Craft Fair: Kasut Manek / Beaded Shoes

“Manek” is the Malay words for “beads”, and “Kasut” means “shoes”. Kasut Manek were made and worn by Peranakan women as a part of their traditional costume in olden days. The tiny little “manek potong” are hand-sewed onto a piece of cloth and the finished hand-piece is then custom made to a pair of shoes, be it open-toe or fully covered type. There are also available in slipper type where they are made up of two strips sewn in a criss-cross or parallel manner across the feet.
I am now making one for my own, an open-toe type and it is about to finish. It is very tedious and can be strenuous on the eyes too as the beads are so tiny. I have spent weeks working on it and the process is so slow. I am sure it will be a beautiful pair of shoes, yes, an unique one for me that you can get it from the market.
If you want to get a glimpse of how to make a Kasut Manek, With Every Bead will satisfy your curiosity.

***Update***

I developed a step by step tutorial for manek shoes beading:

• Part 1 – Preparing the frame and canvas
• Part 2 – Border Beading
• Part 3 – Interior Beading
  
• Part 4 – How to take measurement on your foot
  

Related Crafts

1. Kasut Manek (Beaded Shoes)
2. Manek Purse & Shoes
3. Beading (Manek) Tutorial – Part 1: Preparing The Frame& Canvas
4. Beading (Manek) Tutorial – Part 2: Border Beading