Design and build wearable, one-of-a-kind quilted sneakers while combining basic sewing skills with the fundamentals of shoemaking. The class follows the guidebook process from design and layered quilting through upper construction, eyelets, sole attachment, and finishing.  Refer to How to Make Quilted Sneakers Step by Step Guide Book. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Plan a coordinated high-top or low-top sneaker design and place directional fabric correctly.
• Quilt and layer sneaker materials for either a soft three-layer upper or a more structured build.
• Trace, mirror, and cut shoe pattern pieces accurately; add seam allowance when the construction method requires it.
• Sew and finish the upper, install eyelets and optional reinforcements, and assemble the upper to the outsole.
• Bond and hand-stitch the outsole, then complete final fit and finishing details.

PREREQUISITES

• Basic sewing-machine confidence; accurate measuring/cutting; straight seams; pressing; basting/quilting. The guide assumes basic sewing skills and focuses on beginner level shoemaking processes.
  
  

CORE MATERIALS

• Sneaker kit/pattern matched to outsole size, rubber outsoles, lasting board, memory-foam footbeds, waxed sole-stitching thread and awl. (Included in the Kit)
• Exterior fabric, lining, batting/foam and optional binding fabric. Suggested fabrics include cotton, cotton blends, denim, twill, and canvas. (Provided by the student shoemakers)
• 5 mm eyelets + laces; optional interfacing, heel counter and toe-puff reinforcement.
  (Available from the ShoemakersAcademy.com web store)

SUGGESTED 6-PART CLASS FLOW

1. Design + Plan — Choose fabrics, quilting motif, high/low silhouette, construction method, and pattern placement.
2. Quilt + Cut — Build the material layers, quilt closely, trace mirrored left/right parts, and cut accurately.
3. Sew the Upper — Join sneaker parts; finish edges with bias binding or turned-out seams; add tabs/keepers as desired.
4. Reinforce + Eyelets — Add optional interface/toe/heel support; punch and set eyelets with the proper punch, anvil, and mallet.
5. Assemble + Bond — Fit the upper, attach lasting board, prep outsole surfaces, apply contact cement to both bonding margins, and align carefully.
6. Sole Stitch + Finish — Hand-stitch the upper to the outsole with waxed thread/awl; knot inside, trim, insert footbeds, lace, and inspect fit/finish. Photograph and share!
   
   

ESSENTIAL TOOLS

Sewing machine • steam iron • fabric scissors/rotary cutter + mat • ruler • clips/pins • marking pen • seam ripper • hand needles • hammer/mallet • eyelet punch/setter/anvil • sewing awl • disposable cement brush • contact cement. Optional: shoe last, heat gun/blow dryer, embroidery machine.

ACCURACY + STUDIO EXPECTATIONS

• Work precisely: shoe size increments are small, and left/right pieces must be mirrored correctly.
• The guidebook pattern does not include seam allowances; add 1/4 in. where specified for turned-out seams and selected back-seam methods.
• Use a hard, stable surface for punching/setting hardware. Protect fingers during hand sole stitching. Follow the contact-cement manufacturer’s safety directions and your classroom ventilation/PPE rules; keep adhesive off visible upper surfaces.
• Final standard: a wearable pair with secure seams, properly set eyelets, a well-bonded and stitched outsole, and a clean finished appearance. Students may not complete the entire pair of shoes but will leave the course with skill and experience complete the project at home.