Suspenders have been used by people for hundreds of years, and repeatedly appear as a fashion trend. Suspenders (in England called braces) replace the belt to hold the wearer's pants. You can make your own simple X-back suspenders for everyday use, or on a costume if you're not in fashion. This little project would be fun to try.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Measuring Elastic Rubber
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
Purchase a thick elastic band 183-366 cm long and 2.5 cm wide (depending on the wearer's height and weight), two suspender buckles, and four suspender clips. All of them can be found at sewing supply stores. You will also need scissors, safety pins, a sewing machine or needle and thread, and a tape measure.
Step 2. Cut the elastic into two equal lengths
Increase the length of the rubber than targeted because later the suspenders can be adjusted using the buckle.
- To make sure the rubber is not cut too short, measure yourself first. Hold the tape measure to one side at your pelvis.
- Have someone pull the tape measure across the shoulders and continue down to the same spot on the pelvis but on the back.
- Add 15 cm to 30 cm from this size so that the suspenders can be adjusted. It is at this length that the elastic band should be cut.
Step 3. Hold the end of the elastic in front of the pelvis
Hold two pieces of elastic at the waist (where you will attach the elastic to the waistband using clips).
Step 4. Take both ends and bring them over the shoulders
Have someone help you carry the other end over your shoulder.
Step 5. Cross the two pieces of elastic
Have someone hold the two ends of the rubber band around the waist on the back. Each end should go to the opposite side so that the two rubbers cross each other. The two elastic bands will form an "X" in the middle of your back.
When you're done, remove the rubber because it's time to attach the clips and buckles to your suspenders
Part 2 of 4: Attaching Clips and Buckles
Step 1. Slip one of the buckles into one of the elastics
Start at the bottom of the buckle and pull up, then down through the other side. Make an elongated rubber 0.6 cm out of the buckle.
Step 2. Pull back the elastic and sew
Fold the end of the elastic that is sticking out 0.6 cm from the buckle back into the buckle. Then, sew the rubber to hold it in place,
Step 3. Insert a clip into one end of the elastic
Thread the end of the elastic through the hook and fold it so that it overlaps with the rest of the rubber. The front of the suspender clip should be on the opposite side.
Step 4. Pull the elastic through the buckle
Take the open end of the elastic and pull it into the buckle. Insert through the bottom and then back through the other side.
Thus, the length of the suspenders can be adjusted
Step 5. Insert the other clip into the open end of the elastic
Thread the end through the hook and fold it so that it overlaps with the remaining elastic. The front of the suspender clip should be on the opposite side.
Step 6. Pinch the elastic
Take a safety pin and pinch the elastic at the crease. These safety pins will keep the elastic band folded when sewing.
Step 7. Sew the elastic
Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the elastic. Make sure to repeat the stitch a few times on both ends. This stitch will hold the clip firmly on the suspenders.
Step 8. Repeat the same process on the other piece of elastic
When you're done, you now have two rubber bands for the suspenders.
Part 3 of 4: Sewing the Back
Step 1. Attach the clips to the end of the elastic behind the waistband of the pants
Wear pants that fit you. Then, attach the two elastic bands to the pants by pinning them at the back of the waistband.
Step 2. Cross the elastic
Bring each elastic up over your shoulders and cross them to form an "X" across your back.
Step 3. Clamp the clip on the front
Pull the elastic over your shoulders forward. Attach the clip to the front of the waistband of your pants.
Step 4. Tie the elastic across the back with safety pins
Ask someone to tie two elastic bands that cross where they meet (in the middle of the letter “X”). These pins will hold the rubber so it doesn't slide around when you sew.
Step 5. Sew the two rubbers together
Remove all clips from the pants first. Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew a diamond pattern where the two elastics overlap and form an "X". Repeat five stitches in each direction.
Part 4 of 4: Creating the D. Ring Suspenders
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
To make suspenders where the two elastic bands meet on a D or O-shaped ring on the back, you will need an elastic band that is 183-366 cm long and 2.5 cm wide (depending on the height and weight of the wearer), one D or O ring, three clips, thread, needle and scissors. Most of these materials can be purchased at sewing supply stores. If you don't have one at a sewing store, you can find O or D rings at the hardware store.
Step 2. Attach one of the suspender clips
First, you will make the rubber strips on the back. Start by attaching a suspender clip to one end of the 2.5 cm elastic. Fold the rubber over the clip and sew to secure it.
Sew five stitches. You can strengthen the stitch by repeating it several times
Step 3. Install the D ring
Next, cut a 30cm length of elastic from the suspender clips. Then wrap the open end of the rubber around the ring and sew to secure it.
- Sew five stitches. You can strengthen the stitch by repeating it several times.
- Remember, the stitched rubber folds should be facing the same direction. Match the direction of the folds on the suspender clips.
Step 4. Attach the two suspender clips to the two new elastic bands
Cut the rubber into two equal parts (the size is 1.5 x the length of the wearer's torso). Slide a 2.5 cm long elastic band onto the suspender clips. Fold the rubber over the clip and sew to secure it.
Step 5. Cut the elastic in front to size
You need someone's help to measure how much rubber to cut.
- Attach a suspender clip behind the waistband of your pants and have someone hold the D ring right in the middle of your back.
- Attach the two clips to the front of the waistband of your pants. Have your friend pull the rubber over your shoulder toward the D ring. Mark where the ring meets the front elastic.
- Cut the front elastic 2 inches (5 cm) away from the mark, so the suspenders are not too tight when worn.
Step 6. Attach the two front elastic bands to the D ring
Pull 2.5 cm from the two open ends of the front rubber through the top of the D ring. Sew to secure.
Sew five stitches. You can strengthen the stitch by repeating it several times
Tips
- Go a little extra when measuring the length of the rubber so the suspenders aren't too tight. If they are too tight, the suspenders will be uncomfortable to wear.
- While it is recommended to use a 2.5 cm wide elastic band, you can use a wider one if you want to make strong suspenders.
- Some people prefer to leave the suspenders hanging on the side. If you like that style, simply clip each clip in the front and back of the waistband of your pants, then drop the elastic from your shoulders and let it hang down either side of you.
Items Needed
- Elastic rubber with a length of 2.7 m and a width of 2.54 cm (color according to taste)
- Tape measure
- 4 suspender clips
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pin
