Plaster figure of a shoe repairer

Cobblers measure customers for fit, and discuss with them the type of footwear to be made, recommending details such as leather quality. They draw or select patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on the selected materials. Once cut out, the leather for the new shoes is moulded over a last, an anvil-like structure shaped like a foot, they then attach insoles to the shoe lasts, affix shoe uppers and apply heels and outsoles. They also drill or punch holes in the shoes and boots, then insert or attach metal rings, handles and fastening hardware such as buckles using special twine and an awl, which is a large thick needle, or a powerful sewing machine.