Design and Make Espadrille Sandals

Start the course by getting to know your teacher, Isabel Río. She tells you about her professional background and some of the biggest sources of inspiration for her designs before giving you an overview of the course.

Learn about the history of espadrilles, from their humble beginnings to being a cornerstone in contemporary fashion. Break down this footwear into separate components to see different types of traditional soles, fabrics, and patterns and then discover the variations that fashion brands and designers have developed over the years.

Next, search for inspiration and create a mood board for your project. Let your imagination run wild and experiment with pleats, knots, and textures to create a rich collection of sample designs so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Now it's time to craft your espadrille sandals using traditional techniques. Start by cutting out your pattern and assembling the decorative piece and then sew it all to the sole using the blanket stitch. Once you've finished, you'll have your very own pair of these iconic sandals.

To wrap up the course, see how to make small changes to the original design to create two new stylish variations: a pair of mules and a pair with ribbon ties and a heel cap. Finally, Isabel gives you some practical tips on how to package, wash, and care for your footwear.