How to Make a Homecoming Garter

Homecoming garters are a unique tradition limited to high school students, primarily those that live in the southern United States, particularly Texas and Oklahoma. Homecoming garters are the male version of the homecoming mum, a large, lavish decoration worn by girls during homecoming festivities. Boys wear the garter, which is usually between 6 to 12 inches long, on the arm. Homecoming garters can be expensive to purchase, so make your own by following the directions below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1-inch wide length of elastic
• 1-inch wide (or larger) ribbons in school colors
• Trinkets of your choice (see Tips below)
• Hot glue and hot glue gun
• Silk mum or carnation
• Needle and thread

How to Make a Homecoming Garter

1. Cut the elastic to a length that can fit comfortably around the wearer's bicep but remain tight enough to fit without slipping.

2. Cut one of the ribbons to a length that matches the elastic. Lay out the elastic, and apply hot glue to the ribbon directly on top of the elastic. Let dry completely.

3. Sew the two ends of the elastic together, so you have a loop. Turn the loop inside out. Apply hot glue or hand sew ribbons, braids or other trinkets to the underside of the elastic, focusing on the area where the two ends meet. The ribbons and trinkets will hang down the wearer's arm.

4. Turn the elastic back around, so the ribbon side is showing. Glue the silk flower on top of the area where the two ends have been sewn together.

5. Glue a trinket on top of the flower. This can be a plastic football helmet, school symbol or other item that represents the wearer.

Tips & Warnings

• For more elaborate garters, use more ribbon in various colors, more trinkets and bigger items.

Resources

• Where to buy materials for making a homecoming garter.