DIY Bracer Tutorial

So as it claims in my profile - I am not a professional. I have learned things through tons of research, fantastic friends (who costume), and trial and error (at times painfully so). But how I've put my bracers together is quite straight forward so I want to share it in case I can save someone else a bit of trial and error :)

Materials Needed:

Tape measure

Ruler

Pencil

Paper

Scissors

Fabric

Eyelets and lace

Fabric glue (possibly)

Rolling pin (possibly)

 

First things first...the pattern. To get the pattern, we'll need three measurements: the bracer's top, length, and base. 

Measurement 1, The Bracer's Top: To get this number, you'll have to measure around your wrist, where you'll want the bracer to start. Then decide how much of a gap you will want for the open part of the bracer along the inside of your wrist (I went with just over an inch on mine). Finally, take your wrist measurement and subtract your desired gap to get the bracer top measurement. I strongly suggest taking this new measurement and placing it over your wrist, leaving the gap area open so you can make sure this is what you want. 

Measurement 2, The Bracer's Length: For this, all you do is rest the tape measure along your forearm and decide how much of your arm you want covered by your bracer. (Mine was 6 inches and covered most of my forearm). 

Measurement 3, The Bracer's Base: A good general rule I've found is to take the bracer top measurement and add 2 inches. But, again, I strongly recommend you measure this out on your arm just to make sure it will sit right. All our bodies are different and you may have to play with this number a bit.

Now, take these numbers and make a trapezoid.Start by drawing either Measurement 1 or 3 (I usually go with 3 so I can be sure I've left myself enough space on the page). 

At the centre of that line, draw Measurement 2 at a 90% angle like you're making an upside down "T". 

From there, draw out your last measurement, either 1 or 3 (if you're like me and started with 3, you'll draw in 1), making sure you're drawing from the middle outwards. You'll end up with a lopsided "I".

Now, just close out the shape by drawing angled lines to connect the tips of the "I". And there's your pattern!

If you're using vinyl, leather, pleather or anywhere where you don't have to finish the edges, then just cut the fabric right along the pattern - leaving no seam allowance. For any other type of fabric, cut with your usual seam allowance so you can fold the edges over and stitch them down. Then punch the eyelets down the angled edges and your project is complete!

However, if you're like me and are planning on adding heavier decorative pieces, you may want to make it a bit sturdier. I have two layers to my bracers - the actual bracer made out of a firm material and the pretty fabric layer wrapped around it. You can play around with what thick material you'd like to use, there's no hard and fast rule.

Yes...my good fabric is newspaper for now :)

I used stiff felt that I bought at my local fabric store (Dressew in Vancouver). I cut this right along the pattern, and forced a curve into it (rubbing it back and forth over the edge of a table works). 

Next, I cut my good fabric with a seam allowance so I could fold it over and glue it down to the stiff felt. For good measure, I drizzled the fabric glue (I love Fabri-Tac by the way!) over the back of the fabric and smoothed it down using a rolling pin. Then along the sides, I folded the fabric over and glued it down. 

I just noticed there's an ad for Fabricland on the paper. Ha!

With the curved sides, however, I cut tabs in the good fabric (cut only as long as the seam allowance). While holding the bracer slightly curled, I glued down the tabs one at a time. They will overlap each other, and that's exactly once you want. Once all the glue is dry, the bracer will be stiff enough to attach other things to and hold it's shape. After the eyelets are punched in, it's complete and ready for decorating. 

I have posted a video tutorial as well so definitely check that out if it will help. I would also love to see what anyone comes up :)

Alrighty, that's all I've got to share for today. Thanks for stopping by, now run along and have some fun!