Pattern and Design

• 1). Make templates for the needlepoint design areas by carefully removing the tops from a pair of old shoes. If this is not possible, use the measurements of each shoe top to make the patterns. Trace the shape of the shoe top onto a piece of paper, and make separate left and right patterns. Cut out each paper template.
  
  
• 2). Position the needlepoint canvas so that the selvage is on either the left or right side to provide better thread coverage and to reduce the amount of distortion when stitching. The length and width of the canvas will vary depending on the shoe size, but leave 3 inches on all sides for blocking. Mark the top of the canvas, and locate the horizontal and vertical centers. Lightly draw intersecting lines from top to bottom and side to side.
  
  
• 3). Place both paper shoe templates side by side on the canvas at least 3 inches apart. Properly center the templates using the horizontal and vertical intersecting lines. Carefully trace around each template.
  
  
• 4). Remove the paper templates, and find the vertical and horizontal centers within the areas you just traced. Mark intersecting lines within these areas.
  
  
• 5). Select a needlepoint graph or chart that can be worked in continental, tent or small Bargello stitches and that fits within the design area of the shoe templates. Most public libraries have needlepoint books from which you can get lots of patterns and design ideas, or you can purchase a hand-painted canvas.
  
  

Preparation

• 1). Tape all four sides of the needlepoint canvas with masking tape to prevent unraveling and to keep thread or yarn from snagging on the edges.
  
  
• 2). Slide the precut and grooved corner of one stretcher bar (the size of the canvas width) into the corner of another bar (the size of the canvas length). This will form an "L" shape. Repeat the process for the other two bars, and then put the two "L" shapes together to form a frame.
  
  
• 3). Attach the prepared canvas to the frame with brass tacks spaced 1 inch apart. Make sure the canvas is taut.
  
  

Stitching Technique

• 1). Separate the strands of Persian wool, and stitch with two strands in a tapestry needle. For single-ply tapestry yarn, stitch with the entire strand. Thread a separate needle for each color in the design.
  
  
• 2). Work from the center of the needlepoint chart outward until the complete design area has been covered. Maintain an even stitching tension to keep the design smooth and undistorted.
  
  
• 3). Stitch two to three additional rows in continental stitch around the design for turning and final assembly.
  
  

Blocking

• 1). Restretch the needlepoint one side at a time by removing the brass tacks and pulling each side as tightly as possible, while replacing the brass tacks close together so they touch but do not overlap. Insert additional tacks as needed.
  
  
• 2). Spray or mist the right side of the finished needlepoint lightly with cold water to restore canvas sizing and design shape. Do not soak the needlepoint. Let stand until completely dry. If the needlepoint is still out of shape, restretch and spray again.
  
  
• 3). Remove the needlepoint from the frame, and send it to a professional finisher or shoemaker for final assembly.