How to Make an Armband

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • 1/2-inch-wide elastic

  • Scissors

  • 1-inch-wide ribbon or trim or 2-inch-wide fabric strip

  • Dressmakers’ pins

  • Sewing machine

  • Hook-and-loop tape (optional)

  • Tube sock (optional)

Turn an old sock into a cellphone-holding armband.
Image Credit: moodboard/moodboard/Getty Images

Whether you need an armband for a costume, to hold your phone or identification and cash on a jog or to make a political statement, there's no need to spend a lot of money. With a little elastic and some ribbon, trim or fabric, you can craft a strap for your arm, or you can turn an old sock into an armband pocket.

Advertisement

Stretchy Band Styling

Step 1

Measure around your arm at the point where you plan to wear the armband. Add 1/4 inch to the measurement.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Cut a piece of elastic to match the measurement.

Step 3

Cut two pieces of ribbon or trim 1/2 inch longer than the elastic.

Step 4

Pin the elastic to the back side of one of the ribbons or trim pieces.

Step 5

Stitch across the ends of the ribbon and elastic to secure them together.

Advertisement

Step 6

Pin the second piece of ribbon or trim to the first, right sides together.

Step 7

Stitch the long sides together, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Step 8

Turn the band right side out.

Advertisement

Step 9

Match the ends together and pin.

Step 10

Stitch the ends together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Step 11

Turn the band so that the seam is on the inside of the circle formed.

Advertisement

Fabric Band Removable Flair

Step 1

Measure your arm's circumference and add 2 inches.

Step 2

Cut the fabric strip to match the measurement.

Advertisement

Step 3

Fold the fabric in half with the right sides together.

Step 4

Pin the edges to hold them in place.

Step 5

Stitch along the long side and one end of the fabric strip, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Advertisement

Step 6

Turn the strip right side out.

Advertisement

Step 7

Fold 1/4 inch of fabric at the open end into the opening. Hand-stitch the end closed.

Step 8

Position one side of a hook-and-loop tape tab on the end of the fabric band. Stitch it into place.

Advertisement

Step 9

Place the other side of the tape tab on the stitched piece.

Step 10

Wrap the band into a circle until the other end overlaps above the tab. Stitch the second side into place.

Sock-It-Away Styled Valuables Storage

Step 1

Cut the foot portion of a tube sock away to leave an 8-inch tube.

Step 2

Turn the tube inside out.

Step 3

Fold up the bottom of the tube to about 1 inch from the top, or until the pocket formed is the right size for your phone or other electronic device or for your id card or wallet.

Step 4

Stitch along the fold, using a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references