When you make a simple sandal with THIN straps, you need to cover the edges and the toe. It is one of the easiest job of a shoemaker. You will need a strap and a toe cover.

First of all let’s make a pattern for the toe! put a line on the top – and copy to the other side! Now just turn it face down on a paper and trace it!

 

Measure how long strap you need!

You can also measure how wide strap you need. It should be 2-2,5 cm. You need a width on the top, based on ytour design and only a little bit on the bottom.

And here is a little trick. Beside thin down the whole piece, we also skive it from the grain side. Yes. That will go on the top, that will help the sock lining (funny that it is called sock lining in a footwear, where they hardly wear socks…) stick.

Apply glue on the toe and the edges. Both sides.

Also on the leather pieces.

Attach the toe piece! Make sure you put it on the right place, not just ‘somewhere’!

Cut off the excess a bit – you only need 7-8 mm, not more.

This is the time to use your palm. You need to be sure that the leather sticks to the edges, but it is not stretched too much – that would mess up the cushioned edges.

Now take your folding hammer and adjust the wrinkles.

Now use the other side and hammer down the wrinkles!

Then get rid of the rest with a long, razor sharp skiving knife.

Let’s put the strap on! I use kidskin leather here, but it is way easier with a softer leather. So, first shape the front.

Then start to attach.

Same trick at the back. Good news – it is pretty easy in the bottom.

Bad news: you need to make a very delicate work on the top. A little trick – finish the side (up and down), then give a good pull on the back. This way you can get rid of most of the wrinkles.

Pull it hard!

Then use the folding hammer again.

Then a bone folder.

Work done.