How to Make a Holder for a Light Saber

Star Wars light sabers are a cultural icon to science-fiction fans.

The popularity of "Star Wars" has spawned video games, books and animated adventures that all pay tribute to the memorable science-fiction franchise. Another way of honoring the legacy is to make a realistic light sabers. Though dozens of websites help fans in their quest to build a light saber, few detail how to make a reliable holder. Fortunately, the process is relatively inexpensive and requires little time or skill.

Things You'll Need

• Swivel belt clip
• Fabric glue
• Cloth cellphone holder
• Scissors
• 12-inch strip black denim cloth (2 inches wide)
• 5 inch PVC reducing nipple fitting
• 6-inch elastic strip (2 inches wide)
• Star Wars Rebel or Empire iron-on patch
• Iron
• 6 flat nail-head denim studs
• Stud fastener

Instructions

Holster Framework

1. Trim off the bottom panel of the cellphone holder with scissors. Cut evenly and parallel to the panel.

2. Stretch the cellphone holder into a roughly cylindrical shape and slip the PVC fitting into the opening. The smaller hole of the fitting must face downward and fit snugly into place.

3. Wrap the cellphone holder horizontally with the elastic strip and pull it tight. The PVC will keep the cellphone holder from collapsing as you make it snug. Tie a temporary knot on the back of the holder facing the belt clip attachment. Stretch the top and bottom edges of the elastic to keep them parallel and remove wrinkles.

4. Apply fabric glue to the top and bottom edges of the elastic, ignoring the area near the clip and temporary knot. Allow to dry overnight.

5. Tug on the elastic to test the connection to the cellphone holder. Add more glue if you find any weak spots. Allow to dry.

6. Cut the knot from the back of the cellphone strap and trim away the excess until the edge is flush with the glued portions.

Finishing the Holster

1. Wrap the denim cloth around the upper edge of the cellphone holster assembly at the widest point, creating a wrinkle-free, cylindrical shape. It will fit loosely over the assembly, especially at the bottom.

2. Cut the denim along the edge where the furthermost seam wraps around from the other side. You should create an rectangle, so ensure that you cut the denim vertically.

3. Apply the Star Wars patch centrally to the denim using the iron. Since you'll be wrapping the patch around the hilt, choose a patch that takes up no more than one-third of the width of your cloth. Add additional cloth glue to the patch if it shows signs of lifting from the denim.

4. Cut 1/4-inch notches in the top left and right corners of the denim. These will allow the access to the cellphone holder fastener so you can remove the holster easily from the belt clip.

5. Remove the PVC from the cellphone hilt assembly.

6. Fasten the denim to the cellphone assembly with three metal studs along the upper edge. Adorn the bottom edge of the denim with studs in the same orientations as the studs on the upper edge. You will not attach the denim at the bottom of the cellphone assembly because it would create a wrinkled appearance.

Putting It Together

1. Insert the PVC fitting back into the hilt assembly. The elastic should ensure a tight fit.

2. Attach the belt clip to the belt of your costume.

3. Attach the hilt holster to the belt clip at the place where the cellphone fastener fits into the clip.

4. Place your light saber into the hilt. The belt must support the additional weight of your saber without sagging. If not, tighten the belt or replace it with one that provides better support.

Tips & Warnings

• You can replace the black denim with white denim if you have an all-white Jedi costume for a more coordinated look.

• The PVC fitting must be wide enough to insert the saber without allowing the hilt to slip through. Depending on the design of your saber, you may need a fitting with different dimensions. Take your saber with you for testing purposes before purchasing the fitting.

Resources

• That Gadgeteer; My Lightsaber Saga; Dave Rees; February 2009
• Star Wars: The Old Republic