How to Make a Spiked Gauntlet

Turn leather and spike embellishments into stylish gauntlets.

In the past, the word "gauntlet" referred to heavy, metal gloves that knights wore to protect their hands during battle. In this modern era, the word "gauntlet" usually describes an arm band stretching from wrist to mid-forearm or elbow. Goths and punks of all kinds style these gauntlets, using motifs like spikes to embellish them. Though some stores sell spiked gauntlets, you'll save money and personalize your style by making your own set at home.

Things You'll Need

• Flexible measuring tape
• Newsprint
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Crafting leather
• Chalk
• Leather punch
• Spike embellishments
• Embroidery needle
• Sinew thread
• Snap closures

Instructions

1. Measure your arm from wrist to elbow, or from wrist to mid-forearm. Measure around your wrist and around the part of your arm where the gauntlet stops. Add 1 inch to the arm circumference measurements. For instance, if the length measures about 4 inches and the two circumferences are 3 inches and 5 inches, your final measurements will be 4 inches, 4 inches and 6 inches.

2. Draw a 4-inch line and a 6-inch line on a piece of newsprint, spacing them 4 inches apart (in this case use your measurements if they're different.) Connect the ends of the shorter line to the ends of the longer line with a ruler and pencil. Cut out the resulting shape.

3. Place the newsprint pattern shape on some crafting leather. This leather is very thin and supple, making it perfect for simple leather projects. Trace around the pattern twice and cut out both shapes.

4. Draw chalk dots on the shiny side of each gauntlet, marking where you want your spikes. Erase and rearrange the dots until you're pleased with the pattern. Punch out each dot with a 1/16-inch-diameter leather punch, available at craft stores.

5. Pour out some spikes onto your work surface. Available with jewelry-making supplies, these little spikes have a screw on the bottom that holds them to your projects. Unscrew each spike you plan to use.

6. Slip the screw part of each spike up through each hole. Screw the spikes down onto the screw backs, tightening until the leather puckers just a little.

7. Stitch the corresponding halves of up to five snap closures to either edge of each gauntlet, spacing the snaps no more than 1/4 inch from the edges.

References

• Cut Out and Keep: Spike Bracelet
• Made Manual: How to Make a Leather Cuff Bracelet