Beaded Wedding Sandals: Diy Guide To Create Yours

Beaded wedding sandals are the perfect accessory for a beach wedding, adding a touch of glamour to a barefoot ceremony. Making your own beaded wedding sandals is a fun and creative project, and with the right materials, you can design a pair that is comfortable and secure. All you need is some beading wire or elastic cord, beads in your chosen colours, and a few simple tools. You can follow a step-by-step tutorial to create a beautiful pattern, adding beads to the toe, ankle, and heel for a secure fit. With a bit of time and patience, you can make a pair of beaded wedding sandals that are truly unique and a perfect finishing touch for your special day.

Choosing the right beads

Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of beads you want to use. Seed beads are a popular choice for beaded sandals, as they are small and comfortable. You can use larger beads as accents or to create a pattern, but for the sections of the sandal that go between your toes, seed beads are a good option. You can also use mixed round beads in complementary colours, such as gold, cream, or bronze. Czech glass round beads and shell pearls are a great option for this, and you can even add in some gold-toned jump rings and headpins for extra detail.

When it comes to colour, you can choose to match your wedding theme or go with a classic bridal colour like ivory or white. If you want something more colourful, you can opt for turquoise or lavender beads, or even a mix of colourful beads for a fun and unique look.

The amount of beads you'll need will depend on the size of your foot and the desired look of your sandals. As a general rule, you'll need between 45 and 60 seed beads for the toe loop, and then you can add larger beads and additional seed beads to create the desired pattern and length for the "bar" part of the sandal and the ankle strap.

Remember to choose beads that you find pretty and that reflect your personal style. There are no rules when it comes to creativity, so feel free to experiment with different beads and patterns until you find the perfect combination for your beaded wedding sandals.

Measuring the cord

To measure the cord for your beaded wedding sandals, start with a long piece of twine or cord. Loop it around your second toe and pull both sides around your ankle, ensuring that the cord goes under your toe and sits where you want your sandals to be. Leave a few extra inches of cord past the point where the two sides meet.

Next, tie a small knot in the middle of the cord, creating a loop that sits half an inch from the base of your toe. Then, with both pieces of cord together, tie another knot about half an inch away from your ankle. Wrap the two ends around your ankle and cut the cord where they touch.

Now you can remove the cord from your foot. You have created a custom pattern that will guide the placement of your beads. The length of the cord between the two knots should be the same as the length of beading wire you will use for your sandals.

It is important to measure the cord carefully to ensure a comfortable fit for your beaded wedding sandals. This method allows you to customise the sandals to your foot, ensuring they will not be too tight or too loose.

Tying the right knots

When making beaded wedding sandals, it's important to use the right knots to ensure your design is secure and durable. Here are some tips on tying the right knots:

Overhand Knots

Overhand knots are simple and commonly used in jewellery making and beadwork. They can be used decoratively between beads or to keep them in place. They are also useful at the end of a cord or when attaching a cord to a clamshell beading tip. You can also use them when working with a doubled-over cord to create a loop for a clasp.

Square Knots

Square knots are very secure and easy to hide between beads or inside seed beads. They are often used to add new threads in beadwork, especially with open-weave stitches like the netting stitch and right-angle weave. They are perfect for securing cord ends or attaching new cords.

Surgeon's Knot

The surgeon's knot is a more advanced technique, similar to a square knot but with an extra loop through the base. It is ideal for situations where other knots may come undone, such as with elastic cord in stretch bracelets.

Half-Hitch Knot

The half-hitch knot is a versatile and commonly used knot in beadwork. It is perfect for adding or ending threads in most beadwork stitches. It works well when used in multiples, especially with a small drop of glue or clear nail polish, to secure the thread.

Lark's Head Knot

The lark's head knot is a simple and secure knot used to attach cords in beadwork, macrame, and jewellery making. It is a great choice for adding pendants to necklaces or focal points to bracelets as it is both functional and decorative.

Adding glue for reinforcement

Selecting the Right Glue

Choose a strong and flexible glue that dries clear and is suitable for the material of your sandals. Super glue, such as Loctite Super Glue, is a popular option for shoe repairs as it works with most materials and dries quickly. You can also consider specialised glues like Aleene's Leather & Suede Glue for leather sandals or Shoe Goo Repair and Protective Coating for repairs involving rubber and leather.

Preparing the Glue

Read the instructions on the glue packaging carefully before use. Some glues may require preparation, while others, like cyanoacrylate glue, can be used directly. Ensure that the glue is easy to apply and will not expand or dry too thickly.

Applying the Glue

Before gluing, clean the surface of your sandals to remove any dirt, oil, or residue. Then, apply a thin layer of glue along the edges or soles of the sandals, using a small bead of glue for precise application. If using porous materials, apply a more generous amount of glue and hold the pieces together for longer.

Assembling the Sandals

After applying the glue, quickly assemble the pieces of your sandals, holding them securely for at least 10-45 seconds. Use clamps if needed to ensure a tight bond. Wipe away any excess glue with a paper towel.

Drying and Curing

Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing your sandals. The drying time will vary depending on the type of glue used, ranging from a few seconds for super glues to several hours for other types. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying and curing times.

Tips and Precautions

Always work in a well-ventilated area when using glue, and keep it away from children and pets. Some glues have strong chemical odours and are highly flammable, so take necessary precautions. Additionally, consider using a disposable glove on one hand to protect your skin from accidental glue contact.

Trimming excess cord

Trimming the excess cord is the final step in making beaded wedding sandals. Before you trim the excess cord, ensure that your glue is completely dry. This is important because the glue keeps the cord from coming undone.

When trimming the excess cord, be very careful not to accidentally cut through the knots you've made. You can use sharp scissors or a craft knife for this step. Cut as close to the knots as possible, leaving no excess cord showing.

If you're making beaded sandals with a braided design, you'll need to trim the excess thread after braiding the ankle straps. Simply knot the straps to secure them, or add a decorative bead at the end by placing it between two square knots. Remember to double knot below the last square knot to secure it in place before trimming.

For a more secure finish, you can also apply a small amount of glue to the ends of the cord before trimming. This will prevent the cord from fraying and ensure that your sandals remain sturdy and durable.

Frequently asked questions