Create Your Own Barefoot Wedding Sandals: A Step-By-Step Guide

Barefoot sandals are a great option for beach weddings, combining toe rings, ankle bracelets, and straps. They can be made with elastic string, beads, and scissors. You can use beads with a metallic or reflective quality for an extra touch of sparkle, or go for a boho look with wooden beads.

To make a pair of barefoot sandals, start by measuring the string by looping it around your second toe and pulling both sides around your ankle. Leave a few extra inches, then make a loop in the middle and tie it off with a small knot. Next, add beads to the cords on either side of the loop, 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.

Choosing your materials: beads, string, and scissors

The materials you will need to make your barefoot wedding sandals are beads, string, and scissors. You can choose any type of bead you like, but for a wedding, you may want to opt for beads with a metallic or reflective quality to add a touch of sparkle to your ensemble. Sparkly beads that look like gems are a popular choice for wedding sandals. If you're going for a more bohemian look, you might prefer wooden beads.

For the string, choose something that you are happy to have on show. You could go with a skin-tone colour or something that accents the beads you have chosen. You'll want to use a type of string that is stretchy, such as elastic gold rope or elastic cord. Softflex beading wire is another option that is recommended by some sources.

Finally, you will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the string and avoid fraying at the ends.

Measuring the string: wrapping it around your second toe and stretching to your ankle

To measure the string for your barefoot wedding sandals, start by taking a long piece of string and wrapping it under your second toe. Tie a small knot within half an inch of the base of your toe. Then, stretch both sides of the string around your ankle and tie another knot about half an inch away from your ankle. Wrap the two ends around your ankle and cut the string where they touch. You should be left with a few extra inches of string past where the two sides meet. This will be used to tie your sandal together.

Now that you have the correct length, you can start adding beads to the string. Add beads to both sides of the loop in your chosen pattern. When you get to the top of your ankle, tie a knot to secure the beads in the middle. Continue beading the straps until you can wrap the entire string around your foot.

Tying a loop: creating a middle knot

Tying a loop and creating a middle knot is a crucial step in making your barefoot wedding sandals. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Start by measuring out your cord or string by looping it around your second toe and pulling both sides around your ankle. Leave a few extra inches on each side past where the two sides meet. This extra length is important as it will ensure that your sandals fit comfortably and can be tied securely.

Now, create a loop in the middle of the cord and tie it off with a small, secure knot. This loop will sit comfortably between your second and third toes. Ensure that the knot is tight and close to the loop to prevent it from coming undone.

At this point, you can begin adding beads to the cords on either side of the loop. You can get creative with your choice of beads and their arrangement. You can use beads of all one colour or alternate colours for a unique design.

Once you've added enough beads, tie the two strands together at the top of your ankle to secure the beads in the middle. This will also ensure that the sandals stay in place when worn.

If you want to add more beads or continue with a different design, you can continue beading each side until you reach the back of your ankle, and then tie off the cords. Alternatively, you can leave the cords bare and simply tie them off.

Finally, trim any excess cord with sharp scissors to prevent fraying and to give your sandals a neat finish. Be careful not to cut too close to the knot to avoid accidentally undoing it.

Adding beads: decorating the twine with sparkly or wooden beads

Adding beads to your barefoot wedding sandals can give them a sparkly or elegant finish. You can use any beads you like, from sparkly crystals to wooden beads.

To begin, you will need to measure out a length of beading cord or twine. You can do this by wrapping the cord around your second toe and tying a knot at the base. Then, bring the cord up and around your ankle, and tie another knot about half an inch from your ankle. Wrap the two ends around your ankle and cut where they touch. You now have a custom pattern to follow!

Now, you can start adding beads. For the part of the sandal that goes between your toes, use "seed beads", which are very small and comfortable. Add these to the middle of your wire until they are the same size as your twine pattern.

For the next section, fold the wire in half and feed a small bead onto both pieces of wire. Continue adding beads until they reach the second knot in your twine pattern.

Now, add beads to the individual wires. Add two seed beads to each, followed by small beads, until you reach the cut part of the twine pattern.

At this point, you can add some sparkle with crystal beads or keep it natural with wooden beads. You can also add charms or other decorations to make your sandals unique.

Continue adding beads and tying knots to secure them in place. Finish the sandals by securing the ends with clasps, a knot and glue, or a crimp tube.

And that's it! You now have a pair of beautiful, beaded barefoot wedding sandals.

Tying it all together: securing the beads and trimming excess string

Now that you've added your beads, it's time to secure them and trim the excess string.

First, tie a knot at the end of each strand to prevent beads from falling off. If you're using elastic cord, you can tie a surgeon's knot, which is a type of double knot that's strong and secure. For beading wire, you can use crimp beads to secure the ends. Thread the wire through a crimp bead, then back through just the crimp bead and pull tight. Flatten the crimp bead with pliers to secure the end.

Once the beads are secured, trim any excess string with sharp scissors. Cut as close to the knot as possible, being careful not to cut the bracelet or toe ring.

If you're making a matching pair, repeat the process for the other sandal.

Frequently asked questions