Crafting to Refashion Flip Flops-Make Them for Gifts
Fashionable Flip-Flops Crafting Something to Wear
I am crafting to Refashion Flip Flops. Most everyone has had a pair of rubber flip-flops at some time or another but not preparing. I have been crafting with flip-flops for a long time and have discovered some things that work and others that don't. You can learn something from my crafting experience and make perfect flip-flops.
There is 2 type of flip-flops, the top strap is held in place by a button at the end of each strap, and the other is constructed with the strap embedded into the sole. In the bottom belt case, you can easily cut the button off and make a new strap with fabric using knots and glue. The type where the belt is internally fixed to the inner portion of the sole is usually the one I refashion with embellishments, ribbons, and beads, using glue to affix them to the strap.
Many people enjoy wearing flip-flops year-round, especially those of us living in the country's southern regions. If you don't have long summer, you can always spend the winter turning flop-flops craft patterns into designer fashion for summer wear. Thanks to the many types of sandals available, there is a style to suit most any foot. Be sure to look on the bottom for button attachments if you want to replace the strap. I suggest a cheap pair to start your first craft pattern until you get your measurement correct.
The backside of the 2 different types of sandals
Flip Flops For Comfort
All flip-flops are not created equal. There are many brands of flip-flops these days, and I can tell you that each one is made a little bit differently. You will find that some offer support for your foot, while others are merely a flat sole with a strap. The old saying goes," you get what you pay for," which is fitting for flip-flops.
Create Your Own Flip Flops
The Process of Creating Fashionable Flip Flops
In this photo, I glued two strips of embellishment facing inward and then glued a pre-strung bead tassel above the toe strap.
What you will need:
1 Pair of Flip Flops
Glue Gun, Crazy glue is also good on the knots.
Embellishments
Sharp Scissors
Determination and Patience
1. For Button type flip flops, you can cut the straps off of each one at the button if you wish to make a cloth strap.
Once you have cut the strap off, you need to measure a 2-inch wide piece of fabric in your choice of color. Depending upon size, you will need a length of approximately 1 yard for each shoe. For a finished look, sew the strap by folding the right side together in a lengthwise fashion and machine stitching it from one end to the next, be sure to backstitch to prevent the stitches from pulling out. Now turn the narrow length right side out. Next, find the center, tie a knot into the strip, and thread it through the top hole of the sole. Then position the sole with the fabric strap onto your foot, tie another knot just above your toes, then measure each side of the belt by placing it next to the hole near the arch of your foot, making the position. Then thread the strap through one of the holes and tie a knot to hold it. Repeat for the opposite side. The tricky part is carefully clipping the excess, leaving about half an inch of fabric. Lastly, cover each of the 3 knots tied into the sole with glue, be sure to cover the extra little bit on the last 2 knots you just connected. Pull the knots tightly into the button holes, pressing them flat. Ensure that the excess fabric of the last 2 knots gets tucked around the inside. I use a crochet hook or chopstick to do this. Allow your flip-flop a day or two to completely dry. They are now ready to wear.
Buttonless flip-flops should be embellished rather than switching out the strap. You could cut the belt off and refashion a hole. However, it holds the strap well; it will usually tear the sole of the flip flop within a few wearings. I have discovered that embellishments that are sold by the yard are an excellent choice for flip-flops. They are easy to work with and keep in place while the glue dries. Another good choice is large flat-bottomed beads, easily glued onto the strap for embellishment. Sequins and other flat-bottomed items can be glued onto the belt for decoration. Make sure that you only glue these items to the strap itself; keep the toe strap free of decoration, it will come off, and it is not comfortable to wear if you want to change the color of the belt, ribbon, or fabric strips glued on the strap work well.
The silver embellishment I used on these flip flops
Other by the yard embellishments
Beads and Gems
In this photo, you can see some large gems available for crafting. They are plastic, light-weight, and easy to work with; I use crazy glue to hold them in place well. They come in various packs, including different colors, shapes, and sizes of gems.
I do not recommend using round beads. They tend to slide, dry, and are hard to adhere to the strap. Some people like to use hot glue for this gluing; hand sewing is also an option for attaching beads and embellishment, holding them securely.
For Flip Flops with plastic straps, you can tear fabric into strips about 1 inch in width and glue the fabric in place as you wrap the fabric around the belt. The torn edges will create a distressed look, and flower embellishments attached to the center just above the toe holder makes the perfect decoration.
Find Something Special
Centerpieces for Flip Flops
Photo: www.sxc.hu
Jumbo gems are also a good choice for a centerpiece for your flip flop. Another good centerpiece is a hand-crafted ribbon flower or purchase some silk daisy flowers, remove the stem and use 1 or 2 petals together to form a blossom, finish with a gem in the center and glue it in place.
I used pre-threaded beads on the silver embellished flip-flops; they come attached to a ribbon with the hanging strung beads along it. I use glue and fold the ribbon into a smaller piece to create a dangle with the bead strings close together.
Use your imagination, find some of your old remnants embellishments and see what you can create. Your flip-flop design will be original.
An embroidered tiger, ribbon flower, pre-made beaded embellishment. All off ebay!
Flip flops photo: www.sxc.hu
Embellish
Premade bead embellishments
Premade embellishments are easy to attach and can be found in abundance on eBay. I usually look up bead embellishments or bridal embellishments.