Kasut Manek Tutorial – Part 1: Preparing The Canvas Frame

Ever since I posted my Kasut Manek (beaded shoes) photo, I have received several emails from readers around the world asking me how to bead for it. I decided to post some comprehensive tutorials in this area to cover all-you-need-to-know-how-to-bead-a-Kasut-Manek.

These tutorials are split into 4 parts, and we will cover the necessary steps, materials, and techniques involved:

• Part 1 – Preparing the Aida canvas frame (this tutorial)
• Part 2 – How To Bead The Outline
• Part 3 – Filling in the Design
• Part 4 – Measuring Your Foot (Optional)
  

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Here we are, at the very beginning, with these tutorials on preparing your cross-stitch Aida canvas.

You need:

1. A wooden frame measuring 11″ x 14″, preferably softwood like pine, so that you can press the thumb pins into it easily. Read more below to see alternatives.
2. A 16-count Aida cloth cross-stitch canvas, white color, 11″ x 14″. Sew a border of 3.5″ width with cotton fabric.
3. Some thumb pins.
4. The shoe vamp of your foot size.
5. Pencil

If you can’t find the wooden frame, you can always substitute it with easy clip frames (12 x 15 inches) or with a large embroidery 14″ hoop. You will need to resize your canvas to suit the frame you choose, but the minimum working area must be 11″ x 14″.

As you work along the beading process, the tension of the Aida cloth will eventually become lax. Re-tensioning is necessary so that your beading work is even.

Now, come back to our thumb pins option…

Double-fold the 3.5″ border and pin down the thumb pins to secure it, 4 pins on the short side and 5 pins on the long side.

Complete all 4 sides and make sure you pull the cloth in tension while pinned down so that it is tight and firm.

Trace the outline of the vamp template of your foot size with a pencil on your canvas. Mark the center line. Trace both the right and left sides of the vamp on top and bottom of the canvas, respectively (just flip the vamp’s paper pattern to change from left to right and vice-versa). 

The pattern shown above is a simple casual thong-style sandal. There are several types of patterns for you to choose from: closed-toe, opened-toe, horizontal single-strap, horizontal double-straps, diagonal-straps, crossed-straps, and many more. Here are the four popular styles in US Size 6.

That’s it, and now your Aida canvas frame is ready for beading!!!!

Next tutorial: Outlining the Border

This is what it looks like after completed.