Elbow pads are a great way to update a sweater—wether its a new sweater or something from your own closet that you’ve grown tired of. In my case, I added elbow pads to some thrift store sweaters (that I dyed, tutorial here).
Materials
sweater
leather, faux leather, or a similar fabric that won’t fray
paper
pencil
scissors
needle
thread
pins
chalk
Instructions
1. Draw a template for your elbow pads on paper. The size and shape will be different depending on the sweater. For a loose chunky sweater you’ll want larger, oval pads. For a fitted sweater, you’ll want smaller, more rectangular pads.
2. Cut your template out.
3. Try on your sweater and hold the template in place to see if the size and shape are what you want. If its not quite right, redraw your template. Once the template is the shape you want, continue to step 4.
4. With your sweater still on, use a piece of chalk to mark the center of your elbow, then take off the sweater.
5. Trace your template twice onto your elbow pad fabric.
6. Cut out the two pieces you traced.
7. Using the chalk mark you made as a guide for where the center of the pad should be, pin the pads onto your sweater. It helps to line up the cuffs of your sleeves, making sure the pads are pinned evenly on each sleeve.
8. Try your sweater on again to double check the placement. If you need to adjust, take the sweater off and re-pin. When the placement is good, take off your sweater and continue to step 9.
9. Thread your needle and knot the two ends of thread together.
10. Using a backstitch, sew all the way around the elbow pad, about 1/8″ from the edge.
11. Take out the pins and you’re good to go! Prepare for compliments and DIY bragging rights.
Thanks to Scott for helping me take these photos : )
What DIY fashion updates are on your list this year?
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