Kids Makes

Single Wrist Cuff

Feeling brazen, bold or conservative? The subtlety of your fashion statement can be measured out by the number of grommets added to this cuff! This idea from Scatha G Allison for the conscientious sewer shows how an old denim garment like jeans can be turned into something new!

For book special offer - see at the end of the project.

Materials

• Denim rectangles measuring:
       
  1 x 10 x 20.5 cm (4 x 8”)
  1 x 8.5 x 19 cm (3 ¼ x 7 ½”)
• 1 x 3 x 20 cm (1 ¼ x 8”) denim strip
• 61 cm (24”) decorative lace strip (6 mm (1/4”) wide)
• 20.5 cm (8”) strip of wide elastic (6 mm (1/4”) wide)
• Grommets in varying sizes
• Decorative metal clasp with 2 cm (3/4") connector for attaching fabric
• 10 x 20.5 cm (4 x 8”) velour lining (optional)

Steps to prepare

Cut the lace trim into two 10 cm (4”) strips and two 20.5 cm (8”) strips.

Steps to make

1. Stitch the lace trim to the WRONG side edges of the 10 x 20.5 cm (4 x 8”) denim rectangle. Position the lace so the scallop extends just past the denim edge.

2. Mark the grommet locations on the RIGHT side of the 8.5 x 19 cm (3 ¼ x 7 ½”) denim rectangle. Leave 1 2.5 cm (1”) wide stitching space down the rectangle centre and at least 6 mm (1/4”) on all sides.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions test a grommet on scrap denim to learn how it is installed. Then cut the holes and install the grommets on the rectangle.

3. With RIGHT sides facing up, place the grommet panel on the larger base rectangle, exposing 6 mm (1/4”) of the base on all sides; edge stitch in place.

4. Sew the 20.5 cm (8”) elastic pieces to the WRONG side of the 3 cm (1 ¼”) wide denim strip, stretching the elastic as you sew. The denim will buckle slightly when the seam is finished. Trim the excess elastic after stitching.

5. Thread the clasp pieces onto either end of the 3 cm (1 1/4”) wide denim strip and then fold under the strips ends 2.5 cm (1”). Position the presser foot flush against the clasp pieces to stitch the denim ends in place. The denim strip should now measure 15 cm (6”) with a clasp piece on each end.

6. Pin the clasp strip in the lengthwise centre of the large panels. Offset the clasp strip so one end is 13 mm (1/2”) from one base end and 4 cm (1 ½”) from the opposite end. This allows one cuff end to slip under the other when the clasp is closed. Topstitch the centre strip in place.

HANDY HINT: Be careful not to hit any grommets or metal pieces while sewing as the needle may break and damage the machine.

7. If you want to line the cuff, place the denim and velour lining piece with the WRONG sides facing and then edges stitch them together using a zipper foot. Again be careful to avoid stitching over any grommets.

Jean Therapy
Scatha G Allison with Marla Stefanelli
ISBN 9781592533886
As the ultimate hardwearing and perennially trendy fabric, denim is the ideal choice when it comes to recycling and restyling. This super guide by designer Scatha Allison shows how to deconstruct outdated pairs of jeans and reconstruct them into a whole host of new garments and accessories ranging from simple collars and cuffs through to skirts, jackets and tops. Four paper patterns are included in sizes 8-18 for a gored skirt, hooded vest, bustier and halter-neck top along with projects and templates for a further  seventeen items. Some useful information is provided on sewing with denim along with a guide to fitting and adjusting patterns. These are high fashion garments and there is a particularly good section on embellishment techniques including bleaching, dyeing and distressing denim, in addition to adding appliqué, fabric paint, metal eyelets and trims. This is a great title not only for the ‘conscientious crafter’ but also for budding fashion designers! Presented in a spiral-bound hardback format and published by Quarry Books for £16.99. For details of the nearest stockist contact Rotovision on tel: 01273 727268.