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 Shoemaking
Introduction
Opulent
handmade shoes hold a special fascination for wearer and maker alike.
Always at the head of shoe fashions, the designer shoemakers use the
softest of leathers and richest of fabrics and trims to create original
blissfully comfortable footwear.
Origins
In the 15th century, the shoemaker was using fine
leathers, velvets and decorative fabrics in his craft. Then in the 16th
century heels appeared for the first time – perhaps to boost Elizabeth
1’s short stature.
Louis XIV (who gave his name to the classic Louis heel) was
presented, to his great joy, with a pair of shoes with bows 16inches
(40cm) across and high red heels. The gentlemen of the court were
compelled to totter around on royal business in their high heels in order
to remain in favour with him.
The 18th century saw a period of extremely elegant
shoes, of brocade, and soft kid, richly embellished either by embroidery
or sewn with spangles. Diamond buckles were not uncommon.
In contrast, many of the poor went barefoot, or made or
bought their own crude footwear, often out of wood, or unforgiving coarse
leather. The advent of mass production in the late 19th century
radically changed this, making shoes available to the majority of the population.
This century, hand made shoes have remained a luxurious indulgence,
affording the lucky wearer blissful comfort in a pair of shoes unique and
made to last.
 Basic
techniques
Most of today's shoemakers who specialize in making them by
hand are trained to both design and make up the shoes. Understanding the
historical development of styles in shoes plays an integral part of the
shoemakers training. Artistry and technical skill must be matched with a
knowledge of what works and what does not.
The design of a shoe must speak balance, symmetry, elegance
and appeal. Last, but certainly not least, comes comfort. Making a
comfortable pair of shoes is the master craftsman’s trademark: if he
can’t do that, he is not a shoemaker.
Techniques – Fundamental to making a shoe is the foot mould
or ‘last’ around which the shoe is fashioned. Traditionally these were
made of wood (maple, beech or hornbeam) by craftsmen specifically trained
in this work. Nowadays, they are mainly made from a hard plastic, which
has the advantage of being lighter and less likely to lose its shape
through temperature changes. The bottom of the last has a metal panel a
metal panel covering it.
The last dictates the shape, size and fit of the shoe made on
it. They can be customized to the precise measurements of the foot, but
this is extremely expensive. It is more common practise for the shoemaker
to have a range of lasts in standard sizes.
The pattern – As in making clothes, when cutting out shoes,
you use a one dimensional pattern for a three dimensional shape. The
pattern is worked up on a last which has been covered in reinforced tape.
On to the tape is drawn the shoe the designer has in mind.
This tape pattern is carefully peeled off the last and
pressed out flat on to a piece of card. Allowances are added on to the
edges for the lasting – the sections that will go under the sole.
Clipping – Once the different components of this flat
sketch have been decided on – the sides, tongue and so on – the shapes
can be cut out. This process of cutting out is known as clipping and is
done using a special knife. The leather is moistened slightly to allow it
to be worked more easily.
At the same time, the linings for the shoe back, under foot
and heel covering are cut out. A shoe made from fabric will have to be
backed with either stiff materials or kid leather to make it harder
wearing.
Stitching the upper – the next stage is to make up the
upper (top part of the shoe). First any flap or integral accessory is
stitched on. Then the leather linings are stitched in, together with any
stiffening or blocking. The flat shape is now curved round to be joined at
the back and it begins to look like a recognisable shoe.
A stiff base is placed over the bottom of the last and the
upper is then pulled on to the last. A delicate operation, the leather has
to be stretched and coaxed around the last to form a perfect fit. The
upper is nailed in place to the base using small tacks. As each tack is
hammered through, the metal last base punches the sharp end flat.
It is then left for a minimum of four weeks. This allows the
leather to dry out naturally and makes sure that the upper takes the shape
of the last.
The shoe is then left on the last while the soles are glued
to the uppers under heat and pressure. The whole shoe is then slipped off
the last, and the heel is attached with nails. The final stage is the make
up, which involves adding the accessories and trimmings, bows and buckles,
to complete the look of the shoe.
Almost anything goes when it comes to choosing materials used
in hand made shoes, the main restraint on the maker is his budget.
Favourites with the professionals are: finest quality kid leathers and suede's,
silk, silk satin, dupion, satin, brocade, velvet, damask and grosgrain.
The more unusual materials include Perspex, cork, raffia,
salmon skin, fake furs such as zebra and leopard, astrakhan and sheepskin.
Courses
If you offer shoe making courses / evening classes /
demonstrations - please contact us
to advertise your details here.
There are lots of books available to learn the skills from
home.
To
learn proper shoe weaving techniques the best starting point is to contact
polytechnics / colleges to see if they have any organized courses.
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