Tutorial: Boot Cuffs

Boot cuffs in April? Well, it just snowed 1 inch, so yes, boot cuffs in April.

Most boot cuffs are made out of old sweaters or knitted by hand. Not really my thing…I have so much jersey cotton I gave it a try – super cute, I’d say! Wouldn’t you?

What you need

• fabric – about 1/8-1/4 of a yard
• machine
• elastic – about 8-12 inches
• scissors
• matching thread

Step One

First you’ll want to pick out some fun fabric. Nothing too plain, but nothing too extreme that it will distract from your overall outfit. Boot cuffs are an accessory, not the star. This neutral bird fabric is one I got last October when I was in Los Angeles – I heart the LA fashion district.

Step Two

Okay – measure your calf, where the cuff will sit. You’ll need 2 pieces that are 16 inches by your calf width (make them this long – the first time I made these I made them too short…it may have been fine, but my boots dip at the back). Be sure that the stretch of the fabric is going around you calf, not up and down. The grain of the fabric should be head to toe. Cut an elastic 4-6 inches in length – the more elastic the more ruching. On mine I used 4 inches. Place the elastic in the centre, with the grain.

Step Three

With your machine on its zig-zag setting lock the elastic in place and then pull it as you stitch. Notice in the second fabric how stretched out the elastic is? Do that.

This is what it’ll look like after it’s all ruched.

Repeat on the other piece.

Step Four

Now, fold the fabric in half, right sides together and serge. You’re kind of making a one loop infinity scarf for your calf. Match the seams, turn it right sides together, wrong sides out. Serge leaving a small hole to turn it right side out.

Step Five

Hand stitch the opening closed and you’re done!

Now…boot cuffs or no boot cuffs? Both different looks, but it’s always wonderful to have options!

Strike a pose…why not?!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and make some boot cuffs of your own.

Happy sewing – and stay warm.

Sew up!