DIY Spats: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Own Gaiters
Spats, also known as gaiters, are protective coverings for your lower legs and ankles. They can be incredibly useful for a variety of activities, from hiking and outdoor work to cosplay and historical reenactments. Purchasing pre-made spats can be expensive and might not perfectly fit your needs or aesthetic. Luckily, making your own spats is a relatively straightforward project that allows for customization and cost-effectiveness. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right materials to the final finishing touches.
## Why Make Your Own Spats?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore the benefits of crafting your own spats:
* **Custom Fit:** Store-bought spats often come in limited sizes. Creating your own ensures a perfect fit, enhancing comfort and functionality.
* **Material Choice:** You have complete control over the fabric, hardware, and embellishments used, allowing you to tailor the spats to your specific needs and preferences. Are you looking for waterproof spats for hiking? Durable spats for gardening? Elegant spats for a costume? The choice is yours!
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own spats can be significantly cheaper than buying them, especially if you already have some materials on hand.
* **Unique Style:** Express your creativity by designing spats that reflect your personal style. Add unique details like embroidery, decorative stitching, or custom closures.
* **Skills Development:** This project provides an opportunity to learn or improve your sewing skills.
## Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the right materials is crucial for a successful spats-making project. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
* **Fabric:** The choice of fabric depends on the intended use of the spats. Here are some popular options:
* **Canvas:** A durable and versatile option suitable for general use, hiking, and workwear. Choose a heavier-weight canvas for more rugged applications.
* **Duck Cloth:** Similar to canvas but with a tighter weave, making it slightly more water-resistant.
* **Leather:** Offers excellent durability and a classic look. Consider using thinner leather or suede for ease of sewing.
* **Vinyl:** Provides waterproof protection and is easy to clean, ideal for muddy or wet conditions.
* **Wool:** A warm and breathable option suitable for colder climates. Felted wool is a good choice as it doesn’t fray easily.
* **Waterproof Fabric (e.g., Ripstop Nylon, Gore-Tex):** Essential for spats intended for hiking in wet conditions. Ensure the fabric is breathable to prevent moisture buildup inside.
* **Cordura:** Extremely durable and abrasion-resistant, perfect for heavy-duty use.
* **Lining Fabric (Optional):** A lining adds comfort and can improve the overall durability of the spats. Consider using:
* **Cotton:** Breathable and comfortable against the skin.
* **Flannel:** Soft and warm, ideal for cold weather spats.
* **Moisture-Wicking Fabric:** Helps to keep your legs dry and comfortable.
* **Fastenings:** Choose fastenings that are appropriate for your fabric and desired style:
* **Buckles and Straps:** Offer a secure and adjustable closure. Choose sturdy buckles that can withstand wear and tear.
* **Buttons and Buttonholes:** A classic and elegant option, particularly suitable for historical reenactments.
* **Snaps:** Easy to install and use, providing a quick and secure closure.
* **Velcro:** A convenient and adjustable option, but may not be as durable as other fastenings for heavy-duty use.
* **Zippers:** Provide a secure and waterproof closure, ideal for spats intended for wet conditions.
* **Thread:** Choose a strong thread that matches your fabric. Polyester thread is a good all-around option.
* **Needles:** Select a needle appropriate for your fabric. A universal needle is suitable for most fabrics, while a leather needle is necessary for sewing leather.
* **Measuring Tape:** Essential for accurate measurements.
* **Ruler or Yardstick:** Useful for drawing straight lines and measuring larger pieces of fabric.
* **Scissors or Rotary Cutter:** For cutting fabric accurately.
* **Pins:** To hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
* **Chalk or Fabric Marker:** For marking pattern pieces on fabric.
* **Paper or Cardboard:** For creating a pattern.
* **Sewing Machine:** A sewing machine will make the project much easier, but you can also sew the spats by hand.
* **Eyelet Kit (Optional):** For adding eyelets for laces or straps.
* **Hammer (Optional):** For setting rivets or snaps.
* **Pliers (Optional):** For handling small hardware components.
* **Seam Ripper:** For correcting mistakes.
* **Iron and Ironing Board:** For pressing seams and fabric.
* **Optional Embellishments:** Buttons, lace, ribbon, embroidery floss, etc., for adding decorative details.
## Creating a Pattern
A well-fitting pattern is essential for creating comfortable and functional spats. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own:
1. **Measure Your Legs:**
* **Ankle Circumference:** Measure around your ankle at the point where you want the bottom of the spat to sit.
* **Calf Circumference:** Measure around your calf at the widest point.
* **Height:** Measure the distance from your ankle (where you took the ankle circumference measurement) to the desired height of the spat on your leg.
2. **Draw a Basic Rectangle:**
* On a piece of paper or cardboard, draw a rectangle with the following dimensions:
* Width: Half of your calf circumference + 1-2 inches (for ease and seam allowance). For example, if your calf circumference is 14 inches, the width of the rectangle would be 7 + 1 or 2 = 8-9 inches.
* Height: The height measurement you took earlier.
3. **Shape the Top Edge:**
* The top edge of the spat typically curves upwards towards the front of the leg for comfort and aesthetics.
* Mark the center point of the top edge of the rectangle.
* From the center point, measure down 1-3 inches (depending on how pronounced you want the curve to be) and mark a point.
* Draw a smooth curve from the side edges of the rectangle to the marked point in the center. This will be the new top edge of the spat.
4. **Shape the Bottom Edge (Optional):**
* You can also add a slight curve to the bottom edge of the spat to follow the natural contour of the ankle.
* Similar to shaping the top edge, mark the center point of the bottom edge.
* From the center point, measure up 0.5-1 inch and mark a point.
* Draw a smooth curve from the side edges of the rectangle to the marked point in the center.
5. **Add Seam Allowance:**
* Add a seam allowance of 0.5 inch around the entire pattern piece. This will allow for easy sewing.
6. **Create a Facing Pattern (Optional):**
* A facing is a piece of fabric that is used to finish the edges of the spat, providing a clean and professional look.
* To create a facing pattern, trace the top edge of the spat pattern onto another piece of paper.
* Extend the tracing down 2-3 inches to create the facing pattern.
* Add a seam allowance of 0.5 inch around the facing pattern.
7. **Create the Under Strap Pattern:**
* This strap will go under the sole of your boot or shoe to keep the spat in place.
* Measure the distance from the bottom of the spat on one side, under the arch of your foot, to the bottom of the spat on the other side. Add several inches to this measurement to allow for adjustment via a buckle.
* Cut a rectangle of fabric to this length, and the desired width. Generally 2 inches is sufficient. Be sure to add seam allowance.
8. **Cut Out the Pattern Pieces:**
* Carefully cut out all of the pattern pieces (spat, facing, and under strap).
## Cutting the Fabric
Now that you have your pattern pieces, it’s time to cut the fabric:
1. **Prepare the Fabric:**
* Wash and iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles or shrinkage.
2. **Lay Out the Pattern Pieces:**
* Fold your fabric in half, right sides together.
* Place the pattern pieces on the fabric, aligning the straight edges with the fold. This will ensure that you have two symmetrical spat pieces.
* If you are using a fabric with a nap (a textured surface), make sure that all of the pattern pieces are oriented in the same direction.
3. **Pin the Pattern Pieces:**
* Secure the pattern pieces to the fabric with pins, placing them close together to prevent the fabric from shifting.
4. **Cut Out the Fabric:**
* Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut out the fabric pieces, following the pattern lines. Be sure to cut through both layers of fabric at the same time.
* Cut out the facing pieces and under strap pieces as well.
5. **Mark the Fabric:**
* Use chalk or a fabric marker to transfer any important markings from the pattern pieces to the fabric, such as placement lines for fastenings or decorative details.
## Sewing the Spats
With your fabric pieces cut, you’re ready to start sewing. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Sew the Facing (Optional):**
* If you are using a facing, pin the facing pieces to the top edge of the spat pieces, right sides together.
* Sew along the top edge with a 0.5 inch seam allowance.
* Clip the curves of the seam allowance to reduce bulk.
* Turn the facing to the inside of the spat and press the seam.
* Topstitch along the top edge of the spat to secure the facing in place.
2. **Join the Spat Pieces:**
* Pin the two spat pieces together along the side seams, right sides together.
* Sew along the side seams with a 0.5 inch seam allowance.
* Press the seams open or to one side.
3. **Prepare the Under Strap:**
* Fold the under strap fabric piece in half lengthwise, right sides together.
* Sew along the long edge with a 0.5 inch seam allowance, leaving one end open.
* Turn the strap right side out and press.
* Topstitch along the edges of the strap for a finished look.
4. **Attach the Under Strap:**
* Determine the placement of the under strap on the bottom edge of the spats. It should be centered and positioned so that it will comfortably fit under the arch of your foot.
* Pin the open end of the under strap to the bottom edge of one side of the spats, right side to right side.
* Sew the strap securely to the spats with a 0.5 inch seam allowance.
* Reinforce the seam with multiple rows of stitching.
* Repeat on the other side of the spat, ensuring the strap is not twisted.
5. **Install the Fastenings:**
* Depending on the type of fastenings you have chosen, install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Buckles and Straps:** Attach the buckle to one end of a strap and sew the strap to the edge of the spat. Create a corresponding loop or slot on the opposite edge of the spat for the strap to pass through.
* **Buttons and Buttonholes:** Mark the placement of the buttons and buttonholes on the edges of the spat. Sew the buttonholes first, then sew the buttons in place.
* **Snaps:** Use a snap setting tool to attach the snaps to the edges of the spat, ensuring that they align properly.
* **Velcro:** Sew one side of the Velcro to the edge of one side of the spat and the other side of the Velcro to the edge of the other side of the spat.
* **Zippers:** Insert the zipper along the edge of the spat, using a zipper foot on your sewing machine. Sew both sides of the zipper securely in place.
6. **Hem the Bottom Edge (Optional):**
* If you want to hem the bottom edge of the spat, fold the edge up 0.5 inch and press.
* Fold the edge up another 0.5 inch and press again.
* Sew along the folded edge to create a hem.
7. **Add Decorative Details (Optional):**
* Now is the time to add any decorative details you desire, such as embroidery, lace, ribbon, or decorative stitching.
## Tips for Success
* **Choose the Right Fabric:** Consider the intended use of the spats and select a fabric that is appropriate for the conditions you will be using them in.
* **Take Accurate Measurements:** Accurate measurements are essential for a well-fitting pair of spats. Be sure to measure your legs carefully and use those measurements to create your pattern.
* **Create a Muslin Mock-Up:** Before cutting into your final fabric, create a muslin mock-up of the spats to test the fit and make any necessary adjustments to the pattern.
* **Use Sharp Scissors or a Rotary Cutter:** Sharp tools will make it easier to cut the fabric accurately.
* **Pin Carefully:** Pin the fabric pieces together carefully to prevent them from shifting while you are sewing.
* **Sew Slowly and Carefully:** Take your time and sew slowly and carefully to ensure that your stitches are even and accurate.
* **Press as You Go:** Pressing the seams as you sew will create a professional-looking finish.
* **Reinforce Stress Points:** Reinforce any stress points, such as where the under strap is attached to the spats, with multiple rows of stitching.
## Variations and Customizations
Once you’ve mastered the basic spats-making process, you can experiment with different variations and customizations:
* **Different Heights:** Adjust the height of the spats to suit your needs and preferences. Shorter spats can be used as ankle gaiters, while taller spats can provide more protection for the lower leg.
* **Different Shapes:** Experiment with different shapes for the top and bottom edges of the spats to create a unique look.
* **Different Fastenings:** Try different types of fastenings, such as buckles, buttons, snaps, or Velcro, to find the ones that you like best.
* **Decorative Details:** Add decorative details, such as embroidery, lace, ribbon, or decorative stitching, to personalize your spats.
* **Pockets:** Add small pockets to the spats to hold small items, such as keys or a phone.
* **Reinforcements:** Add reinforcements to the spats in areas that are prone to wear and tear, such as the bottom edge or the sides.
* **Waterproof Lining:** Add a waterproof lining to the spats to make them suitable for wet conditions.
## Caring for Your Spats
The best way to care for your spats depends on the type of fabric you have used. In general, you should:
* **Clean your spats regularly:** Wipe them down with a damp cloth or wash them according to the fabric’s care instructions.
* **Store your spats properly:** Store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
* **Repair any damage promptly:** Repair any tears or holes as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.
## Conclusion
Making your own spats is a rewarding project that allows you to create custom-fitting, durable, and stylish leg coverings. By following this comprehensive guide, you can craft spats that perfectly suit your needs and express your personal style. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start sewing! Enjoy your new, handcrafted spats on your next adventure.