Sandals - Knitted
Description:
Diseases like hookworm and podoconiosis can be partially prevented simply by wearing shoes.
Instructions:
Make a 3 stitch i-cord - the length will depend on the size of the foot. If you find it is too short, reattach the plastic yarn and continue to desired length.
Make a spiral pattern with the i-cord and use needles to hold it together as you go. Using a length of plastic yarn, sew the layers together, making sure each section of the i-cord is held tightly in place.
For the sandal shown (size 12-18 months) make one 8" 3 stitch i-cord for the middle strap and two 3" 3 stitch i-cord for the side straps. Sew the two side straps on either side using plastic yarn. Thread the middle strap through both side straps and twist before sewing to the sides.
This makes a very flexible shoe, which may not be desirable in all climates. For a stronger sole, fuse plastic bags, 2 layers at a time, to the bottom of the shoe until you have reached your desired rigidity.
Diseases like hookworm and podoconiosis can be partially prevented simply by wearing shoes.
Instructions:
Make a 3 stitch i-cord - the length will depend on the size of the foot. If you find it is too short, reattach the plastic yarn and continue to desired length.
Make a spiral pattern with the i-cord and use needles to hold it together as you go. Using a length of plastic yarn, sew the layers together, making sure each section of the i-cord is held tightly in place.
For the sandal shown (size 12-18 months) make one 8" 3 stitch i-cord for the middle strap and two 3" 3 stitch i-cord for the side straps. Sew the two side straps on either side using plastic yarn. Thread the middle strap through both side straps and twist before sewing to the sides.
This makes a very flexible shoe, which may not be desirable in all climates. For a stronger sole, fuse plastic bags, 2 layers at a time, to the bottom of the shoe until you have reached your desired rigidity.
Sandals - Fused
Description:
Diseases like hookworm and podoconiosis can be partially prevented simply by wearing shoes.
Instructions:
Begin by fusing 4 layers of plastic (2 bags folded in half layered directly on top of each other). Continue to add 2 bags at a time, wrapping it around the current piece - this will mean you are fusing 2 layers to each side each time. Continue in this manner until you have used 20-30 bags or have reached your desired thickness (it should be solid enough not to bend when you walk).
Cut the plastic piece in half (either the shorter way for smaller sizes, or the longer way for larger sizes). Wrap one more bag completely around each of the halves and fuse to close up the now cut edges.
If you would like a more rounded front and back, slightly cut the corners all the way around.
For the straps, stand with bare feet on the halves and poke the plastic with a sharp object between the big toe and next toe just above where they meet on the foot, then about halfway down the outside of each foot, and finally about 1/3 down the inside of each foot (see picture for help with placement). Use a needle or a knife tip heated over fire to make a small hole in each place where you just marked. Make a 3 stitch i-cord of about 7-10 inches, depending on the size of the foot. Leaving a small amount of i-cord on the bottom side of the shoe, thread it first through the inside hole then pull it over the top of your foot and into the hole between your toes - this should be a snug fit. Bring the i-cord back up through the same hole, leaving a small loop on the bottom of the shoe. Finally, bring the i-cord over the outside of your foot and into the hole on the outside - this should be a snug fit. When you have fitted the straps, take your foot out carefully, and cut open the i-cord on the bottom of the shoe. Unravel the i-cords until just before the holes. Spread out this threads onto the bottom of the shoe and carefully fuse them down. Add another layer or two to the bottom of the shoe to hold the strap anchors in place.
For child sized sandals, you can use the handles of plastic bags, fused 2-4 at a time until you reach the desired thickness. This is a great use for handles, which might otherwise be wasted.
Diseases like hookworm and podoconiosis can be partially prevented simply by wearing shoes.
Instructions:
Begin by fusing 4 layers of plastic (2 bags folded in half layered directly on top of each other). Continue to add 2 bags at a time, wrapping it around the current piece - this will mean you are fusing 2 layers to each side each time. Continue in this manner until you have used 20-30 bags or have reached your desired thickness (it should be solid enough not to bend when you walk).
Cut the plastic piece in half (either the shorter way for smaller sizes, or the longer way for larger sizes). Wrap one more bag completely around each of the halves and fuse to close up the now cut edges.
If you would like a more rounded front and back, slightly cut the corners all the way around.
For the straps, stand with bare feet on the halves and poke the plastic with a sharp object between the big toe and next toe just above where they meet on the foot, then about halfway down the outside of each foot, and finally about 1/3 down the inside of each foot (see picture for help with placement). Use a needle or a knife tip heated over fire to make a small hole in each place where you just marked. Make a 3 stitch i-cord of about 7-10 inches, depending on the size of the foot. Leaving a small amount of i-cord on the bottom side of the shoe, thread it first through the inside hole then pull it over the top of your foot and into the hole between your toes - this should be a snug fit. Bring the i-cord back up through the same hole, leaving a small loop on the bottom of the shoe. Finally, bring the i-cord over the outside of your foot and into the hole on the outside - this should be a snug fit. When you have fitted the straps, take your foot out carefully, and cut open the i-cord on the bottom of the shoe. Unravel the i-cords until just before the holes. Spread out this threads onto the bottom of the shoe and carefully fuse them down. Add another layer or two to the bottom of the shoe to hold the strap anchors in place.
For child sized sandals, you can use the handles of plastic bags, fused 2-4 at a time until you reach the desired thickness. This is a great use for handles, which might otherwise be wasted.