How to Narrow Pumps

Given fashion's obssession with people being thin (eyeroll) you'd think you'd be able to buy narrow fit shoes more easily. I'm not advocating it, just pointing out the inconsistency :-) This is another of the things I've done to make shoes fit for me. The photos are over three years old now so apologies for the photo quality.

You need:
Pair of pumps
Strong sharp but not too thick needle (such as a darning needle)
Thread
Ribbon
Pins
Clear nail varnish

1. Find a pair of pumps that fit, except they fall off when you walk because they are too wide. The upper part should be cloth so it can be sewn. The thicker the fabric the greater effort it is going to be to drive the needle through but at least they will be sturdy. I cut the bows off these too as they were frayed and lacklustre.

2. You need to narrow the shoe by 1.5cm all the way round at least. For 1.5cm you need ribbon 3cm wide and length enough to sew all the way around the inside edge of both shoes with some spare to overlap the raw ends.

3. Fold the ribbon lengthways and press. Tack or pin the joined edges to the inside edge of the shoe and stitch, sewing as close to the edge of the joined fabrics as possible. Start at either the end or top of the shoe, leaving at least 3cm extra ribbon hanging for overlap. Alternatively have the ends meet at the top of the shoe and prepare to cover this with a bow or other decoration. Expect the sewing to be fiddly particularly on the curved top of the shoe.

4. Leave a gap to thread elastic - the widest you can fit - through the ribbon. Tighten the elastic and try on the shoe to check it does not slip off.

5. Once happy, cut the elastic off at the desired tightness, seal the ends with nail varnish and stitch together. Cut off any excess ribbon, seal the ends with nail varnish and stitch over the elastic to enclose it at the back or front of the shoe as previously decided.

6. Repeat for other shoe.

7. Add any other decoration. Here I have added insoles made from denim scraps as they are softer, more hardwearing than foam ones and cheaper than leather ones as well as adding buttons for decoration.