Day 5 of our 12 days of Christmas freebies! Today is a highly requested freebie…. boot cuffs for girls and mama. I made a pair of boot cuffs for my daughter for our Best Friends Collection and I got SO MANY questions about them. These are so so easy to make, yay! I literally whipped this pair up minutes before walking out the door, after I had realized her lace socks were too small. There are 3 different sizes given for children and 3 sizes for women. They take very little supplies, time, make a wonderful gift to give, perfect to throw in a stocking, make them for yourself or for your own daughter/s. They are just too cute with those winter boots! Download your Free pattern here.  Or you can simply cut the pieces from the measurements given below.  If you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page or ask in the facebook group . Print and assemble the pattern. I’m going to use my serger for construction, if you don’t have a serger, make sure you’re using a stretch needle (jersey, ballpoint, stretch) and a stretch stitch (zig zag, lightening bolt or triple stitch).

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Supplies:
You will need a small scrap of knit fabric.  I like cotton lycra, but any knit with at least 40% stretch and good recovery will work. Sweater knit is also a great comfy choice or you could omit the hem bands and use a WIDE stretch lace.

Optional if you want to add lace, you will also need a small piece of  STRETCH lace the same width as your cuff measurement (given below). I prefer to used pre-gathered stretch lace, however you certainly use non gathered lace and gather it instead. You can also use a non stretch lace, but you do need to gather non stretch lace or you won’t be able to get it on your leg 😉 You can also use several layers of lace OR just use strips of gathered knit.

Now, let’s get started! You will use 1/2″ seam allowances through out (they are included, you don’t need to add them).  Measurements given in length x width all in inches. When choosing a size, you may want to consider if you or your little one is going to wear these on the bare leg with skirts or dresses or over jeans. If wearing over jeans you may want to size up or take a 1/4″ seam so it’s not too tight. You can also size up 1 or even 2 sizes if you want a more slouchy look!

You will cut 2 cuff pieces and 4 hem bands.

Press your hem band in half, wrong sides together. Repeat with 3 other hem band pieces, then set aside.

Lace option- prep lace by cutting your pre-gathered lace the same width as your cuff. OR take a flat piece of lace two times the width of your cuff and gather to same width as cuff. Again, you can stack several laces or gather strips of knit fabric, endless possibilities! Set lace aside.

Now you need to attach your hem band to your cuff. I’m going to show two different options. First you can attach the bands flat. With right sides together, matching raw edges, stitch hem band to cuff. Press seam toward cuff.

Now you can repeat on the bottom band and other cuff, but I’ll show now how to attach in the round. Fold cuff in half widthwise with right sides together. Stitch together, creating a tube.

Press hem band in half widthwise, right sides together. Stitch short ends, creating a loop.

Fold the hem band in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, enclosing seam and matching raw edges.

With right sides together, matching seam and raw edges, stitch hem band to cuff. Press seam toward cuff. If you want to leave the lace off, you’re finished now!

Time to attach your lace! I like to use my coverstitch or zig zag on my sewing machine. To make it easier while stitching on the girls’ sizes, flip your cuff inside out to stitch. Lay your lace wrong side up, then place cuff on top. Wrap lace on top of boot cuff- both right sides up. I like to stitch right along the hem band/cuff seam, but play with your lace to see what looks best to you. Simple wrap the lace around the cuff and stitch on. I like to fold the ends of my lace to the wrong side. You can also overlap them or hem the ends of the lace if you prefer. When wearing I put the seam toward the back of the calf.

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Note-You could forget the fabric and just buy WIDE stretch lace. Cut 2 pieces of lace using the width above. Stitch right sides together and tada! I stitched a few buttons along the seam for fun. This is even faster and easier.

And you’re done!! Can’t wait to see all the boot cuffs on you and your littles. As always, I would love for you to share in our Made for Mermaids Facebook Group and tag us on Instagram #madeformermaids #madeformermaidspatterns 🙂 See you tomorrow!

12 Days of Christmas Freebies
December 1 – 12, 2016
Day 1 ~ Handwarmer Muff for Child and Dolly
Day 2 ~ Hippie Headband for Mama and Child
Day 3 ~ Ribbon Bookmarks

Day 4 ~ Layered Bow Ties

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