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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe…Wedding Traditions…

Here is something New and Blue – you may even be able to tack, or tie your something old and/or borrowed on the inside of the keepsake garter too! I actually stitched a tiny felt pocket in my dress to tuck a small locket with a photograph of my Grandpa and I inside. He died when I was 7 and I wanted to have his presence with me at my wedding too 🙂 and yes I did indeed have a sixpence tucked into my shoe!

You can substitute any yarn and hook combination with these instructions. Heavier yarn will make a larger and wider garter, while lighter yarn/thread will make a narrower and smaller garter.

This pattern makes use of an elastic to help hold the garter in place. Alternately you can skip the elastic instructions and use double sided tape to secure the garter in place on the leg when you wear the piece. Or if you are super cautious you can always use both the elastic and the double sided tape!

Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet Bridal Garter Pattern

Make 2 – one to keep and one to toss away!

Traditionally Bridal Garters are worn on the right thigh – just above the knee.

Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
Yarn: Red Heart Baby Sheen (Fine) (1 ball)

Abbreviations: R – row, ch – chain, chs – chains, dc – double crochet, st – stitch, sts – stitches, ch5sp – chain five space (the space created when you chain 5), sc – single crochet, ch2sp – chain 2 space (the space created when you chain 2)

Helpful Tutorials:

Whipstitch
Back Bump

Width: 3″
Length: see the instructions for XS-XXL thigh measurements after the crochet instructions below and customization instructions

R1: Ch 8. Work in the back bump of the chain stitches beginning in the 4th ch from the hook (the 3 skipped chs count as 1 dc), 1 dc in each ch across. (6)

R2: Ch 5, turn; 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc, 1 dc in each of the last 2 dc

R3: Ch 5, turn; 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc, 2 dc in the ch2sp, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, ch 1, (1 dc, ch 1) 6 times in the ch5sp, 1 sl st in the st at the base of the row below

R4: Ch 1, turn; 1 sc in the 1st dc, (ch 3, 1 sc in the next dc) 5 times, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, ch 1, (1 dc, ch 1) 6 times in the ch5sp, 1 sl st in the st at the base of the row below

R5: Ch 1, turn; 1 sc in the 1st dc, (ch 3, 1 sc in the next dc) 5 times, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, 2 dc in the ch2sp, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc; leave remaining sts unworked

R6: Ch 5, turn; 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc, 1 dc in each of the last 2 dc, leave remaining sts unworked

Repeat R 3-6 until you reach the length indicated below, for the size you wish to make. Ending with R5.

Crochet to this length for these specified thigh sizes:

XS (extra small)- 14″ thigh – crochet to a length of 28″
S (small) 17″ thigh – crochet to a length of 34″
M (medium) 20″ thigh – crochet to a length of 40″
L (large) 23″ thigh – crochet to a length of 46″
XL (extra large) 26″thigh – crochet to a length of 52″
XXL (2X large) 29″ thigh – crochet to a length of 58″

If you need a different size, take the thigh size and multiply it by 2 to get your crochet length.

Whipstitch (see helpful tutorials) the seam closed – if you are overlapping the edges make sure you line up the center holes as you will need to thread the elastic and ribbon through those holes to finish your garter.

Elastic (6 mm or 1/4 ” wide):
XS (extra small)- 14″ – cut elastic to a length of 11″
S (small) 17″ – cut elastic to a length of 13.25″
M (medium) 20″ – cut elastic to a length of 15.5″
L (large) 23″ – cut elastic to a length of 17.75″
XL (extra large) 26″ – cut elastic to a length of 20″
XXL (2X large) 29″ – cut elastic to a length of 22.25″

If you need a different size, take your thigh size and multiply it by 0.75 and then add 0.5″ to this measurement.

Put a safety pin on the end of the elastic to make it easier to weave through the middle row of holes in the fabric. You can use a larger safety pin on the other end of the elastic to make sure it doesn’t become pulled into the project as you work. Once you have the elastic threaded through, line up the ends and sew them securely closed.

Next cut your ribbon:

Ribbon (6 mm or 1/4″ wide):
XS (extra small)- 14″ – cut ribbon to a length of 29″
S (small) 17″ – cut ribbon to a length of 32″
M (medium) 20″ – cut ribbon to a length of 35″
L (large) 23″ – cut ribbon to a length of 38″
XL (extra large) 26″ – cut ribbon to a length of 41″
XXL (2X large) 29″ – cut ribbon to a length of 44″

If you need a different size, take your thigh measurement and add 15″.

Thread your ribbon through the holes in the same manner as you did the elastic. Make sure the ribbon is above the elastic (so you can’t see the elastic from the front). The elastic should be hidden completely.

Cut the ends of the ribbon diagonally and apply a thin layer of No-Fray or OK To Wash-It fabric glue to the edges to stop the ribbon from fraying over time.

Tie the ribbon in a bow – remember to stretch the garter to it’s full size before tying the ribbon – especially if you are using a bit of glue to hold the bow in place!

Embellish as you wish!

 

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