I love Bella costumes.
I don’t own one (yet), but whenever I have an opportunity to look at them, the details on Bella costumes are something I can stare and observe for a long time. These gauntlets were inspired by this costume by Bella.
See more of these beautiful creations at http://www.bellacostumes.com/
Some of you suggested awesome ideas for me to make videos on belly dance accessories. I guess making accessories is not AS intimidating as making skirts for example, and less time consuming, for sure. These gauntlets can be worn just as separate wristbands and armbands or connected with beads or straps. These are a great little accessory to personalize and make it suit your costumes.
In this video, you will see how to make these wristbands.
Click here to get the free wristband pattern 🙂
To make these wristbands, you need:
Fabric – I’m using left over stretch velvet from my previous project.
The free wristband pattern – Sparkly Belly subscribers get this free pattern from this page 🙂 If you are not a subscriber yet, click the above link to sign up and you will receive the free pattern.
4 pairs of hook and eye closures
Matching colour thread
Strong thread – I am using Craft & Button thread
Beads
Sewing tools including Beadalon Big Eye Needles
How to Make Wristbands
First, cut the pattern ( Get it free from here!) and hold it against your wrist. If the band part is too short, add length to it, and if it’s too long, cut it to adjust. Remember to leave the 5mm or ¼ in seam allowance on both ends of the band.
Fold your fabric in half, right sides together, and place the pattern on it. If your fabric has stretch, place the long side of the pattern along the direction of the stretch. And trace it twice. And cut.
Then sew all the way around with 5mm or ¼ in seam allowance. Make sure to leave a few centimeter opening, so you can turn this inside out.
Once you sew them together, cut the excess fabric on the corners, and turn it inside out. Then you can close the opening by using the hidden stitch like I’m doing here, or just top stitch all the way around.
Repeat this step for the other set.
Then pick the side that will be facing your wrist, and sew on 2 pairs hooks and eyes like this. Key is to make sure both the hooks and eyes are sewn almost against the edge, allowing them to function but when it’s closed, the closure is invisible. This is how hook and eye closures are attached at the top of zippers on skirts and dresses.
Now, take your strong thread and a beading needle, and double your thread. Make sure the thread is long enough to go from the top of the wrist band around your middle finger and back. I’m using Beadalon Big Eye Needles
Anchor it close to the tip of this pointed end. And start putting beads through it.
Try on the wristband, and see if the string of beads is long enough to go around your middle finger then back to where it started, and also gives some room for your hand movements.
Make sure to make a tight knot, and the wristband is done.
I think it is cute as it is, or you can decorate it to match your costume.
I hope you like these wristbands, and next week, you will see how to make armbands to go with the wristbands, how to connect them and I will share some decoration and time saving tips. So don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and get the free wristband pattern from the link below.
Click here to get the free wristband pattern 🙂
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
