https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/patch-your-toms • Posted by Julia
I've had these grey, classic style TOMS for over two years now, and while they have been incredible shoes, they were definitely looking a little worse for the wear. Over time they grew two lovely, exposing holes where my big toe could poke through, which not only looked ratty, but was not very comfortable. Instead of throwing them away, I decided to patch them, and now I love these shoes more than ever! So If you're suffering from the same problem I was, just follow my tutorial, and your TOMS will be cuter and better than ever! Enjoy!
I've had these grey, classic style TOMS for over two years now, and while they have been incredible shoes, they were definitely looking a little worse for the wear. Over time they grew two lovely, exposing holes where my big toe could poke through, which not only looked ratty, but was not very comfortable. Instead of throwing them away, I decided to patch them, and now I love these shoes more than ever! So If you're suffering from the same problem I was, just follow my tutorial, and your TOMS will be cuter and better than ever! Enjoy!
First, you'll want to dig out your TOMS! If yours are ratty and dirty like mine, you may want to give them a good cleaning before you start! I just took a damp rag and got a lot of the dirt out of the soles. I do NOT recommend putting your TOMS in the washing machine!
Next, cut a small square of fabric to patch the hole on the inside of your TOMS. Choose a light, comfortable fabric that won't hurt your feet. I just used white cotton. Make sure the square is big enough to cover the hole, with about 1/2 inch of extra room on each side.
Take your fabric glue and outline your square with a thin line of adhesive. This next part is a bit tricky: Place your freshly glued square on the tips of your pointer and middle finger and slide the patch in place on the inside of your TOMS, being careful not to get glue anywhere else on the shoe! (it's alright if you do, just get a wet tissue and clean the unwanted glue off before it dries)
Cut off any extra threads sticking out on the outside of your TOMS.
And this is what you should have so far!
Next, choose the fabric that you want to make your outside patch out of! The texture of this fabric doesn't matter, as long it's sturdy. Again, cut a square of your patch fabric big enough to cover the hole, with about 1/2 extra room on each side. Make sure your edges are clean and straight, since this is the part of the patch that will be showing!
Just like before, apply a thin line of fabric glue on the back of your patch, turn it right side up, and firmly press your patch over the hole in your TOMS. This outside patch is easier to apply than the one inside your shoe, but make sure each of the sides is firmly pressed down, and that the patches on both shoes are symmetrical. Wipe off any excess glue.
Next comes the hard part; sewing. Choose a sturdy, but relatively thin needle, since most TOMS are made of thick material. Select an appropriate thread color. I picked white. Tie your thread to your needle, and stick the needle in a corner of your patch.
Since it is a pain to maneuver your needle from the inside of the shoe back up through the patch, I recommend spacing out your stitches. This will speed up the process, and make it less obvious if your stitches are uneven. It is hard to tell where your needle is when you're poking it back through, but if you use your pointer finger to feel where the needle is before threading it up through the shoe, it's not impossible! So don't give up! :)
When you've gone all the way around your patch, tie both ends of your thread together with three tight knots. Cut the thread of your needle, and remove any excess threads from the edges of your patch. Do this to both shoes and VOILA! Your old, holey TOMS are now weather proof, unique and adorable! ♥