Create Fingerless Gloves From Old Wedding Lace

If you're looking for a fun DIY project, why not try making your own fingerless gloves out of old wedding lace? It's easier than you might think and a great way to upcycle old fabric. All you need is some stretch lace, a pair of fabric scissors, and a needle and thread. You can even add some sparkle to your gloves with sequins, pearls, or diamantes. In just a few simple steps, you can create unique and stylish accessories to complement any outfit. So, get your creative juices flowing and give it a try!

Creating a pattern for the gloves

To create a pattern for your lace gloves, take a piece of paper and lay your hand down on top, ensuring your fingers are together and your thumb is extended out. Using a pen, draw around the outline of your hand, extending it down the wrist by about two to three inches.

Cut out the hand shape and cut a straight edge across the fingers and thumb. Consider how far up your fingers and thumb you want the end of the gloves to sit. For the thumb, remember to allow a little extra room for a seam stitch.

Now, take your stretch lace fabric and double it over, ensuring the right sides are together. Using your glove paper pattern, place it on top of the lace and cut out the pattern to make two pieces of lace for your glove. Turn the pattern over and repeat the process.

Stitch up the sides, joining the two pieces together to make your lace gloves. If your lace fabric has a scalloped edge, you won't need to hem the top or bottom, just the thumb. Try on your lace gloves to check the stitching is even and they sit correctly on your hands.

Cutting out the fabric

To make fingerless gloves out of old wedding lace, you will first need to create a pattern. Take a piece of paper and lay your hand down on it, ensuring your fingers are together and your thumb is out. Draw around the outline of your hand, extending the outline down your wrist by about two to three inches. Cut out the hand shape and cut a straight edge across the fingers and thumb.

Now, decide how far up your fingers and thumb you want the gloves to sit. For the thumb, remember to allow some extra room for a seam stitch. Take your stretch lace fabric and double it over, ensuring the right sides are together. Place your glove paper pattern on top of the lace and cut out the pattern to make two pieces of lace for your glove. Turn the pattern over and repeat the process.

If you are using a lace curtain panel, you will need to measure your wrists and upper arm and use those measurements (plus a little extra room for adjustments and seams). Remember that you will be folding each glove and making a seam down the side, so allow for about a 1/2-inch seam. Ensure the right side of the material is inside your fold.

Tips for Cutting the Fabric:

• If your lace fabric has a scalloped edge, you won't need to hem the top or bottom, just the thumb.
• If your lace is very delicate, consider doubling it over to create a thicker fabric.
• If your wedding lace is attached to a thicker fabric, you may want to cut this away to reduce bulkiness.

Stitching the gloves

Now that you have your fabric cut out, it's time to start stitching! If you're using lace fabric with a scalloped edge, you won't need to hem the top or bottom—just the thumb. If your lace doesn't have a scalloped edge, you'll need to hem all sides. Start by pinning the hem in place, then stitch it by hand or with a sewing machine. Remember to allow room for a seam stitch at the thumb. Try the gloves on as you go to ensure they fit comfortably and sit correctly on your hands.

When you're happy with the fit, it's time to assemble the gloves. With the right sides of the fabric together, stitch up the sides, joining the two pieces together to form the glove. Again, try the gloves on to check that they're evenly stitched. Adjust as needed.

If you're adding a "hand cover" or "finger cover," now is the time to attach it. First, cut out the desired shape for the cover, allowing for a seam. Then, sew the cover to the "sleeve" part of the glove. You can use a finished scalloped edge or create a raw edge, depending on your preferred look. Position the cover so that it extends from the wrist to just above the first knuckle, allowing for a seam when attaching it to the sleeve. Machine sew the side seam to secure the cover in place.

Finally, attach the hand cover to the sleeve by matching up the seams and hand sewing the cover onto the outside of the sleeve. If the cover is wider than the wrist, create small tucks—one in the front and one at the back—to ensure a snug fit. Turn the gloves inside out, and you're done! You now have a pair of stylish and unique fingerless gloves made from old wedding lace.

Hemming the gloves

Step 1: Fold the top of the glove

First, turn the sleeve inside out and then fold over about 1" of the cut edge. This will be the hem of your glove. You can adjust the length of the fold to achieve your desired glove length.

Step 2: Pin the hem in place

Use pins to secure the folded edge in place. This will ensure that the hem stays in the correct position while you stitch it.

Step 3: Stitch the hem

Knot the thread onto the inside of the hem so that it will be hidden when you're finished. Then, sew the hem in place by making a simple blanket stitch around the top edge. This will hold the folded edge in place and add a decorative touch. Work your way around the hem, sewing the folded edge in place.

Step 4: Address the upper edge (optional)

If the top of the glove is too big for your hand, you can make a fold like a pleat to tighten up the upper edge. You can stitch this down using a whipstitch, or simply fold it at the top edge and hem it when you do the full hem.

Step 5: Tie off the knot

When you're finished stitching the hem, tie off the knot under the hem so that all the knots are on the inside and hidden.

Decorating the gloves

Now for the fun part: decorating your new lace gloves! You can decorate them with a variety of materials, such as pearls, sequins, or diamanté. Pinch the glove at the base of your ring finger and use a needle and thread to create a ruche (gathered stitch). Once you have a gathered area on both gloves, you can start decorating.

If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your gloves, you can use sequins or diamantes. You can also add some pearls for a more elegant and sophisticated look. Try to space out the decorations evenly, and use a strong adhesive to ensure they stay in place.

Another way to decorate your gloves is to add some embroidery. You can choose a design that complements the lace pattern, or go for something simple like a straight line or a border. Embroidery thread comes in various colours, so you can choose one that matches your lace or creates a nice contrast.

If you want to keep your gloves simple and elegant, you can finish them with a hem. This will give them a polished look and ensure they don't unravel. You can use a simple blanket stitch or a whipstitch to create a decorative edge. Choose a thread colour that matches your lace for a seamless finish, or go for a contrasting colour to make a statement.

Remember, when it comes to decorating your gloves, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative! You can mix and match different types of decorations or keep it minimal—it's up to you. Get inspired and make your gloves unique and personal.

Frequently asked questions