Gaiters are stockings that cover the lower leg from the ankle joint to the popliteal cavity. This is not only a modern and stylish product. They perfectly protect your feet in the cold season. For such a useful quality, they are highly valued by miniskirt lovers. And male fishermen have been keeping them in their wardrobes for a long time.
But most often they are used by those who are interested in dance classes. Typically a dance lesson lasts from 1.5 to 2 hours. During this period, the dancers' calf muscles are constantly loaded, which leads to strong heating of the ligaments. Therefore, leg warmers are a prerequisite for the health of a dancer’s legs. Well-warmed muscles minimize the possibility of injury. Gaiters stimulate blood circulation in the muscles and make it more intense. This is especially true for girls. When the legs are not protected by anything, their rapid cooling will certainly lead to the ligaments being stretched.
The density and height of the gaiters depends on the ambient temperature.
Important! The colder it is, the longer and thicker the leg warmers should be for exercise.
They are usually sewn from knitted fabric or knitted from wool with acrylic thread. Synthetics contribute to the elasticity and strength of products.
We'll tell you how to make leg warmers for gymnastics or dance classes with your own hands.
How to make leg warmers from an old sweater
Seamless leg warmers for dancing are easy to make with your own hands from an old sweater bought at a sale or lying around the house.
Choose a suitable sweater, taking into account further care of the product.
- Woolen: strong thread, but Requires regular hand washing.
- Acrylic: wear-resistant, but cannot be washed often.
- Cotton: very durable, easy to select a washing mode in an automatic machine.
Operating procedure
- Using tailor's scissors, separate the sleeves at the shoulder seam. The rest of the clothes can then be used at your discretion.
- Lay the sleeves out on a countertop or ironing board. Straighten them without wrinkles.
- Take a triangle and line up the gaiters to the shape.
- Put it on your legs: you can pull them lengthwise or gather them like an accordion.
Advice. If the resulting leg warmers are too long, they can be easily shortened by cutting off the top part. If the leg warmers slip, you can narrow them at the top with a pin.
How to make faux fur leg warmers
Look for fluffy, corduroy fabric. in the textile department of the nearest store. It will look good and synthetic fur fabric. Buy one meter of the material you like. Perhaps a smaller footage will be enough if the leggings are designed to be low, covering only a pair of shoes.
Completing of the work
- Measure your feet tailor's meter. This needs to be done just below the knee. Add 2.5 cm to the resulting volume. Otherwise the elastic will be very tight.
- Measure the calf at its widest point.
- Don't forget to measure your shin at the bottom. The standard circumference when wearing different shoes is 56 cm. It is important to accurately measure the distance from the ankle to the popliteal area.
- Cut the material into two parts. The width of each of them is equal to the length of the leg, and the length is the circumference of the calf at its widest point. Add 1 or 2 cm for seam allowances.
- Lay the cut out on the table with the lining side facing up. Horizontally, take the length of the measurements along the ankle, mid-calf, and popliteal area.
- Place a sewing elastic along all three horizontal lines. When the accuracy of the measurements is not guaranteed, it is better to sew the elastic at the top and bottom a little closer to the middle, then the leg warmers will fit tighter.
- Sew the elastic, stretching it a little.
- Fold a piece of cloth in half. Hand sew a hidden edge seam, which is well hidden by the fluff of fur. You can stitch it by machine, but in the middle you usually still have to stitch it by hand.
Reference. Synthetic fabric does not require any bending at the bottom of the leggings.
- Process the second part in the same way.
- Try it directly on tights or on top of shoes.
Useful tips
In order to amaze others with the extraordinary beauty and elegance of these accessories, fashionistas should take note of a few tips.
- Leg warmers with multi-colored stripes are a cheerful mood and a feeling of joy.. Pick up some striped sweaters in your favorite colors at a thrift store. For example, red and black, white and blue, yellow and blue, light green and turquoise, gray and pink. Set a goal and make your own favorite things that will bring only positive emotions into your life.
- Gaiters will look unusually feminine and charming if you wear an openwork mesh over them.. A cute, flirty look will give the girl confidence.
- Half-stockings made from a wool sweater knitted using the pigtail technique even visually look very warm. You immediately feel the desire to wrap your feet in them to immerse yourself in their cozy beauty.
- Cool knee socks with a bow - a detail from childhood. I want to wear them without taking them off.
- The most dull and expressionless leg warmers will immediately come to life if you decorate them with bright, cheerful pom-poms.
As you can see, making leg warmers with your own hands is not at all difficult. You just need to put in a little effort and imagination.
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