How to Make Fabric Shoelaces
If you’re looking for a quick sewing project that uses up fabric scraps and adds a fun handmade touch to your wardrobe, fabric shoelaces are a perfect place to start. These simple laces are sturdy, customizable, and come together in just a few minutes.
I love making fabric shoelaces from quilting cotton scraps. They’re a great way to coordinate with handmade garments, add personality to a pair of sneakers, or use up those leftover strips that are too good to throw away.
With just a few strips of fabric and a small piece of heat shrink tubing for the aglets (the tips of the laces), you can create durable shoelaces that look polished and professional.
Materials Needed
Fabric strips 1.5 inches wide by width of fabric (WOF)
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Iron
Scissors or rotary cutter
5 mm heat shrink tubing
Heat source (heat gun or hair dryer)
Step 1: Cut Fabric Strips
Cut strips of fabric 1½ inches wide by the width of the fabric (typically around 40–44 inches). This length works well for most sneakers, but you can adjust the length depending on the type of shoe you’re making laces for. If you want shorter laces, simply trim the strip before finishing the ends.
Step 2: Press the Fabric
Pressing the folds is the key to making strong, tidy laces.
Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press.
Open the strip back up.
Fold each long edge toward the center crease and press.
Fold the strip in half again along the original crease.
This creates a narrow strap with the raw edges tucked neatly inside.
Step 3: Sew the Lace
Take the folded strip to the sewing machine and stitch down the open edge of the lace. You can stitch close to the edge for a clean finish, or run two rows of stitching for extra durability. Press the finished lace once more for a crisp result.
Step 4: Add Aglets (Lace Tips)
To give your fabric shoelaces a finished look, you can create simple aglets using 5 mm heat shrink tubing.
Cut two small pieces of heat shrink tubing (about ½–¾ inch long).
Slide one piece onto each end of the shoelace.
Leave a small amount of fabric inside the tubing.
Apply heat using a heat gun or lighter until the tubing shrinks snugly around the fabric.
This creates a durable tip that makes it easy to thread the laces through eyelets.
Step 5: Trim and Finish
Trim any loose threads and give the laces one final press. Your handmade shoelaces are now ready to use!
A Quick and Useful Scrap Project
This is one of those projects that takes just a few minutes but feels incredibly satisfying. It’s practical, beginner-friendly, and a great way to give new life to fabric scraps. These fabric shoelaces also make a fun small project to sew in batches for gifts or market booths.
I have been loving being able to turn all of my favorite Fableism fabrics into these cute laces. Check out all the fabrics I currently have in stock.
If you make a pair, I’d love to see them! Share your project and tag @The_Lark_Life so I can admire your work.
Happy stitching!
