Kasut Manek (Beaded Shoes)

Finally, I finished my second pair of peep toe Kasut Manek (beaded shoes in Bahasa Malaysia). It has been the most eye-straining project I have done. Average people take about 2 weeks, even months, to complete, but I took about 12 days (working throughout the day and night). I did my first pair about 9 years ago for my wedding; unfortunately, it was stolen during a break-in.

Update: A few months after writing this post, I ended up making a third pair—this time with a new design, a pair of thong mules! I wanted to try something different with the pattern and colors, and it turned out pretty unique compared to my previous ones. Plus, I used this pair to create a step-by-step tutorial, so now others can follow along and make their own Kasut Manek, too!

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Background of Kasut Manek

Kasut Manek, or beaded shoes, are a classic part of Peranakan fashion, worn by the Baba-Nyonya community for generations. These beautifully handcrafted shoes have been around since the 19th and early 20th centuries when Nyonya women spent hours beading them as part of their traditional wardrobe. They were usually paired with a kebaya—a gorgeous embroidered blouse worn with a sarong—giving off an effortlessly elegant look. The beadwork often features floral or phoenix motifs, symbolizing prosperity and beauty. Even today, Kasut Manek remains an iconic part of Peranakan culture, loved for its artistry and timeless charm.

Tools & Materials For Kasut Manek

Beads

There are several bead sizes used for Kasut Manek, with sizes 11 and 15 being the most common. However, I prefer the tiniest ones for their ability to create detailed designs with a finer, smoother finish. For my pair, I used Japanese seed beads in size 15/0, which you can find from Miyuki on Amazon.

The manek beads I used for the blue shoes are white, silver-lined blue, yellow, silver-lined yellow, green, chartreuse, and black, a total of 7 colors.

While the green shoes use 4 colors: white, yellow, green, and olive.

Other Supplies

1. 16-count Aida cloth cross-stitch canvas
2. Cotton fabric – serves as a border to secure the Aida cloth in place
3. Wooden frame and thumb pins or large embroidery hoop to secure the Aida cloth
4. Shoe vamp design
5. Bead Design
6. Pencil
7. Long fine beading needle
8. fine nylon thread
9. Needle threader

Vamp and Bead Designs

If you’re looking for ready-made designs, I’ve provided four patterns in US Size 6 (I have small feet) that you can download. Unfortunately, I’m unable to modify them for larger sizes, as that goes beyond my current ability.

Additionally, here are two bead designs that might inspire you to create your own. You can also use a cross-stitch design as a base for your pattern. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the pattern to fit the vamp. Once you’ve traced your vamp onto the Aida cloth, you’ll have a better idea of how to position and adapt the design accordingly.

Tutorial Overview

To begin, clamp a 16-count cross-stitch Aida cloth onto a rectangular frame. Trace the outline of the shoe vamp in the pattern and size you want—I got mine from the shoemaker who will be assembling the final shoes.

Start by sewing the beads to the bottom (and top) outlines. Then, begin beading from the center of the pattern, working in a diagonal direction across each square of the cross-stitch Aida cloth. For every square, pick up one bead with your needle and sew it in place.

Once the beading is complete, hand over your manek shoe vamp to your shoemaker for the final assembly, where the sole and heel will be attached. My shoemaker gave me the option to choose the colors for the sole and heel.

To ensure a perfect fit, the shoemaker will need your foot measurements. If you’re unable to visit in person, trace your foot outline on paper and measure the width across the widest part of your upper arch. Some shoemakers may ask you to come for a fitting before permanently securing the sole.

Step-by-Step Guides

I have developed 4-part step-by-step tutorials for Manek shoe beading, with each part providing more in-depth details to guide you through the process:

• Part 1 – Preparing the Aida Canva Frame
  Learn how to gather your tools and materials, and trace the shoe vamp onto Aida cloth.
• Part 2 – How To Bead The Outline
  Sew beads along the edges to create a straight, clean border.
• Part 3 – Filling in the Design
  Discover how to bead the pattern neatly so everything aligns beautifully.
• Part 4 – Measuring Your Foot (Optional)
  An optional step for getting the right foot measurements for a custom fit.