How to Sew Stretch Fingerless Opera Gloves For Drag Queens
Jump to InstructionsOverview
Learn how to sew our stretch fingerless opera gloves sewing pattern made for drag queens. Follow step by step instructions for constructing the thumbhole and trim. Designed for four way stretch fabrics only and approachable for beginners ready to complete a stage look.
RELATED VIDEO:
Fabric Yardage
The fabric yardage below is based on 4-way stretch fabric bolt widths of 54" or wider.
| Size | Gloves & Trim |
|---|---|
| XS | .75y |
| S | .75y |
| M | .75y |
| L | .75y |
| XL | .75y |
| 2XL | .75y |
Fabric & Notions
Fabric
- Four way stretch fabrics only, such as Spandex, Lycra, Milliskin Tricot, and Power Mesh.
Notions
- Double folded bias tape / trim for thumbhole
Sizing Details
This pattern is drafted in our exclusive drag queen sizes from XS to 2XL, created to fit padded bodies with broader shoulders, arms, and legs. While this pattern is made with drag performers in mind, it can be worn by any gender who matches the size measurements provided below.
Drag Queen Sizing
If you’re doing drag, be sure to measure yourself with your padding on for the bust and hips. Look for your natural waist measurement in the size charts below to choose the correct size. Wrap the measuring tape snugly around your body—it should feel not too loose or too tight.
| Size | Mens Chest | Drag Chest (Padded) | Mens Waist | Drag Waist (Corseted) | Mens Hip | Drag Hip (Padded) | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 33-35 | 36-38 | 27.5-29.5 | 24.5-26.5 | 32.5-34.5 | 38-40 | 70 |
| S | 35-37 | 38-40 | 29.5-31.5 | 26.5-28.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 40-42 | 70 |
| M | 39-41 | 42-44 | 33.5-35.5 | 30.5-32.5 | 38.5-40.5 | 44-46 | 70 |
| L | 43-45 | 46-48 | 37.5-39.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 42-44 | 47.5-49.5 | 70 |
| XL | 47-49 | 50-52 | 42.5-44.5 | 39.5-41.5 | 45-47 | 50.5-52.5 | 70 |
| 2XL | 51-53 | 55-57 | 47.5-49.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 48-50 | 54.5-56.5 | 70 |
Sewing Instructions
Color Guide
Fabric Pieces
This pattern includes 2 paper pattern pieces. Use these pieces to cut your fabric before starting construction.
Piece 1, the fingerless gloves, are cut on a folded fabric layer. Cut two of them mirrored. When cutting the thumb holes, only cut one thumb opening per sleeve, mirrored so each glove has the correct orientation.
Piece 2, the glove trims, are cut on a folded fabric layer. Cut two.
Stretch Stitches
Sew the seams using a stretch stitch. A lightning bolt stitch is preferred, or use a small zigzag stitch. Sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Once stitched, finish the raw edges on the wrong side using an overlock machine to serge and trim the seam allowance cleanly.
Making the Fingerless Gloves
Take the glove pieces. Make sure the right glove has the thumb hole positioned toward the right side of the front, and the left glove has the thumb hole positioned toward the left side of the front. When worn, the thumb openings should sit correctly on each hand.
Finish the thumbhole by adding a double folded stretch bias tape, or try a rolled hem. You can also leave it raw, since this small opening can be difficult to sew.
Fold the glove lengthwise with right sides facing each other. Sew from the top to the bottom of the glove using a stretch stitch, then finish the raw edges together with a serger.
Hem the glove with a rolled hem by folding the raw edge twice, then topstitching with a stretch or zigzag stitch.
Take the glove trim piece. For each trim, fold it widthwise with right sides facing each other and sew the short ends together to create a continuous loop.
Locate the seam where the trim ends were sewn together. Match this seam to the glove seam. With right sides together, pin the raw edges of the trim to the top of the glove, distributing evenly around the entire curve.
Sew the trim to the glove opening using a stretch stitch, keeping the folded edge facing inward toward the garment. After stitching, serge the raw edges together to finish.
Get the Pattern
