This is my tutorial for how to create a set of leather bracers. I also cover how to add simple detail in this tutorial. You can also use this tutorial if you are using Pleather or Foam for your bracers. See the notes in each section pertaining to the different materials.
What you will need
Sometime to draft a pattern with (Muslin, Wrapping Paper, Quilt backing, etc)
Leather (Pleather or foam can also work)
Leather Punch
Eyelits
Eyelit Punch (Needle noise pliers will work in a pinch)
The first thing you want to do is draft your basic pattern piece. Muslin works nicely for this since it's cheap and easy to write on and you can get it at any fabric store or Walmart.
Another neat option is wrapping paper since this can be bought in abundance during after Christmas sales for next to nothing. My favorite is the wrapping paper that has the grid on the underside as it's great for drafting things that need to be symmetrical or with exact measurements.
In this case I ended up using some quilt backing since I got a large bolt of it that's been sitting in my closet forever unused.
After you have your pattern material, the first thing you want to do is take some measurements. The length of your bracer should be length of your lower arm from the wrist to just before your elbow. You will take 2 width measurements, one at the wrist and one up near the elbow. Don't forget to write down your measurements so you have them saved for later.
Start by drawing a line for the length measurement (Black), then add the width measurements as seen (Black). Once you have the base lines, connect the two width measurements on the sides using a ruler to make a straight line (Blue). Finally add the curves as seen (red).
Once you have your pattern piece completed to your liking, put it off to the side and grab the material you want to use for the bracers themselves. In this case I used some leather from a leather scraps bag I bought at the store (many fabric stores have these available for a decent price). If you do not access to leather then you can use pleather as a good substitute (see notes below regarding it). If you not have either, I would suggest the thin crafting foam that you can get at most crafting stores. It will be a bit stiffer, but should still work just fine.
Take your pattern you just created and lay it over your material. Trace and cut 2 pieces out of the fabric. In my case the leather I was using was off in color by quite a bit so I dyed the leather to what you see on the left.
Leather Note:
Make sure you get clean edges on the outside. You can take a V shaped edge tool to clean this up if need be.
Pleather Note:
If you are using pleather you want to add a seam allowance on each side of the pattern piece. Cut the fabric with the seam allowance and then fold and stitch the hem on. This will prevent the fabric from fraying and will give it a more finished look.
Time to add the line detail to the bracers (Below). This is where it will differ depending on your material. Regardless of your material choice, I would recommend using a card to help align everything to make sure your lines are perpendicular. (see image below left)
Leather:
Wet the leather some before working with it. Take a ruler and a leather stamp or tooling piece to follow along the edge of the ruler to get the lines on. See photos on right.
Pleather:
Use a fabric pencil and a ruler to mark where you want your lines. Then go to your sewing machine and stitch them into the fabric.
Foam:
You can either draw/paint the lines on or you can use a tool to indent into the foam creating depressions on it.
This is where you punch the holes for the eyelets in order to string the bracers. Mark on the bracer sides where you want to place the holes. Make sure each side is symmetrical or as close as possible.
If you are using leather or pleather, I would suggest using a leather punch. These can be bought at most crafting stores.
If you are using foam you can use a regular hole punch.
You're almost there. Now you just have to string them using your preference of cording. On the right is possible lacing patterns you can use. I opted for C as that is my favorite and seems to hold the best, however, you can use whichever one you like the best.
Start your lacing at the wrist and work towards the elbow. This way you can adjust the tightness yourself and you can tuck the cord ends into the larger part of the bracer.
Justin sporting one of my wrist cuffs while pumping the bellows @warfireforge while at @carrenfest today. The cuffs look great paired with a nice kilt and beige shit. . . . #wristcuffs #wristcarry #leatherbracers #leathercraft #sheath #leatherwork #knifekit #bracer #medieval #renfaire (at Carolina Renaissance Festival) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TKnzEjszF/?igshid=1grsxak4e9w4x
Big THANK YOU to my dearest beloved @sinshinelove for these amazing Steampunk leather bracers! I know exactly which character gets to wear them! . #sunshinelove #leatherbracers #steampunk #steampunkbracers #gears #steam #legacy #gift #grateful #cosplay #cosplayaccessories https://www.instagram.com/p/CV85ca4v23F/?utm_medium=tumblr
I truly love this harness. Here's a few pictures taken by @eves_photo_ All leather and toys made by me. Stainless steel rings on the harness forged by @wasatchforge #leatherdesigner #leatherartist #leathermodel #leatherharness #leatherbracers #ridingcropfetish #caningfetish #bullwhip #singletail #floggers #leatherfashion #utahartist #utahdesigner #utahmade #utahmodel (at Salt Lake City, Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPG_BsrhtD1/?utm_medium=tumblr
For just $25.00 This listing is for the chest piece and shoulders ONLY. Please see our other listings for the full set. Payment plans are available. The black with red lacing and green chest piece are examples of modified custom designs. To customize your design please add the custom design quote to cart. Many color variations are available for customization including dyes, lacing, and hardware. The following measurements will be requested: For the chest piece/shoulders: - Around the chest - Around the stomach across your belly button - Top of the shoulder to belt line (or where you want the chest piece to stop) - Top of shoulder to lower back - Length Collar to just above elbow where you want shoulder pauldrons to cover Optional laser engraved emblem can be added for an additional $25. Later sets included custom padding for regulation gear. For this piece or your own custom request please message us or purchase the custom design workup in this listing ($25).
For just $53.74 Full armor set inspired by Cullen Rutherford from Dragon Age Inquisition with added Mandari war paint and clan engraving. Premium Armor Set Chosen: Two-layer chest piece allowing for height adjustment and fluidity. The upper layer with connected shoulder pauldrons and jerkin style underlayer with padded gorget collar. Combined thickness of 11oz. Buckle adjustments with silver finish strap keepers and premium decorative hardware at sides, layer connection, and collar. Close cell foam padding at collar and upper spine. Optional logo engraving. Shoulders attached directly to chest piece constructed from multiple layers of 5/6oz leather, laser and hand carved detail with war paint accent. Accented with left shoulder fin guard and secured with bicep strap from fluid movement. Bracers constructed from base 11oz heavy leather with layered 4oz leather accent patch and added carved detail. Optional additional war paint or engraving. Bracers lined with minimum 0.5” closed cell foam padding per SCA requirements. Attached via laces reinforced by eyelets. Elbow and knee guards same as in base quote. Measurements and Armor questionnaire has been filled out and is on file. Dark brown and black antique dyes. Dire Wolf Clan symbol to be engraved on gorget. Payment plan details: Savings Maximizer Subtotal Armor Set: $1070.82 Discount: $107.08 Total after discounts: $963.74 Monthly payments to be made of $130 for a total of 8 months (pro-rated on last month). On 8th month shipping will be calculated and listing will be adjusted to add shipping cost. Items will not begin creation until first payment is made and will not ship out until payment is made in full. Armor sets are made custom tailored to your measurements and style requests and therefore are non-refundable as stated in our shop policies. In the event payment is not made in full you forfeit the deposits made from prior payments. If any pieces have been completed and paid for we will ship those to you a...
For just $25.00 Men's Samurai Armor modified from photo sent by customer. The following measurements have been obtained: For the chest piece/shoulders: - Around the chest - Around the stomach across your belly button - Top of the shoulder to belt line (or where you want the chest piece to stop) - Top of shoulder to lower back - Length Collar to just above elbow where you want shoulder pauldrons to cover For the waist/leg pieces: - Around waist where belt sits - Around widest part of your hips - Length from belt to just above the knee - Above knee to ankle - Circumference Around widest part of calf - Circumference Around ankle Bracers: - Length top of forearm to wrist - Circumference Around widest part of forearm - Circumference Around wrist Prices shown are individual prices, a multi-piece discount code provided to the customer may be used if purchasing more than one piece at a time. Later sets included custom padding for regulation gear. For this set or your own custom request please message us or purchase the custom design workup in this listing ($25).
For just $1300.00 Full genuine leather samurai armor set custom tailored measurements and color options. Please provide email address for measurements form and send us logo for battle flag via Etsy or email to [email protected] Pieces included in this set: - Helm with optional face mask - Traditional Folding armor style chestpiece and shoulders - Bracers (option of plain one piece or laced) - Laced hip panels - Cloth or rope belt (your choice) - Hidden leather belt - Sword frog holster - Lamellar leg guards - Shin guards with lace ties and buckles - Battle flag with bamboo pole structure and custom logo engraved on duck cloth flag Sizing: We will obtain your custom measurements to tailor to your size. For children under age 10 choose child option, children over 12 choose youth option. For questions please send us a message here or to our email [email protected] Base color, lacing, and hardware fully customizable. You will be sent a form for specifications to choose from our variety of color options.
