How To: make a pair of Embellished Gloves
Add some sparkle to winter basics with this DIY
photos: kirsten for we heart this
It’s that time of the year again! The perfect kind of weather for peacoats, big sweaters and knee high boots. Throw on a scarf and a pair of gloves and you’re good to go. Here in New York, it’s certainly getting chilly…but just because the days are a bit dull doesn’t mean your accessories have to be. Express yourself down the last detail with this simple and easy glove reconstruction.
Supplies:
• Studs (or buttons)…it’s up to you!
• 1 pair of simple gloves *
• Pliers, scissors, needle, thread
• Fray Check
*The gloves in this tutorial were $1 a pair at A.C. Moore. I thought I would need two pairs but ended up only using one!
Step 1. Cut out a small rectangle at the base of each glove. Make sure you FLIP ONE OF THEM OVER, so that they are mirror images of each other! Otherwise you’ll have your embellishments on the wrong side on one of your gloves.
Start off with a small rectangle at first, then cut more if desired. You can always try them on and figure out where you’d like your embellishments.
Step 2. Using the rectangle you just cut out, cut 2 or 3 strips. (If you’d like, sew around the 3 edges of your glove – or use Fray Check – to prevent unwraveling).
Position the strips at either a criss cross (if you have 2) or in a horizontal row (if you have 3).
Step 3. Stud down or sew each button.
Step 4. Trim away any excess thread. Clean up any little issues with a spot of sewing or more Fray Check. And you’re done!
This little DIY can breathe new life into your old/boring gloves. Not to mention ad some “isn’t she crafty” charm to a holiday gift. With the endless button and stud choices out there, you can match this to fit any style.
Variations:
• Use crystal or pearl buttons for a pair of gloves perfect for a holiday party. Match them with slinky gloves in black or red or green – or any bright color.
• Brass or wood buttons will give a more natural, boho look. And don’t forget to pair them with organic fabric gloves, if possible.
• Use two pairs of different colored gloves, and alternate the fabric strips with the other pair to make two pairs that are embellished AND multicolored.
Kirsten of Studs-and-Pearls.com is currently in graduate school, working towards her Masters of Science in Nutrition. She loves vintage shoes, photography, and baking at obscure hours of the night. Her art and DIY supplies are currently taking over her apartment, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.
Filed in: beauty & fashion, how to
@kirstengail, this is the niftiest, most useful craft tutorial I’ve ever read! I have a big collection of old buttons, and I’m already plotting which of my gloves I’m going to make over. And I’ve never heard of Fray Check before. How cool! Did you need a special stud setter for the studs, or can you just use pliers?
@kirstengail I have the same question as Melissa. Do I need to get a special stud setter thingamajig? I really like this idea! My gloves are getting pretty gross looking but i can’t find cools ones. This will be a great project to do. Can’t wait to get started.
Cori recently posted..Me forgetful Ok maybe
@kirstengail – FrayCheck sounds as magical as E600 (that was the uber glue you introduced last time, correct?) And these gloves? Super cute!
Stef recently posted..Medusa’s Make-up – a gift from the make-up gods!
@kirstengail – These look fun! The last time I had fun gloves was a few years ago–the fingers looked like hula dancers, complete w/ grass skirts, shell bras, and hair. My husband mercilessly mocked me every time I wore them :)
These are too cute, I think I might make them for a friend for Christmas. Or at least show her this article and maybe she’ll make some for me!
Melissa/@turboterp and @cori … nope, nothing special is needed! Just a pair of jewelry pliers would work perfectly. You can find studs online/Etsy/Ebay that have prongs that you can simply pierce into fabric. Then you just bend the prongs down with pliers.
You can kind of see the prongs on these studs from my last DIY for WHT, in this picture: http://weheartthis.com/files/2010/11/DIY-3sring-2.jpg
@Stef – Yup, E6000. FrayCheck is really useful for keeping those stubborn little strings in place…dries completely clear as well. With gloves, there’s sure to be some loose odds and ends since the fabric is thick, so a little FrayCheck can hopefully keep them nice and neat.
Glad you liked them, @krista and @pinkshaya :)
Kirsten Nunez recently posted..PHOTOGRAPHY- Art Gallery show in Asbury Park- New Jersey
Love, love, love this DIY @kirstengail – so cute! And the plum gloves are a fab color (and right on trend, as they say).
This would make a great little craft with daughters, nieces, etc over the holiday break. I bet my nieces (and lots of girls) would love the idea of doing two sets (with matching corresponding colors) and giving one to their bff. Fun!
Oh – or I could make a pair with Flyers colors! Black with orange criss-crosses and maybe some silver accents – whee.
Tyna Werner recently posted..Pink Pig – modern gifts with a vintage vibe
Very cute and such a great gift idea. Already thinking of how I can embellish some for my daughter. She loves wearing gloves.
What an awesome idea!
Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex recently posted..Are you going to be a wimp- or are you going to be strong today
I really love this DIY @kirstengail!! You are super talented young lady! Thanks for sharing your great ideas.. Looks like fun!
Great job on this DIY @kirstengail! The criss cross pattern is too cute. This is like edgy majorette style going on. Loving it!
mandabear recently posted..Coping With Cold
Way cute!!! We have Secret Santas at work and we are only allowed to spend between $5 and $10 on a gift. Sound impossible? To me it did…until now!
And I was thinking…I have some long knit gloves (they go up to my elbow)…wouldn’t this project be cool if we doubled the rows on those?
@mandabear, that’s the perfect way to describe it…edgy majorette…love it.
Thanks @irene!!! I’m more than willing to share ideas…they seem to be spilling out of my head anyway, haha.
And ty everyone! Glad you liked it. <3
Kirsten Nunez recently posted..DIY- Skull Clutch
Thought I’d update my Secret Santa status: I bought the materials to give this a go. Right now Target has plain knit gloves (I saw only purple or turquoise, but perhaps some stores have more of a selection) for $1 for 2 pair! You can’t mix and match, though–both pairs are the same color and are attached with a plastic string. One pair for my Secret Santa (along with a hardcopy of this post) and one pair for me!
@sherrishera – I know H&M has a decent collection of solid gloves! Michael’s, too. Such a great idea (the secret santa gift) – including the copy of the post and everything. Hopefully they like it!!
Kirsten Nunez recently posted..DIY- Skull Clutch