How to Make Anime Style Legwarmers

Tie-dyed cybergoth legwarmers

Legwarmers have come back into vogue. Enjoy a new variation on an old theme: the anime-influenced flared legwarmer. Go-go girls and fashionistas alike wear furry ones, while the cybergothic scene uses ordinary materials for their creations.This easy guide illustrates how to create legwarmers from a sweatshirt. They come in lots of colors, are cheap and complement both club and daywear.

Things You'll Need

• Large or extra-large sweatshirt
• Scissors
• Iron
• Needle and thread (or sewing machine with ballpoint needle for knits)
• One package of half-inch elastic

Instructions

1. Turn the sweatshirt inside out. Cut the sleeves from the sweatshirt close to the seam, leaving behind the finished shirt seaming. The wide upper arm is the bottom of the legwarmer, and the wrist cuff is the top.

2. Turn the wide end up in a narrow hem, about five-eighths of an inch. Press to ensure an even hemline. Stitch using a sewing machine or hand-sew. Another variation is to leave the edge unfinished. The knit material won't unravel.

3. If the shirt has a rib-knit cuff, try the legwarmer to see if the cuff stretches around the upper calf. The legwarmer should sit just below the bottom of the knee. If the cuff doesn't stretch enough to accommodate the calf, go on to the remaining steps.

4. Turn the sleeve inside out. Cut off the knit cuff, leaving a raw edge.

5. Measure a piece of elastic by wrapping it around your upper calf and stretching it slightly. Add about a half-inch to the total measurement and cut. Lap the ends one over the other about a half-inch so that the elastic lies flat. Sew the ends together, forming a loop.

6. Turn the legwarmer inside out. Take the elastic loop and place it around the top legwarmer opening, about five-eighths of an inch from the raw edge. Turn the fabric down, encasing the elastic. Machine stitch using a stretch stitch, or hand-sew.

Tips & Warnings

• Any generously sized, long-sleeved knit shirt can be used to make legwarmers. Try an old sweater for great results.

• For a more slouchy legwarmer, leave the hem unfinished.

• Tie a strip of fabric around the upper calf in a bow to make the legwarmers more fun. This will also help them stay up better.