Easy DIY Shoe Clips Tutorial: Bows and Heart Shapes

 

Do you have plain shoes sitting in your closet? You know the ones—still comfy, still wearable, but just a little… boring? If you’re nodding your head, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: DIY shoe clips! These little accessories can turn any pair of shoes into something totally unique, stylish, and fun. Whether you're into Vivienne Westwood-style heart details ❤️ or adorable little bows 🎀, you can make them yourself in just a few minutes—and with minimal supplies.

In today’s post, I’ll show you how to make shoe clips that look designer, but cost just a few dollars. These clips aren’t just for shoes, either! You can attach them to your clothes, bags, hats, coats, or even in your hair. It’s the ultimate fashion DIY—fun, fast, and fabulous.

Let’s get started!

 

Inspiration:

Why Make Your Own Shoe Clips?

If you're someone who loves accessorizing, you'll understand the magic of the right little detail. A bow or heart can take your outfit from basic to bold in seconds. Here's why you'll love making your own DIY shoe accessories:

    Affordable: Designer shoes with embellishments (like the iconic Vivienne Westwood heart heels) can cost hundreds. With this tutorial, you can get a similar look for under $5.

    Customizable: Choose your favorite colors, textures, and shapes.

    Reusable: These clips can be moved from one pair of shoes to another—or even worn in your hair or on your coat!

    Beginner-friendly: No sewing skills needed—just cut, glue, and clip!

 

 

What You'll Need

To make your own heart or bow shoe clips, gather the following supplies. These are easy to find at any craft store or online:

 

Material	Details / Alternatives
Vegan leather or faux leather	Also known as "veggie leather"
Shoe clip bases	Or use clip-on earring backs or small metal clips to DIY
Hot glue gun	Or any strong fabric glue
Scissors	For cutting the vegan leather and template
Paper template	For shaping your design—e.g., heart or bow

Why choose vegan leather?

 
It’s the best material for making sturdy accessories. It’s:

•     Waterproof
•     Wrinkle-free
•     Stiff and holds its shape
•     Available in lots of colors and textures

 

 I use vegan (veggie) leather for most of my shoe accessories—it’s waterproof, wrinkle-free, and comes in so many textures! If you’re curious, read this post where I test and explain veggie leather in DIYs.

 

How to make shoe clips?

DIY Heart Shoe Clips – Step-by-Step

If you’re obsessed with the Vivienne Westwood heart shoe look, this is the tutorial for you. These DIY heart clips add a sweet, retro vibe to any pumps or flats.
 

Step-by-step instructions:

•     Draw or print a heart shape template on paper.
•     Trace and cut two hearts out of your vegan leather.
•     Cut a small matching piece for the back (to reinforce the clip).
•     Attach the shoe clips to the back using hot glue.
•     Press and hold for 30 seconds to make sure they’re secure.
•     Let dry—and you’re done!

Clip them onto the front, side, or back of your shoes, depending on your style.

    💡 Tip: Red and gold are iconic color choices, but pastel pinks or metallics also look amazing!

 

 If you want an even simpler beginner tutorial, you can follow this easy DIY shoe clip tutorial I made earlier. It’s quick and perfect for first-timers!

 

How to make bow shoe clips ?

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Pattern

 DIY Bow Shoe Clips – Step-by-Step

Bow clips add a touch of elegance and can go from cute to classy depending on the material and size. These are perfect for weddings, parties, or just everyday glam.

How to make them:

•     Create a bow pattern (you can draw one by hand or download a template).
•     Cut out the pieces from your vegan leather.
•     Shape the bow by folding the center and securing it with glue.
•     Cut and glue a small strip around the center to finish it.
•     Glue the finished bow onto the clip.

    Done!

Now you’ve got a pair of beautiful bow clips you can wear with ballet flats, heels, or even boots.

 

 Don’t want to draw your own shape? You can download my free printable shoe clip pattern here and get started right away.

 

Want your bows to look like the iconic Melissa jelly shoes? Check out this Melissa-inspired bow clip DIY here—it’s one of my favorites.

Creative Ways to Use Shoe Clips

Shoe clips aren’t just for shoes. Because they work like mini brooches, you can pin them just about anywhere:

•     On jackets or coats
•     To decorate purses or tote bags
•     In your hair (just clip to a headband)
•     On belts or waistbands
•     To add flair to hats or scarves

One simple DIY = multiple fashion upgrades!

Extra Tips for Making Shoe Clips That Last

•     Always use strong glue—hot glue works best for vegan leather.
•     Don’t make the shapes too large—they should be proportionate to your shoes.
•     Let the glue dry for several hours before wearing.
•     Test the clip on your shoes before gluing to ensure it fits securely.
•     Mix and match materials! Try glitter vinyl, satin, or even denim scraps.

  💡 Got shoes with damaged heels? Here’s how to fix scratched heels with a simple DIY trick.

🎀

Style Starts with Details

Accessories make the outfit—and shoe clips are the ultimate secret weapon in your fashion toolbox. Whether you’re creating dreamy Vivienne Westwood-style hearts or chic little bows, these DIYs let you personalize your look on a budget.

With just a bit of vegan leather and creativity, you can give your old shoes a fresh, designer-inspired twist. Better yet, you can keep customizing and switching clips as often as you like.

So, what kind of clips will you make first? A sparkling gold heart? A cute polka-dot bow? Let your style guide you—and don’t forget to share your creations!
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movie version  📹

Pin it, Clip it, Wear it—DIY magic for your feet and more!

If you enjoyed this tutorial, check out my other DIY fashion ideas and shoe transformations. You’ll find easy projects, free templates, and step-by-step videos to make accessorizing fun and stress-free.