Shoemaking Course May 2022
At the start, our students started making a design on our iPad or on paper. They used ProCreate to make the digital sketches. Below are the final design results that were created by our students.
When the sketches were finished, we started on selecting the right materials and cutting out the patterns. Patterns are usually cut with either scissors or a knife.
To finish off all the flat patterns, the patters must be skived. By skiving the patterns you ensure that the underlying patterns are nicely concealed. On the course we first teach our students how doing this by hand, but we finish it off using a machine to speed up the process.
Before our students start the stitching process, they have to practice some stitching exercises to get a feel for the sewing machine. Getting a feel for how the machine works is important to get better end-results.
While our students were practicing on the sewing machines, we started on the embroidery. With the embroidery machine you can add extra details to your sneakers. Usually this improves and adds to the one of one bespoke look of the sneakers.
When our students had enough confidence and practice using the sewing machine, they could start stitching the shoe together. This process really makes the sneakers come alive from the flat cut-out pieces, into a shaped upper.
During the stitching phase, team VIJZ makes sure to help and guide you along where needed to get the best possible end result. This phase is one of the most important phases of the shoemaking process so receiving feedback from team VIJZ is very important.
When the uppers are completely done, the students start on the lasting process. During the course they had to learn about how to attach the upper to the shoe last using nails.
After lasting the sneakers, the students start the process of sticking the uppers onto the donor soles.
Once the uppers are glued on the donor soles, the students arrive to the final stage of the course. It is finally time to remove the shoelasts.
Obviously we took some really great pictures of the end-results of this course. We were very stoked and also proud of what the students of this course were able to make. Check the final results below!
Of course, there has to be a certain amount of focus while making your own sneakers, but it is also necessary to have fun going through the whole course. We think the pictures below speak for themselves.
We hope you enjoyed this recap, we surely enjoyed teaching this great group of students. This course was lots of fun and we are proud of the end-results.
