How to Start Making Shoes as a Teenager Without Any Experience

Embarking on a journey to craft your own footwear as a teenager can be both rewarding and challenging. If you're enthusiastic about shoemaking but have zero experience, here's a comprehensive guide to get you started.

First and foremost, it's important to set realistic expectations. Your first attempt is likely to be less than perfect. Without experience on a sewing machine and basic shoemaking techniques, your stitches and glue placement will probably be a mess. This is completely normal, and it happens to everyone. Don’t be discouraged if your shoes don't turn out as expected the first time you try. It can be frustrating, but this is how you learn and grow.

Essential Tools and Materials

If you're determined to craft your own footwear, you'll need the following tools and materials:

Post-bed sewing machine Last (a wooden or plastic foot form) Skiving knives - for cutting leather, available at Leathercraft Knives Blades Sharpeners Lasting nails Non-permanent rubber cement Permanent rubber cement (high-quality, like Renia) Cup soles - for beginners, order from Margom or Vibram Thermoplastic counters - to stiffen the toe box and heel Leather hole punch Leather lasting pincers

While these tools and materials are essential, it's important to start with cup soles. This will allow you to practice and gain experience before moving on to more advanced techniques.

Learning the Basics

Before you begin making shoes, it's crucial to practice your sewing skills. The way my grandmother taught me sewing involved tracing lines on sheet paper over and over again. Once you can accurately trace and sew straight lines, you can move on to curved lines. Start without any thread in the needle to get a feel for the machine.

Once you feel competent, you can start sewing with actual shoes. Searching for instructional videos and courses online can be very helpful. Master Marsell Mrsan's DVD is highly recommended, though there are limited resources available online. Material from a cobbler's shop can also be a valuable starting point.

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to success in shoemaking as a teenager, as in any craft, is practice. Over the past three years, I've made shoes but still consider myself a novice. Your first attempt is going to be subpar, and chances are, it won't be wearable. That's okay! Most people don't make good shoes until their 10th attempt.

Chances are, you won't be selling your shoes immediately, but the lessons and skills you learn along the way separate you from your fellow artists. So, be patient, stay dedicated, and keep at it. The joy of creating something with your own hands is a reward in itself.

Good luck on your shoemaking journey!