SAVE THOSE BOOTS
Unsightly Scuffed Toes?
The toes of good leather boots seem to wear out long before any other part. Here’s a solution to make them wearable again.
DIRECTIONS
Buy a lightweight suede swatch in the same color as the boot. If you’re adventurous, choose a contrasting color or a piece of lightweight, textured leather.
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1.Measure 1.75” back from the toe, and laya piece of painter’s tape across the boot in a straight line. Butt a piece of tissue paper up to the tape. This tissue will act as your pattern for cutting your suede piece. Be sure it is straight.
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2.Holding it in place, mark the edges of the tissue where the suede will meet the sole of the boot on the left, front and right sides. Don’t worry if there’s a slight bit of bunching of the tissue at the outer toe corners. Pinch the excess as uniformly as you can while marking.
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3.Use this paper template as a pattern for cutting the suede. The suede piece should be positioned so it feels smooth when you move your hand from the tape line toward the toe, and rougher when you move in the opposite direction. Each boot needs it own paper pattern as the toes may have slight variances.
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4.Once the suede is cut, coat the wrong side with the glue and place it into position, with the straight edge meeting but not overlapping, the painter’s tape. The glue will not set immediately so there is time to reposition the suede if necessary. Tuck the edges in at the sole line with a sharp edged ruler, making sure you distribute the excess at the toe corners evenly.
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5.When the glue has dried and the suede is firmly attached to the boot, remove the painter’s tape.
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6.Cut a piece of braid to fit perfectly from the left to the right of the boot at the edge of the suede. Glue the braid across the boot to cover the raw edge of the suede where it meets the leather. Use painter’s tape to hold the braid until it dries.
What You’ll Need
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•Aleene’s Jewel Glue
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•12X6” suede piece
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•Painter’s tape
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•Gift wrap tissue - JoAnn’s
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•12” braid - JoAnn’s
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Where We Bought It/What We Paid
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Jewel-it - JoAnn’s $3.00
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Suede - A-1 Auto Upholstery
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Braid - JoAnn’s
Costs listed do not include everyday household items like glue, tools, or items costing less than $1.00 per project.
TIPS & SHORTCUTS
For optimum results, the suede swatch must be very lightweight and pliable. A bargain source for suede: Consider taking apart an old suede purse you find at Good Will, flea markets or discount stores like Ross.
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