DIY Phone Armband

How to Make a Phone Armband

After one too many workouts at the gym being annoyed that I had to carry my phone around, but too many times refusing to spend money on what was essentially a tube of knit fabric to hold my phone, I finally decided to take matters into my own hands! The result is a DIY phone armband that is super practical, comfortable, and easy to wear, and today I’m going to teach you how to make an armband for yourself!

How to Make a Phone Armband

Paired with my favorite tank top (you can get the free pattern here), my hair up in a knot scrunchie, and my favorite workout leggings, I gave my new armband a whirl at my next workout, and it worked sooo well that I’m wishing I would have made it years ago.

How to Make a Phone Armband

The knit fabric is soft against my skin, and my phone stayed surprisingly secure thanks to the elastic in the top of the armband. It was chilly outside, so I wore it to the gym under my cowl neck hoodie (free pattern here), and I barely noticed it was even there.

How to Make a Phone Armband

I have an iphone 6, but if you have a large phone this will work just as well, and I give directions on how to create the perfect size for your own arm and phone below.

Phone Armband Tutorial

I created a DIY phone armband video tutorial that you can watch below to make your own (you can also view it here on our YouTube channel), or you can scroll down for the photo and text tutorial.


How to Make a Phone Armband

Supplies:
knit fabric with at least 40% stretch
1″ wide elastic – length of bicep circumference + 1″ (I like to buy my elastic in bulk! <–affiliate link)
measuring tape
basic sewing supplies

Note on sewing with knits: When sewing with knits, it’s important to use a stitch that will stretch with the fabric. A regular straight stitch will result in popped seams. Use either a serger or a long and narrow zig zag stitch on a regular machine. A stretch stitch on a regular machine will also work, and is what I used to hem the top and bottom of the band.

First, measure your bicep circumference – that will be the width of the knit fabric piece, and the greatest degree of stretch should be going across that measurement. In my case, my fabric should be cut 11″ wide. Because all knits have different degrees of stretch and stretch recovery, I recommend that you wrap the fabric around your arm to make sure it will be a comfortable fit. It should feel snug but not tight, as it will get tighter once it stretches further to hold your phone and a seam is added.

Cut the fabric the above measurement wide x 2x your cell phone’s length. My phone is approximately 6″ long so I cut the fabric 11×12″. If you have a large phone, you can cut the length a couple inches shorter than the doubled phone’s length if you don’t want the band taking up your entire arm ;), as it can peek out the top of the band a bit and still stay in well.

How to Make a Phone Armband

Right sides together, fold the fabric in half, matching the raw edges on the side that is 2x your phone’s length. Stitch along edge with 1/2″ seam allowance.

How to Make a Phone Armband

Press bottom of tube 1/2″ toward wrong side and stitch close to raw edge to hem.

How to Make a Phone Armband

Cut 1″ wide elastic piece the width of the fabric piece (measuring only to the seamline) plus 1″.

How to Make a Phone Armband

Align elastic with top raw edge of armband (opposite of hemmed end) and stitch elastic to armband, close to top edge. Elastic will overlap itself approximately 1/2″ on each end.

How to Make a Phone Armband

Fold elastic and top of armband toward wrong side. Stitch close to edge to secure in place.

How to Make a Phone Armband

Our DIY phone armband is almost finished! Fold bottom edge of armband upward, inside center of armband, matching the two ends.

How to Make a Phone ArmbandHow to Make a Phone Armband

Place phone inside of fold and slide it on your arm!

How to Make a Phone Armband

Great job! Can you believe how easy it was to make your own DIY phone armband?!

How to Make a Phone Armband

For more fun sewing ideas and tutorials, be sure to visit our tutorials gallery!

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One Comment

  1. Seriously, I am on my way to FL and some time at the beach. Love to walk the beach and hate having to hold my phone!

    Now I need to find a store with knits and elastic. Normally I am searching for quilt shops. Yes, I brought my sewing machine with me!

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