LARP Bracer

This tutorial explains the steps in sewing your very own LARP bracers. These are great for beginners and they don't take too long to complete. In my example, I use burgundy pleather fabric and a brown accent thread but you can use whatever materials best suit your aesthetic.

Paper (for pattern drafting)

A measuring tape

A pencil

Fabric of choice

Pins

A sewing needle

Thread

A sewing machine (optional if you prefer hand sewing)

Scissors

Grommets

Grommet pliers or a setter and anvil

Cording/ Ribbon

To make the pattern for a fabric bracer you need a measuring tape, a pencil, and a sheet of paper. The first measurement to take is the circumference of your wrist. This will become the top curve of your bracer. The next measurement is your forearm's circumference, which will determine how short or long the bracer is depending on where you want the bottom to sit. After you've taken the measurements determine what shape you want your bracer to be. Mine has a slight curve at the top and narrows to a point at the bottom. Fold the pattern in half and check for symmetry. Yours can be whatever shape you choose as long as it fits comfortably around your forearm.

After you've drawn your pattern, cut it out and try it on to make sure it fits comfortably before proceeding.

After you have drafted and adjusted your paper pattern, pin it to your fabric of choice. Cut two pattern pieces and make sure to add seam allowance when cutting. In my example, I have a quarter-inch seam allowance. Next, pin your fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Use pins to mark a gap. This gap will be crucial in turning your bracer right side out.

Sew around the perimeter of the two pieces leaving a 2.5-inch gap in order to turn it. Before turning it make sure you snip the corners and remove excess fabric in order to prevent the fabric pooling in the corners. Turn the piece and poke out the corners with your fingers.

Pinch closed the gap left and secure it with a pin. Next, sew along the open edge using a stitch of your choice. In mine, I used the ladder stitch but if you don't know how to ladder stitch any stitch works. Once that area is sewn closed, proceed to the next step.

Right now, you have your basic bracer piece. The next few instructions are optional but they help to add to the overall look and structure of the bracer. On the sides of your bracer mark out a straight line 2 inches away from the edge on each side. On the top and bottom of the bracer, mark out a one-inch curved line. Make sure that the gap on the side is enough to properly fit in your grommets.

If you want, you can add some quilting or a design to the bracer depending on how much embroidery you are willing to do. I added a quilted look to mine by sewing straight lines on the diagonals. After your done with all of the sewing, knot and cut the thread ends.

The first step in adding the grommets is marking out their positions. I tried to center mine between the edge and the accent stitching with a 1-inch gap between each grommet (In my example I'm using pins since the markings don't show up well). Next, cut a small + shape on the marked area, you can also use an awl or a hole punch to mark the area but I used scissors. It's best to follow whatever instructions your tool has but here's my attempt at an explanation. Insert the top of the grommet into the area you want to be in the front and the bottom of the grommet with the washer into the back of the piece. Once they're positioned use a grommet hammer or pliers to secure the pieces. Do this in all five marked areas and then repeat on the other side of the piece. Once all grommets have been added, use a ribbon or cord and secure them around your forearm.

And you're done!