Canvas trainers (like All Stars, Superga or another summery pair) you've probably got a few pairs lying around. Well worn-in, but also looking a bit faded or with a little stain here and there. Time to throw them out? Not at all! Simply give them a second life with something you make yourself. Because with a bit of embroidery thread and a sturdy needle, you can transform your old trainers into unique works of art. And the best part is, no one else will have them like that!
Embroidery on your trainers
We often buy shoes faster than necessary: because they're no longer perfectly fresh, or because we're simply a bit bored of them. But with a bit of embroidery, you can easily give your old canvas trainers an upgrade. From worn-out gym shoes to unique designer ones. pieces, simply with needle and thread. Embroidery is also wonderfully relaxing: stitch by stitch, you'll see your design come to life. Whether you choose a subtle little figure over a stain or a whole pattern: the result is always personal. Extra fun: you can often pick up embroidery thread really cheaply at the charity shop!
Embroidering on your old trainers is easier than you think: with some embroidery thread and a sturdy needle, you can give old trainers a second life.
DIY embroidered trainers
Requirements
- canvas trainers(preferably already a bit broken in and comfortable)
- Embroidery thread in colours of your choice
- Sturdy needle with a sharp pointe.g. knitting needle
- scissors
- pencil(light-coloured with dark shoes)
- Possibly a piece of felt or fabric and fabric glue for the inside.
Instructions
- Clean your trainers and remove the laces.
- Draw your design on the shoe with a pencil. Use a light colour if your shoe is dark.
- Separate the embroidery thread. Use 2 of the 6 strands for finer work.
- Start with details such as flower centres. Use French knots: explanatory video.
- Make the outlines with a running stitch: take a look here how.
- Fill petals with a satin stitch: That's how you do it.
- For stems and leaves: use the stem stitch and ‘lazy daisy’ stitch: Look here.
- Make loose flowers by combining French knots and lazy daisies.
- Neatly finish the inside with a piece of felt and some fabric glue, so the threads don't irritate or come loose.
More great upcycling tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Old T-shirts? Make a DIY plant pendant.
- Old jeans? Make it a kek bag!
- For clothes that are still wearable but have a boring light colour: What do you think about a sustainable textile dyeing workshop?
Photo credits: Melanie de Oliveira.
