Download PDF

Celtic Gaiters-in-the-Hoop

These are instructions on how to embroider and sew the Celtic Gaiters in the Hoop.
Please note that this project is only for machines that have an embroidery area no less than 8" x 8". The height of the gaiters is constant. The width is adjustable.

There are 3-4 files in the set. For the JEF+ format, there are 3 files. For DST, EXP, PES and VP3 we also included one long file (359 mm x 194 mm) of the unsplit design. It can be used on machines with an embroidery area of 8" x 14". However, please note that this file will give you a gaiter with constant width, which can be only slightly regulated by laces.
The size of the right and left gaiter files is 194 x 194 mm, with 21,945 stitches and 4 colors. There is also one file with a celtic ornament which can be embroidered on the back of the gaiters.

Besides embroidery thread (either polyester or rayon, however polyester is preferable because it lasts longer), you will need

medium- to light-weight non-fraying dense fabric for the lining,
fabric for the upper part - it can be thin leather, polyester leatherette or felt,
shoe laces,
hole punch,
a piece of elastic 1/2"-1" wide of a matching color.

Emboridery

For step illustrations we use the pictures from the Embroidered Gaiters instructions.
You will get 2 files for the left and right gaiter.

Step 1: Hoop the lining fabric and tighten the hoop. Place a piece of the outer fabric over the hoop. Please note that the lower edge of the fabric lines up with the edge of the frame, while the upper edge goes over the frame. This extra fabric will let us adjust the width of the gaiter

Start the machine and embroider the outline of the gaiter.

Step 2: Take the hoop from the machine and with a pair of sharp scissors cut away the fabric around the stitches. Leave some fabric over the upper edge, as shown.

Step 3: Return the hoop to the machine and finish the embroidery. You can use the colors we suggest or choose whichever colors best work for your project.

When the embroidery is done, cut away the excess fabric of the lining as close to the stitches as possible.

In the same way, embroider the second file.

Step 4: Punch holes for the laces. To reinforce the holes, apply a small amount of leather glue to the stitches around the holes on the lining side.

Step 5: Lace the gaiters.

Put on the boots and slide the gaiter over the boots to check the width.

Mark the line with chalk or any non-permanent marker on both sides.

Step 6: Unlace the gaiters, transfer the marking to the wrong side and stitch the gaiters together along the marked line.

Step 7: Cut away the excess fabric of the "lining" close to the stitches. Open the seam of the outer fabric. Press if needed.

Step 8: Topstitch on the right side 1/4" (6 mm) on both sides of the seam. Cut away the excess fabric.

Step 9: Lace the gaiters again, put them on to mark the position and the length of the elastic band.

Stitch the rubber band in place. It will hold the gaiter in place while walking.

If you want to add the embroidery on the back, hoop a piece of the material you used for the top of the gaiters and embroider the third file. Cut away the patch leaving fabric margins of about 1/4".
Apply a small amount of glue on the back of the embroidery and adhere the patch over the back seam. Let the glue dry. Then topstitch in place along the margins.