Introduction: Basic Faux Leather Arm Bracer

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I have had this faux leather material leftover from an old Astrid costume I made several years ago. Over the years of seeing it sitting on my shelf I have attempted multiple projects in hopes of using it, but none ever saw a finished product. So finally I made something simple that I knew I would be able to finish. In this instructable I used supplies that I already had available, so some alternatives may be better, however I still really like the final results! Making these simple bracers are easy and quick to make and are perfect for any fantasy costume or aesthetic touch.

Supplies

Materials

  • Faux Leather
  • Waxed twine or leather craft lace
  • 0.6 cm jump rings
  • embroidery floss

Tools

  • Sewing machine
  • scissors
  • needle and thread
  • Washable marker

Step 1: Measurements

Using a tape measure, measure and record the length around your wrist, the adequate length of your forearm, and the length around your arm where the bracer will end.

Step 2: Make a Pattern

The picture above shows how to make the pattern and where to use each measurement, but below is my confusing attempt of explaining how to make the pattern:

First you make a line that is the length of your forearm measurement. Then there are two lines on either side of that first line. On one side make a line that is the length of your wrist measurement, making sure the first line is perpendicular and connects in the middle of this second line. Next make a line on the other side of the first line that is the length of your arm measurement, making sure that the first line is also perpendicular and connecting in the middle of this third line. Lasly use a ruler to connect the left edge of the second line to the left edge of the third line, and connect the right edge of the second line to the right edge of the third line.

Step 3: Trace and Cut

Trace the pattern onto the right side of your faux leather using a washable marker. Then cut out the piece leaving an excess of about an inch.

Step 4: Prep Your Sewing Machine

Depending on the type of faux leather you have, you may notice that your faux leather sticks onto your sewing machine which prevents the material from gliding through the machine. An easy way to fix this is to apply a few pieces of matte scotch tape. First remove the sewing footer and place a layer of tape on it and use a craft knife to cut away the excess tape. Then place a couple strips of tape below and around the footer, but make sure not to tape over any part that moves. If needed, use a craft knife to cut the tape for easy access to the bobin.

Step 5: Cut Corners

Cut part of the material off at the corners.

Step 6: Begin Sewing

To minimize the amount of holes we put into the material, we are going to avoid using sewing pins. This is why we left an extra inch for seam allowance, to allow us to fold the material easily without having to pin it. To begin sewing, fold one side of the material on the line and top stitch over the piece, sewing about half a centimeter away from the edge.

Step 7: Continue Sewing

Stop sewing about half an inch from the edge and knot the thread. Then pull the piece away from the machine and fold the next side. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you are finished.

Step 8: Cut Excess

Once done sewing, turn over and cut the excess material close to the stitches. Since this is faux leather it'll be fine leaving the edges raw.

Step 9: Hand Sew

Make a mark about every inch with a washable marker. Then take embroidery floss and sew in the closed jump rings, this is the longest step of the project. I added a little bit of glue to the closure of the jump ring for extra safety. If you have grommets available those will probably be a better option, however this is what I had available.

Step 10: Lace

Lastly, I took three strands of waxed craft lace and braided them to create the lace. Then all you need to do is lace your bracer onto your arm and you are finished!

Step 11: Finish

As of now this is my final result of my bracer, however in the future I might add more details such as paint or embroidery. But nonetheless I am very happy with the results and these bracers fulfill my fantasy dreams of wanting to feel like a brave warrior.