from the back to the toes.
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The "teeth" are more narrow at the toes, as it allows to smooth out any folds in this area.
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You can purchase a complete tutorial with 100+ very detailed photos of each step on my site.

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