How to Make Fabric Covered Tennis Shoes
- 1). Remove the laces from the tennis shoes. Wipe down the surface of the shoes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grease from the surface. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
- 2). Insert the blade of the craft knife between the shoe sole and the shoe upper where the sole wraps around the sides of the shoe. Cut the sole away from the sides of the shoe about 1/4 of an inch. Peel back the sole 1/4 inch all the way around the shoe. You will glue the sole back in place later.
- 3). Place the fabric over the top of the shoe. Make sure the fabric drapes over all parts of the shoe from the top to the sole. Make sure the back of the shoe is covered in fabric as well.
- 4). Cut the fabric so it fits perfectly over the entire shoe. Cut the fabric into several pieces, such as the toe, sides, heel and upper portion of the shoe. This will help the fabric lay better. However, you can try to use one solid piece of fabric if desired. Cut the fabric slightly longer than the tennis shoe so you can slip it into the cut you made along the sole.
- 5). Cover the shoe with leather glue. Place a small amount of glue inside the cut in the shoe sole. Lay the fabric inside the cut and smooth the fabric out over the shoes. Work carefully, so you do not create any wrinkles or gaps in the fabric. Fold the top portion of the fabric over the edge of the opening where you place your foot and glue into place.
- 6). Add the fabric to the tongue of the shoe if desired. Use the craft knife to poke holes in the fabric for the laces. After the glue dries, re-lace the shoes.
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