Barefoot Sandals: A Beach Wedding Diy Guide

Barefoot sandals are a great option for beach weddings, especially for brides who want to feel relaxed and comfortable on their big day. They are simple to make and can be customised to match the wedding theme. All you need is some elastic string or rope, beads, and scissors. Measure the length of string you need by wrapping it around your second toe and stretching it around your ankle, then add a few extra inches. Tie a loop in the middle and start adding beads in your chosen pattern. When you reach your ankle, tie the two strands together and continue beading until you reach the back of your ankle, then tie off and trim any excess cord. You can use any type of beads you like, but small seed beads may be more comfortable for the part of the sandal that goes between your toes.

Choosing the right beads

Colour and Design

The colour and design of the beads you choose will depend on your personal preference and wedding theme. You can opt for a single colour or create a pattern with multiple colours. If you want to add a touch of sparkle to your wedding ensemble, consider using beads with a metallic or reflective finish. Gold and turquoise are popular choices for a beach wedding, but you can also use white, pink, lavender, or any other colour that complements your wedding colour palette.

Type of Beads

When making barefoot sandals, you will need two types of beads: "seed beads" and small beads. Seed beads are very small and are used for the part of the sandal that goes between the toes to ensure comfort. For the rest of the sandal, you can use any small beads that catch your eye. You can find beads at your local craft or bead store or online.

Amount of Beads

The amount of beads you will need depends on the size of your sandals and the desired design. As a general rule, you will need enough beads to cover the length of the string pattern you create by wrapping it around your second toe and stretching it to your ankle. It is better to have extra beads than to run out halfway through your project.

Other Considerations

When choosing your beads, consider the thickness of the string or wire you will be using. Ensure the beads have holes large enough for your string or wire to pass through easily. Additionally, if you want your sandals to be durable, look for beads made of high-quality materials that are less likely to break or fade over time.

Remember, there is no limit to your creativity when making barefoot sandals for your beach wedding. Have fun experimenting with different beads and designs to create a unique and personalised accessory for your special day!

Measuring the string

To measure the string for your barefoot sandals, you'll need to start with a long piece of twine or string. Wrap it under your second toe and tie a knot within half an inch of the base of your toe. Then, take both pieces of twine and tie another knot about half an inch away from your ankle. Finally, wrap the two ends around your ankle and cut where they touch.

This will give you the perfect, custom pattern to follow when creating your barefoot sandals. You can adjust the placement of the knots to make the sandals fit tighter or looser, depending on your preference. It's important to ensure that the sandals are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort and put strain on your toes.

When measuring the string, it's a good idea to leave a few extra inches past where the two sides meet to account for any adjustments you may need to make. You can always cut off any excess string, but it's better to have a little extra than not enough.

If you're making barefoot sandals for someone else, you can ask them to measure their foot using the method described above and provide you with the measurements. This will ensure a comfortable and secure fit for the wearer.

Additionally, when creating the sandals, it's recommended to use sharp scissors to avoid fraying at the ends of the string. You can also lightly seal the ends of the string with a flame to prevent fraying over time.

Tying the loop

Firstly, measure out the cord by looping it around your second toe and pulling both sides around your ankle. Leave a few extra inches past where the two sides meet. This will ensure that the sandals fit comfortably and securely. You can use elastic gold rope, elastic string, or beading wire for this step, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Next, make a loop in the middle of the cord and tie it off with a small knot. This loop will go around your second toe. The knot should be tied within a half-inch of the base of your toe. This will ensure that the loop is secure and doesn't slide around.

Now, you'll create the part of the sandal that goes around your ankle. Take both ends of the cord and tie them together above your ankle. You can adjust the placement of this knot to make the sandals tighter or looser around your foot.

At this point, you should have a secure loop around your second toe and a loop around your ankle, with two strands of cord connecting them. You can trim any excess cord, leaving just enough to tie off when you're finished beading.

If you're using beading wire, you'll need to add crimp beads and a clasp to one side of the wire, and jump rings and crimp beads to the other side. Feed the wire through the jump rings and crimp beads, pull it tight, and use pliers to crimp the beads flat, securing the ends of the wire. This will ensure that the sandals stay securely on your foot.

And that's it! You've successfully tied the loop for your barefoot sandals. Now you can move on to adding beads and other decorations to make your sandals unique and beautiful for your beach wedding.

Adding beads to the loop

First, decide on the pattern you want to create with your beads. You can choose to do all one colour, alternate colours, or create a more complex pattern. If you're making these for your bridesmaids, you might want to choose beads in your wedding colours or to match their dresses.

Next, start threading your chosen beads onto the cords on either side of the loop. You can use elastic gold rope, or a beading wire, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you're using a beading wire, you'll need to double the length of your string pattern. Work on a piece of felt so that your beads don't roll around.

When you've added enough beads to reach your ankle, it's time to tie the two strands together. You can then continue beading each side until you reach the back of your ankle and tie off, or you can leave the cord bare and tie it off.

Finally, trim any excess cord, and your barefoot sandal is complete!

Securing the beads with a knot

Before you begin, ensure you have measured the string or wire according to your foot size. You can do this by wrapping it around your second toe and pulling both sides around your ankle, leaving a few extra inches.

Now, take one of the two strands and carefully thread your chosen beads onto it. You can choose to create a pattern with different coloured beads or use all the same colour. It is recommended to use beads with some type of metallic or reflective quality to add an extra touch of sparkle to your wedding ensemble. Continue threading the beads until you reach the end of the strand.

Once you have added all the beads, it's time to secure them with a knot. Take the end of the strand and create a small, tight knot as close to the last bead as possible. You can use a pair of sharp scissors to help you tighten the knot if needed. Make sure the knot is secure so that the beads do not slide off.

Repeat this process for the other strand, ensuring that the length of the strands is even. You should now have two strands of beaded "straps" of equal length.

Now, take both strands together and tie them securely around your ankle with a knot. You can adjust the length of the strands by moving the knot closer to or further from the beads. Trim any excess string or wire, leaving a small amount of extra length for adjustments.

Finally, test the fit of your barefoot sandals by trying them on. Ensure that the beads are secure and do not slide off the knots. Adjust the knots as needed to achieve the perfect fit.

Your barefoot sandals are now ready to be worn or gifted to your bridesmaids! This simple DIY project adds a unique and elegant touch to your beach wedding, allowing you and your bridesmaids to go barefoot comfortably and in style.

Frequently asked questions