How to Update your Sandals and Flip Flops: 3 Easy DIY Projects Using Fabric and Ties

When Spring starts rolling around, I crave new sandals. New sandals can be expensive though, so why not make the most with what you've got? Here are 3 great ways to transform your sandals.

Here is a closer look at the old sandals that I will be transforming. These sandals are a brown, leather-like material with straps that cross over the foot. These project ideas are great for thong sandals, but can be done on any sandals with straps.

For the updates, you can use any fabric you have laying around the house. I like to use old t-shirts, scarves, and fabric scraps since they are free and a cool way to recycle.

• For each strap, cut 3 strips of 1" wide fabric. The strips should about 2' long, but will vary depending on the length of the strap.
• Tie or stitch the ends of the 3 straps around the thong of the sandal.
• Start doing a normal braid down the side of the strap on the top side.
• After each braid, wrap the outside strips of fabric underneath the strap and switch their sides. This will make sure that the braid stays with the strap.
• Repeat for each strap.

This is the easiest update to your sandal. Follow the instructions for How to Make a Fabric Flower and then attach the flower to your sandal. You can use glue to attach, or what I prefer to do is to stitch the flower to a small strip of fabric and then tie the fabric to the sandal. That way, you can remove the flower at any time.

• Cut many small pieces of fabric. The fabric should be about 1" wide by 4" long.
• Tie each strip of fabric around the strap, leaving the knot in front.
• Tie fabric strips until the entire strap is covered.
• Repeat for each strap.

**Using gauzy or patterned fabric with this style will create a breezy, bohemian look.

For all of these techniques, using different fabric patterns and textures will create very different looks. Have fun mixing and matching!