Barefoot Sandal Tutorial

Have some fun this summer and decorate your feet with beads from your ankles to your toes. Barefoot sandals are perfect for the beach, backyard, or park. They look like fancy flip flops but without the sole, and can really show off that beautiful pedicure!

beaded barefoot sandal

Choose sparkling crystals, pearls, seed beads and shells for a look that is both summery and stylish. You can match your swimsuit, or how about designing an elegant pair for an oceanside wedding?

barefoot sandal

Materials:
15-412F: 15/0 Matte Op Turquoise Green Miyuki Seed Bead
284-521: 4mm fac rnd Black Diamond AB (36 pcs)
2-5754-6FUCH: 6mm Butterfly Fuchsia - 5pcs
2-5754-8FUCH: 8mm Butterfly Fuchsia - 6pcs
C-Flex Beading Wire: .012" Clear 49-Strand Beading Wire - 30 Inches
190-310-S: Sterling Silver 1x1mm Crimps - 2pcs
2.4mm crimp covers (2pcs)
1 inch chain for extender
190-128-S: Sterling Lobster Claw 9mm - 1 piece
191-043-S: Sterling 1.5mm Headpin -1 piece

barefoot sandal supplies

Begin by cutting a 30 inch length of beading wire. We are using the extra fine .012 beading wire for this project. This fine weight wire will allow you to double through the tiny size 15/0 seed beads. String on one of the 4mm Swarovski round crystals and approximately 2.5-3 inches of 15/0 seed beads.

barefoot sandal step 1

Loop one end of the beading wire back through the crystal to form a loop. Your loop should be centered and the two pieces of wire coming out of your loop should be equal lengths. This loop will fit around your toe at the front of the sandal. Check the size of the loop to make sure that the fit is comfortable and adjust the size if necessary.

barefoot sandal step 2

String on one 15/0, one 6mm butterfly, one 15/0, and one 4mm round crystal. You will be holding the two strands of beading wire together as you string on these beads.

barefoot sandal step 3

Now separate the beading wires and string 16 of the 15/0 seed beads onto each strand.

barefoot sandal step 4

Bring the wires back together to string on one 4mm round crystal, one 15/0 seed bead, one 8mm butterfly, one 15/0 seed bead, and one 4mm round crystal.

barefoot sandal step 5

Separate the wires once again and string 16 15/0 seed beads onto each strand. Bring the strands together and add one 4mm round crystal, one 15/0 seed bead, one 8mm butterfly, one 15/0 seed bead, and one 4mm round crystal.

barefoot sandal step 6

Repeat this step once more to complete this portion of the sandal. This is the section that will loop under your toe and run up the front of your foot. Depending on the length of your foot you may want this section slightly longer or shorter so it's a good time to try it on again and check.

barefoot sandal step 7

We will now begin stringing the part of the sandal that encircles your ankle. Separate the two strands of beading wire and string on 20 15/0 seed beads onto each strand.

barefoot sandal step 8

Add one 4mm round crystal, one 15/0 seed bead, one 6mm butterfly, one 15/0 seed bead, and one 4mm round crystal to each strand. Now string 20 15/0 seed beads onto each side of the beading wire.

barefoot sandal step 9

Add one 4mm round crystal, one 15/0 seed bead, one 8mm butterfly, one 15/0 seed bead, and one 4mm crystal and 20 more 15/0 seed beads on each side.

barefoot sandal step 10

Repeat the previous step using a 6mm butterfly in place of the 8mm butterfly. String on 20 more 15/0 seed beads to finish off the anklet portion of the sandal. Again check the length to make sure the last portion fits around your ankle comfortably.

barefoot sandal step 11

Crimp each side of the beading wire. We chose to finish ours off with a small 9mm sterling silver lobster claw on one side and a section of round cable chain on the other. This makes the barefoot sandal adjustable so you can get a perfect fit. The addition of one more 8mm crystal butterfly dangling from the chain is the perfect finishing touch!

For illustrated crimping instructions visit our page on crimping techniques.

barefoot sandal step 13

TIPS: We recommend using 15/0 or 11/0 seed beads for a soft flexible feel. A portion of the beads will wrap around your toe so using small beads will be more comfortable. The lightweight feel of the smaller seed beads is also wonderful.

barefoot sandal colorways

Try on your barefoot sandal before you attach the clasp. Tape the ends and move your foot around and try walking with it to make sure it will be comfortable to wear.

barefoot sandals

For more ideas and inspiration check out our barefoot sandal page on Pinterest

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