Step 05 of 08
Shoe Pattern
Turning a three-dimensional shape into flat pieces — an art in itself.
The tape model is taken off the last and flattened, and from it the final pattern pieces are drawn: vamp, quarters, cap, tongue, linings and every allowance for seams and lasting.
This is one of the most important stages of all, because the pattern decides both fit and final look. A millimetre moved here shows on the finished shoe, and in how it holds the foot.
The pieces are cut in card, checked against the last, corrected and cut again until they describe the shoe exactly.
From three dimensions to two
The taped shell is trimmed, lifted off the last, flattened onto paper and traced. Every point marked on the form is carried through, and the final pieces are cut in paper and proved against one another.
The quiet stage that decides the fit.
Weeks of the process are spent making sure this is right.
Start your pair