Creating Barefoot Wedding Jewelry: A Step-By-Step Guide

Barefoot sandals are a popular type of jewellery for people who choose to go barefoot, especially at beach weddings. They are a combination of a toe ring, an ankle bracelet, and a strap connecting the two. You can make your own barefoot sandals using beads, crochet, or twine. Etsy and Amazon offer a variety of barefoot sandals for purchase, with some specifically designed for weddings.

Choosing your materials

The materials you choose for your barefoot wedding jewellery will depend on the look you want to achieve. For example, sparkly beads that resemble gems are popular for wedding sandals, while wooden beads may be more suitable if you're going for a hippie look. You can also use plastic craft beads for children's anklets. If you want to create a simple look, you can use a chain or elastic cord and add some beads. If you're feeling more creative, you can use lace or other decorative material that can be tied around your ankle.

When selecting your materials, consider the colour and size of the beads or other decorations. The beads you choose should complement the colour of your wedding outfit and any other jewellery you plan to wear. If you have a specific theme for your wedding, try to find beads or decorations that match that theme. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might choose beads in turquoise or other ocean-inspired colours.

In addition to the decorative elements, you'll need some type of ring for your toe. This can be a store-bought toe ring or a simple loop of twine. Keep in mind that commercially-made toe rings are usually not designed to fit your biggest toe, so you may need to adjust the size accordingly.

For the anklet, you have several options. You can use a store-bought anklet or bracelet, beads threaded onto an elastic cord, or simple lace or decorative material that can be tied around your ankle. If you choose to tie the anklet directly to your ankle, select a knot that is secure but easy to undo later.

Finally, you'll need a length of twine, cloth, lace, or elastic cord to connect the toe ring and the anklet. This material should be fairly tight and without slack, and you should allow for some extra length on each end for tying knots.

Toe ring placement

Toe rings are typically placed on the second or third toe of either foot, as these toes are usually the most comfortable for placement. The ring should be positioned in the middle of the toe, between the toe pad and the toe knuckle. This is the most comfortable placement, as the toe doesn't touch the ground in this area. The ring should be slightly difficult to slide on and off and should be able to spin in position around the toe. If the ring cannot spin, it is too tight.

Toe rings can be worn with a variety of shoes and in various circumstances, from the beach to the boardroom. However, it is important to note that they should not be worn underneath stockings or pantyhose, as this can look outdated. Additionally, when wearing toe rings, it is recommended to invest in regular pedicures to ensure that your toes look their best.

Anklet fastening

To make wedding barefoot jewellery, you'll need to start with a toe ring or a simple loop of twine around your second toe. Next, you'll need to secure an anklet around your ankle. The anklet can be store-bought, beads threaded onto an elastic cord, or a decorative piece of lace or other material that can be tied around your ankle.

Sliding Knot

Wrap the ends of the anklet around your ankle, crossing at the back of your foot and meeting at the front. This method works best with anklets that have at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of extra cord at each end.

Create a small loop 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from the end of the anklet. If the rope is thick, make the loop bigger so there's a visible hole in the middle. Wrap the end of the cord around the base of the loop twice, then pull the end of the cord through the loop and tighten. Repeat on the other side, then slide the knots to adjust the size of the anklet.

Simple Knot

Hold the ends of the anklet together at the front of your ankle, ensuring you can fit at least one finger under the anklet. Use one hand to pinch the anklet in place, and use your other hand to pass the ends of the anklet underneath the strings coming from your ankle, creating a loop that looks like a "4". Pull the ends of the anklet up through the loop and tighten to secure the knot.

Loop Technique

This method is for anklets with a loop and two threads at one end. Wrap the anklet around your ankle and thread both pieces of thread through the loop. Pull the threads taught, then push the top thread through the loop and pull it downward, threading it beside the other thread. Poke the other thread back through the loop and pull it above your ankle, then pull the top thread back down through the loop and tighten.

Crocheted Barefoot Sandal

This method involves crocheting a barefoot sandal with a toe ring and long chain stitches that can be looped around your toes and tied around your ankle. You'll need an H8/5-millimetre crochet hook and yarn in a matching size. Start by making 11 chain stitches for the toe ring, then join the ends with a slip stitch. For the sandal top, do four more chain stitches, then double crochet into the third chain stitch from the hook and turn your work. Repeat this pattern a few times, depending on the size of the wearer's foot, then do 100 chain stitches and tie off. Finish by attaching yarn to the opposite end and making another long chain, then bind off.

Remember to leave a little room when fastening your anklet to ensure comfort and proper blood flow.

Beading

Materials:

First, gather your materials. You will need beads, clear elastic jewelry thread or beading wire, a toe loop (optional), and some pliers. Choose beads that match your wedding theme or color scheme. You can use seed beads, colored beads, pearls, rhinestones, or Swarovski crystals. Don't forget to select a comfortable thread or wire that is strong enough to hold the weight of your beads.

Measuring:

Every foot is unique, so it's important to measure before you start beading. Use a piece of twine to measure your foot. Start by wrapping the twine under your second toe and tying a knot close to the base of your toe. Then, tie another knot about half an inch away from your ankle. Wrap the two ends around your ankle and cut where they meet. This will give you a custom pattern to follow for your beading.

Now, it's time to start beading! Work on a piece of felt to prevent your beads from rolling away. Cut your beading wire or thread to at least double the length of your string pattern. Begin by adding "seed beads" for the part of the jewelry that goes between your toes. These beads are very small and comfortable. Continue adding beads until they match the length of your twine pattern.

Anklet Design:

Next, you'll create the design for the top of your foot and around your ankle. Fold the wire in half and place the wires together. Feed a small bead (not a seed bead) onto both pieces of wire simultaneously. Continue adding small beads until they reach the second knot in your twine pattern. Now, you can add beads to the individual wires. Add two seed beads to each wire, followed by small beads, until you reach the cut part of your twine pattern.

Finishing Touches:

To finish your barefoot jewelry, add two crimp beads and a clasp to one side of the wire. Feed the wire back through the crimp beads and pull it tight. Use pliers to flatten the crimp beads and secure the end. Repeat this process on the other side, adding two jump rings, crimp beads, and another clasp. And that's it! You now have beautiful beaded wedding barefoot jewelry.

Remember, this is just a guide, and you can always add your own creative touches. You can use any beads you like and even combine different types of beads for a unique look. Happy crafting!

Tying it all together

Now that you have your toe ring, anklet, and beaded twine, it's time to assemble your barefoot sandals!

Start by laying out your materials and cutting your beaded twine to the correct length, leaving about an inch of extra material on each end for tying. If you're using elastic cord or lace, you may not need to cut the material, but make sure it's not so long that it becomes difficult to manage.

Take one end of the beaded twine and tie it securely to your toe ring with a double knot. Ask a friend to hold the other end or use a bead stopper to prevent the beads from sliding off. Once the first end is secure, tie the other end to your anklet with another double knot.

Trim any excess thread from the knots, being careful not to cut your bracelet or toe ring. And voilà! You've created your first barefoot sandal. Repeat the process to make a matching sandal for the other foot.

If you want to get creative, you can make multiple pairs of barefoot sandals in different colours and styles for various occasions, such as weddings, picnics, beach days, or even just lounging around the house. Decorate each pair accordingly, using faux gemstones for weddings, wooden beads for beach days, and colourful lace or elastic for a fun at-home look.

Remember to exercise caution when wearing your barefoot sandals outdoors. While they're perfect for a beach wedding, they don't offer protection from hazards like broken glass or sharp stones. Always keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid injuries.

Frequently asked questions