I found these perforated espadrilles at Target recently and thought they were a perfect, inexpensive base for an embroidery or cross-stitch shoe makeover. Because the shoes already have small holes, stitching patterns through them is fast and simple—no messy painting or dyeing required. You can also remove the threads later and start again if you want a new look.
Below are three easy, customizable embroidery-based makeovers you can try on perforated shoes. All three use just a needle and embroidery floss and rely on the pre-punched holes in the shoe as your pattern guide. If your shoes don’t have perforations, you can still stitch through the material, but it will take more time and effort. For these designs, perforated shoes work best.
Materials Needed for DIY Shoe Makeovers
- Perforated shoes (affordable canvas or espadrille styles work well)
- Sharp needle suitable for embroidery
- Embroidery floss in assorted colors
Tip: Use the existing holes as a template. Thread your needle and poke through the pre-made holes to create stitches easily and consistently. For thicker, non-perforated fabrics you may need an awl or thicker needle to pre-poke holes, but for these tutorials the factory holes make the process quick and beginner-friendly.
DIY Shoe Makeover #1: Flower Power
This floral version is ideal for spring. The flowers look so natural on the perforated canvas that they appear as if they were part of the shoe from the start.
How to: Thread a double strand of embroidery floss through your needle and tie a triple knot at the end. Start from the inside of the shoe so knots are hidden. For each petal, stitch straight lines from a central hole outward in a star or asterisk shape so all petals are roughly the same length. Use the existing holes to guide the needle through both sides. For the flower center, switch to a contrasting floss color. From the inside of the shoe, bring the needle up through the center hole, wrap the floss around the center several times to form a dense dot, then knot and finish inside. Trim any excess thread on the interior. Repeat to place flowers across the upper, toe, or sides as you like.
DIY Shoe Makeover #2: Minimal Geo
This is the quickest of the three options—ideal when you want a subtle, modern look with minimal stitching.
How to: Use a double strand of embroidery floss and secure it with a triple knot inside the shoe. Make simple linear stitches through the perforations to create an alternating up-and-down line pattern along the side or the toe. Vary the hole heights to build a chevron-like or zigzag effect. Keep the pattern balanced by repeating the same spacing on both shoes. Finish by knotting the floss on the interior and trimming any excess.
DIY Shoe Makeover #3: Color-Blocked Collar
This version takes more time but delivers a bold, polished result. Use several colors of floss for a stacked, color-blocked edge around the shoe opening.
How to: Start with a double strand of embroidery floss and secure it with a triple knot inside the shoe. I recommend beginning at the tongue so you can establish an even rhythm. To create the collar, go through the single top row of holes nearest the opening multiple times (3–4 passes) before moving to the next hole. Fan the overlapping strands slightly as they exit the same hole to build a scalloped or triangular visual texture along the edge. When you’re ready to change colors, knot off the first color inside the shoe, trim the thread, and start the next color the same way. Repeat around the entire shoe and then do the same for the other shoe. Finish each color with a secure knot inside and trim the excess.
Choose bright colors for a playful look or neutral shades for something more understated—this technique is very flexible.
Final tips: Always secure your starting end with a small triple knot inside the shoe so it won’t work its way loose. Keep interior knots compact and trim excess thread to prevent bulk. If you want to change the design later, carefully cut and remove the stitches—perforated canvas typically remains undamaged after removing floss.
Which design will you try first? The floral pattern is great for a springfeminine vibe, minimal geo is perfect for everyday wear, and the color-blocked collar gives a bold, crafted finish. All three are easy, affordable, and fully customizable—happy stitching!