How to Make Your Own Pantyhose Sleeve

Tights of all types can transform quickly into sleeves.

Stop in at any drugstore and you are likely to find a wall covered with varieties of pantyhose and tights. While some will be plain, nude-tinted hose, others will be colorful or patterned, designed to be sexy, funky, chic or cute. The next time you want an innovative addition to your wardrobe for only a few dollars, pick up a pair of fishnet stockings, lacy nylons or opaque patterned tights and repurpose them into sleeves.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Needle and thread or sewing machine

Instructions

1. Cut the toes off of both legs of a pair of pantyhose to make a hole for your fingers. Add a hole or slit for your thumb in the side of each leg, near the finger holes.

2. Lay the hose flat on a work surface. Use a pencil and ruler to draw a straight line across the top of both legs, just below the crotch area. Make sure the line is at the same level on both legs.

3. Cut along the line to remove the legs from the crotch and hip of the pantyhose. Discard the upper part.

4. Roll the raw edges at the top and bottom of each sleeve and hem them, either by hand or using a sewing machine if the material is likely to fray.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using control-top pantyhose, you do not need to draw a line at the top of each leg. Instead, cut along the line at the top of each thigh where the material changes.

• To create false tattoo sleeves, cut and hem your pantyhose and put them on. Draw or paint your tattoo design onto the sleeves while you are wearing them. To stop the color from bleeding through onto your skin, wear a disposable long-sleeved shirt under the pantyhose while you illustrate them.

Resources

• AARP: Twenty-Five Reuses for Worn-Out Pantyhose