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Custom Made Boot Shapers

Here’s something you didn’t know you needed (until now) Boot Forms! Or boot shapers if you prefer.

Every inch of space is utilized in the Lake Balboa Bungalow. That’s why one of my favorite pieces of furniture is an antique book case that my mom gave me when I was 13 to house a bell collection. It fits perfectly into a nook in the hallway. The shoes are happily showcased here, accessible and safe from puppies with a shoe fetish.

As you can see, there’s little room for boots and I have too many don’t have a closet big enough. Previously, my boots were hung in the closet with pant hangers. I tried those expensive boot forms but they slip out of the boot and break easily. Somewhere I saw boot forms for sale and realized these would be easy to make and a great way to ensure that my boots stay in good form. They keep the tops of tall boots from slopping over and prevent damage from the pant hangar clips.

It’s a quick and easy project. Because boot styles vary and because few people wear my Cinderella size six, it’s better to make custom forms for each individual pair of boots. If you’re learning to sew – this is a great project!

Draft the Pattern:
Lay your boots on some cardstock or cardboard. A cardboard box or unfolded cereal box will do the trick.
Line up the top of the boots with the top edge of the cardstock/cardboard and the front side with the side edge.

Note: Boot is wrong direction. Line up the straight edge of the boot with the front or straight side.

Trace down the back side to the heel and stop.

On the straight side, mark approximately where your ankle ends.

Remove the boot and sketch a curved line from the ankle to the heel, rounding the edges. Cut out your pattern.

Mark your Fabric:
Fold your fabric right sides together.

Trace the pattern onto your fabric – this is the SEWING line.

DO NOT CUT on this line. You will cut about 5/8″ OUTSIDE the line. No need to be precise here – just give yourself enough room –not too close to the sewing line. You can trim it AFTER you sew. I use my serger which does both.

Pin in a few pieces to keep it together.

Make the Loop:
Sew a 7” x 3” rectangle piece of fabric into a tube. (You should have some scraps left) Turn right side out.

Fold in half and pin with the tab inside the two pieces of fabric, matching the raw edges.