It surprises me how often I'm asked how to darn pointe shoes. I thought darning pointe shoes had more or less died out. I grew up with the idea that pointe shoes must be darned! In my day, students wouldn't be allowed in class if they hadn't darned the platforms of their shoes. Today, it seems to have gone out of fashion. It pleases me no end to be asked how to do it. I was always taught that darning made the shoe last longer, and that it gave a more secure surface. And last but not least, a nicely darned toe looks much smarter than fraying satin.

It's true that it darning takes time. The underside of the box is tough to get a needle through. If you're not used to sewing, you'll probably make a few false starts. Don't worry too much about neatness. When your shoes are new, a neat pattern of stitches will look better than an uneven one. But the point of your shoes will get dirty quickly, and then the individual stitches won't be so noticeable.

It also doesn't really matter which stitch you use. Blanket stitch and chain stitch are the two most commonly used. Big stitches will produce a more open weave,which will wear out a little faster. However, they are also easier and faster to do. when considering which stitch to choose, think about how long your shoes last - there's not much point spending hours on neat, dense stitches if your shoes usually "die" quickly for other reasons

Here are some articles with more information on how to darn pointe shoes

Don't be afraid to give darning your pointes a try. Think about it - even if your darning is a disaster, what's the harm? All you have to do is cut the satin off the platform - which is what you should do anyway if it's not darned. An uncovered satin toe can become slippery, so it can be dangerous. Also, a neat, even cut looks much smarter than leaving the satin to fray by itself.