Think outside the shoe box
At Strokes & Stitches we don’t have any ready-to-choose-from models. It’s all about the customers personal choice of style, material and color. And more importantly – the feet measurements. Set your mind free and imagine the shoes of your dreams. We build custom made shoes on demand.
From time to time there will be ready-to-wear shoes in standard sizes available. They will be featured on our Instagram account.
Here’s how it works, in short terms
When you order a pair of bespoke shoes from Strokes & Stitches there are a number of steps involved. Here’s a quick presentation of the process for semi-bespoke shoes. For full bespoke shoes, there are a couple more steps involved. Throughout the process, we will stay in close contact regarding the design and materials.
First meeting
We meet up in the studio in Gothenburg, taking measurements of your feet and discuss about color, model and other wishes. Alternatively this meeting could be held on another location.
Ordering of materials
Ordering raw material for the shoe lasts and ordering of leather and hardware.
Processing of the shoe last
Processing of the shoe lasts according to the customer's foot shape.
Design sketches of the shoes
The design process in collaboration with the customer. Oxfords, derbys, brogueing, medallion and other design details are sketched on the last.
Pattern making
The patterns are cut out from the last.
Clicking
The patterns are being transfered to the leather of choice. Upper leather and lining are cut out with lasting and stitching allowances.
Sewing and closing the uppers
The pattern parts are sewn together and it’s time to “close the uppers”.
Processing of the insole
The insole is the core of the shoe. Every stitch hole on the insole is marked and pre awled.
Lasting
The uppers are lasted over the shoe lasts and held together temporarily with nails before sewing the uppers, the welt and the insole together.
Sewing the welt
The welt holds the outer sole, so that the shoe easily can be resoled.
Sole
Leathersole, rubber sole, half sole? Whatever you prefer.
Heel
The heel is stacked with a number of leather blocks layered together with bonding glue and nails.
Finish
Shoe shining and leather balms are applied to the shoes.
Trying the shoes
Now it’s time for trying the shoes.
Adjustments of the insole
When ordering a pair of semi-bespoke shoes, you have the option to adjust the insole to your needs.