This mule pattern is an easy style, and is suitable for shoemakers of all levels. 😊 Once considered a boudoir shoe in the 17th and 18th centuries, the mule was then popularised in the 1950s by Hollywood pin-ups such as Marilyn Monroe. Today, this style is a cult classic that has stood the test of time.

This particular design sits low on the foot with a curvy topline, for an ultra flattering shape. 👡 

Download low-cut mule shoemaking pattern

To help you get started, we've made a downloadable low cut mule pattern in sizes EU 34 - 44 (that's UK 1 - 11).

In an effort to make shoemaking a more accessible craft, we've made this downloadable shoe pattern easily printable from home, and have included a step-by-step closing sequence to help you along the shoemaking and home sewing process.

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN HERE

The PDF shoe pattern is available for instant download and prints on sheets of A4 or Letter size paper. All you have to do is print at 100%, cut out the patterns, and tape together any that have been broken up to fit on an A4 page.

What you'll need:

• Upper and lining materials of your choice. 
• Matching polyester thread.
• Scissors.
• A domestic flatbed sewing machine, with a denim or leather needle.
• Water-based glue and a safety beveler, which you can find in our Beginners Shoemaking Tool Kit.

Step by Step process:

1. Cut out your paper patterns. You may notice some small V shaped notches in your patterns, these are used to indicate the inside pieces of the patterns.
2. Trace your patterns onto your lining material. Make sure to flip your patterns to get left and right feet. Carefully cut your pieces out.
3. If you would like your mules to have a folded topline, trace your patterns as they are onto your upper material. If you're using a thick leather, you may have to skive your folding allowance. If you would like your mules to have a raw edge, cut off the 5mm trimming allowance from your patterns and trace them onto your upper materials. Make sure to flip your patterns to get left and right feet. Carefully cut your pieces out.
4. If you've chosen to make a folded topline, glue and fold down your toplines. Otherwise, move onto the next step. 
5. Apply a thin layer of water-based glue all over the wrong sides of your upper pieces.
6. Apply a thin layer of water-based glue all over the wrong sides of your lining pieces. Make sure to leave 5mm along the topline of your lining free of glue.
7. Line up your upper and lining pieces, and glue both pieces wrong sides together. Make sure there are no air bubbles between both layers.
8. Neatly stitch your upper and lining pieces together along the toplines, 1-2m from the edge. 

You're now ready to last your uppers! 🎉

To give you some inspo, why not check out our collaboration we made with @candicegray_textiles where we created the coolest DIY hand painted mules. 🌺

If you make a pair of handmade low-cut mules of your own, we'd love to see! Send us your pics via Instagram: @icanmake_shoes. I can't wait to see the amazing shoes you make! 💖

learn shoemaking for yourself

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! 🌍

Happy Shoemaking,

Amanda xx