I want to make shoes for 18" dolls. Bought a craft hot knife, which cuts thro the foam used for the sole very nicely, but leaves a beveled edge and I want a smooth, curved edge. After practising a bit, I found that holding the knife very straight up and down, and drawing it steadily toward me works better, but still not perfect. Anyone have any suggestions as to the proper technique?
Have any of you made shoes?

Have you tried an electric knife? That is what I have always seen used on foam.
Hugs
April

Nope, just made the dolls big enough to use bought shoes, or else teeny tiny baby shoes. They are getting some real little ones out now, not that any kid that age needs them. But I'll admit that they are sure cute.

Fabric shoes can be made in any shape or size, with stacked cardboard in the heels and soles, then the fabric will be stiffened with paint.

As for foam, I use a "hot" cutter that looks like a cheese slicer, with a long wire that is heated with 2 flash light batteries.

I would be interested in seeing what you are using as a pattern for these shoes.

I have several old Simplicity doll clothes patterns, a couple of which show fabric shoes.
Also, Joan Hines has a book called "Shoes, Slippers, and Sandals" which is available thro the Newarkdressmaker catalogue.....I'm going to order it.
For my first attempt, I used the sole pattern from Simplicity. since then, have searched the web ....voila...a rather good tutorial with pattern. http:/www.snsdolls.com/pattarch/dollshoe/shoemain.htm
No one recommends a hot knife....lol.

Thanks, but these patterns are too small for that type of knife, and the foam used is craft foam ... one eighth to perhaps one quarter inch thick.