Steampunk costume
A little while ago I made several steampunk outfits, which Rain kindly modelled for me at the village Tithe barn. They have all been sold now, but the armwarmers I made to go with them have remained popular. You only really need basic sewing skills for these if you fancy having a go. I used lovely stretch cotton velvet and antique Victorian lace for mine, but you can use any fabric with a small amount of stretch, and decorate the ends with any trim you have to hand….
- Making sure the stretch goes widthways, cut out two rectangles. Size small – medium 37x26cm. Size large – extra large 37x31cm. I use a piece of paper to keep my right angles correct.
How to make arm warmers
- Fold over lengthways, right sides together. With a seam allowance of 1.5cm, overlock/serge, or zig-zag stitch the longest edge together.
Making steampunk armwarmers
- Sew straight stitch on the inside of the seam for extra strength using thread to match the fabric.
Sewing armwarmers
- Make sure the ends are backstitched as they need to be strong.
Sewing arm warmers
- Turn the right way out.
- Decide which end is going to be the top of the arm. Sew on the lace or trim with thread to match, using a small zig-zag stitch, carefully stretching the fabric as much as you can. Overlap the join by a couple of cm and then cut the trim.
Sewing lace onto armwarmers
- On the wrist end, do the same, but you don’t need to stretch the fabric as much. I use different lace for top and bottom.
Adding antique lace
- Add any other decorations such as cogs, watch parts etc if you fancy it.
And you’re done! It’s as simple as that.
Let me know how you get on or ask any questions if I haven’t been clear enough! I’d love to see photos too. And please tell people or link to my instructions here if you use them. And of course, if you can’t be done with all that, just buy a pair from me at OshunCostumes!
Steampunk arm warmers