My mom gave Annie a really cute pair of Converse All-Star sneakers with layers of tulle attached to the tongue. Annie has practically worn holes into them, and they are just about too small for her. I wanted to get her a new pair but I thought it would be easier and more economical to add some tulle to a pair of shoes she already owned. And I kiiind of wanted to add some to a pair of my own shoes, too. It was really easy to add the tulle, and there’s no sewing required. You can do this to any pair of lace-up shoes!
Lace-up shoes
3-inch wide tulle (multiple colors is more fun!)
Hole punch
Piece of paper
Pencil/pen
Scissors (fabric and paper)
Remove the laces from your shoes. Cut a strip of paper that fits over the tongue.
Using a pencil, mark on the piece of paper where the bottom lace holes are.
Punch holes over where you marked.
Cut your tulle. For Annie’s shoes, I cut five 5-inch strips of each color. For my own, I cut five six-inch strips of each color. The length you cut will depend on what kind of shoe you’re decorating, but no matter what you want to make sure the tulle is longer than the tongue of your shoe.
Place your strip of paper over the tulle and punch holes. Depending on how dense the tulle is weaved, this might be hard. You can always use scissors to cut small holes. The sides of the shoes will cover this part so it’s okay if it’s a little messy.
Thread your laces through the tulle.
Lace up your shoes like you normally would! At this point, you can trim the tulle to your liking. I ended up rounding off the tops, which still gave plenty of overlap.
I really love how they turned out, and like I said, I made a pair for myself, too!
Annie said, “We look like sisters.” She’s getting a cookie.
I might flip mine over and put the pink on top for a bigger pop of color.
Any questions, let me know. Have fun!
Glenda says:
Love it! Twinning lol
Auntie_M says:
So freakin’ cute!!! Forwarding this one on to my BIL so he can do this with my niece! Cuz I know my sister and she will never get around to it, but my BIL knits, crochets, sews, etc…he’ll be all over this as I know my niece would LOVE shoes like this! In fact, for Father’s Day, I was going to make him your Mason Jar Sewing Kit, but I got sick and was busy visiting ERs and having MRIs and never got to the fabric store to buy the supplies…but his birthday is in Sept! That gives me PLENTY of time!!! LOL
Gert says:
If you thread the laces through the pieces of tulle one at a time instead of layered you’d get a rainbow effect at the top. But it might be too bunched up and thick? Anyway, this is adorable. Thanks!
Heather says:
It wouldn’t be any thicker than it is with the colors blocked together! I thought about trying that actually, but I found that with the type of tulle I used the colors looked better this way. I think with a tighter weave tulle a rainbow would look REALLY cool!
Heather L. says:
Love her Haulin’ Oats shirt! My favorite band!!
Heather says:
I know, I wish it came in my size! It’s from Hatch For Kids.
Heather says:
These are adorable! I can’t wait to make with my daughter tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!
Tricia says:
LOVE! Even I could do this! hehehe
Barbara says:
I think I will try that and round each layer s little bit shorter than the one behind it for a more rainbowish kind of effect. My granddaugthers will love it. I bet you could get the same look with thin fabrics dipped in liquid starch and dryed before cutting. Maybe even adapt it for little boys.
Jordan says:
Umm, when did Annie become a teenager? She is too darling! And LOVE the pic of y’all together!!
One of my older co-workers offered me a new pair of tennis shoes that didn’t fit her. They’re great, but very very plain. This is the perfect way to jazz em up! Thanks Heather!
Jackie says:
Bwahahahahaa! I love Annie’s shirt! I want one, too!!!
defendUSA says:
Maize and blue coming up for my Wolverines and the Converses that match!! Woot! Go. Bluue!!! I’ll send a photo!
Karla says:
Ohhh! I spy with my little eye a FitBit! Yay for FitBit! I have a One and love it!
Susan says:
The shoes are so cute….I love my guys and they are adults now but when I see stuff like this I get that twinge of…hmmm this is what it would be like to have a little gir
Johanna says:
I love it! You are so creative. Also, love love love Annie’s Haulin’ Oats shirt.
Missy says:
So cute! And her shirt… I HAVE to have it!
Alyson says:
These look sooo cute and what an easy idea!! This would be a super fun birthday present too for my daughter’s friends!
Megan says:
Super cute, and I’m so jealous of you and Annie’s purple and blue Chucks! One of the worst things about working in an office outside the home is that I cannot justify another Converse purchase.
Anna says:
So cute! You’re so talented and creative, Heather. And Annie’s shirt cracked me up – I want one!
Tammy M. says:
I love that yours are purple. You know they’re making Maddie smile! I also love Annie’s shirt.
Suzanne L. says:
The shoes are adorable and I LOVE the Haulin’ Oats shirt. Too cute! Love it!