How to Make Anime Leg Warmers
Anime-style leg warmers are an ideal refashioning or recycling project that can be made from any soft stretchy fabric. Use the same sewing instructions to make tiny baby size leg warmers, or make them to fit your own legs. Wear your leg warmers with skinny jeans, leggings and miniskirts, or use them for a bit of extra warmth with your fitness gear.
Things You'll Need
- Knit, sweater knit or fleece fabric
- Elastic, 1/2 inch
- Zigzag stitch sewing machine
- Coordinating thread
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Ribbons, buttons or other embellishments
Instructions
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Measure around the fullest part of the leg. Allow 1 inch for seam allowances, and the desired amount of wearing ease. Plan on no ease for a close-fitting legging style legwarmer or up to 3 inches for a looser fit. Measure from the knee to ankle for a standard legwarmer, or add additional length for a slouchier look or an over the knee legwarmer. Add 2 inches to the length for elastic casings.
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2
Cut two rectangles from fabric to the desired size. Feel free to reuse sleeves or socks if desired, preserving the cuffs for your leg warmers. Choose bold stripes or dots made in a slouchy style for a playful anime look or fitted legwarmers in rich fabrics or menswear style fabrics for a Victorian or steampunk anime look.
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Set your sewing machine to a stretch straight stitch, a three step zigzag stitch or a standard zigzag stitch depending on your machine. Place the right or printed sides of each rectangle together and sew up the long side.
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Try on the anime leg warmers. Shorten by cutting away excess fabric or take in at the seam line if desired.
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Fold 1 inch at the top and bottom edges of the fabric to the wrong side of the fabric. Stitch into place 1/4 inch from the edge, leaving a small opening for elastic.
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Cut elastic a bit longer than you need. Pin a safety pin to one end and thread into each casing. Try on, fitting the elastic as desired. Pin the ends of the elastic together, then overlap and stitch. Repeat for each casing. Sew the openings in each casing closed.
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Embellish with buttons or ribbons if desired. Try black legwarmers with white or ivory satin ribbon bows at the top for a classic anime look when worn with a short, full black skirt and fitted blouse.
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Tips & Warnings
Flare the bottom of the leg warmer to create the look of spats.
Use buttons to make fitted, dressy anime leg warmers in woven fabrics.
Try using adult knee socks to make baby and children's leg warmers.
Avoid pulling the elastic too tight to keep your leg warmers comfortable.
References
- Photo Credit sewing machine image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
