In this tutorial, I'm going to teach you how to make a pair of platforms! I decided to make mine in this super nice orange cow hide but feel free to choose any leather / material you like, the possibilities are endless!
Step 1 - Cover your platforms in your material / leather of choice using the water-based shoemaking glue. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Step 2 - Cover your heels in the same material / leather and hammer in your heel tips. Watch this video to see how to do this
Step 3 - Cover your shanked insoles in the same material / leather. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Step 4 - Trace and cut your upper and lining pieces to make the straps following the paper patterns provided. Make sure you flip your patterns to get left and right feet. The little V notch indicated the inside of your pattern. Watch this video to see how to do this. Stitch your uppers and linings together. Stitch in your buckles. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Step 5 - Assemble the platforms by applying a touch of glue to your straps and the bottom of your insoles. Place your foot on top of your insole board and last your front straps directly over your foot. The straps should be lasted where the grooves are indicated on your insole boards. Buckle your ankle strap around your ankle. With your foot still on your insole board, step on your heel component, resting the heel of your insole on top of the heel seat. Last the ankle strap directly over your foot, where it sits most comfortably. Remove your foot from the insole board. Trim your straps if needed and skive away any bulk using the safety beveler. Glue your insoles and platforms together. Glue your soles to the bottom of your platforms and insoles, using the solvent glue provided. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Step 6 - Cut and attach your resin soling. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Step 7 - Screw your heels in place. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Step 8 - Cut your insock pieces and stitch together. Glue the insock foam to the bottom of your insock. Glue your padded insock onto your insole board, covering the visible screws. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Et voila! Now you have a pair of beautiful DIY platforms!
learn shoemaking for yourself
I created a free 40-minute online course called 'Introduction to Shoemaking' to show how easy home shoemaking can be and to give you a little taste of what I Can Make Shoes is all about. SIGN UP HERE for instant access.
If you are wanting to dive a little deeper into the world of home shoemaking, my online Footwear Masterclass is one of the most popular shoemaking courses in the world!! 🌍 (Casual brag! lol)
The course covers how to make shoes from scratch including heels, flats, boots, sneakers, sandals, and more. The thing that really sets this course apart from others is that it's specifically designed for total beginners and requires very little in the way of tools & equipment, there's even a bonus module on how to start your own shoe brand. To make getting started even easier, the course comes with a FREE Shoemaking Starter Kit, delivered to your door, anywhere in the world! 🌍
We are a tight community and regularly limit our intake to ensure the best experience for our students - so if our enrolment is closed I would recommend you sign up for our FREE Introduction to Shoemaking course while you wait.
Happy Shoemaking, Amanda xx
Pssssssst.... If you want to have a look at the shoes our students have been making, give us a follow on Instagram.
