DIY Athletic Phone Arm Band

With Spring and warmer weather to look forward to soon, I thought I'd share how to make a phone arm band for workouts. I use this arm band for running, hiking, biking, and just general outdoor play with my kids. It's "handy" to not have to worry about your phone and I also like the Dritz 1/2" Grommets opening used for earphones. Use Dritz 2" Soft Waistband Elastic that works great for grip but also soft enough against the skin. Get the DIY tutorial on how to sew your own running arm band below. 

Supplies:

• Dritz 2" Soft Waistband Elastic 
• athletic knit with 4-way stretch (lycra jersey, spandex, polyester/nylon blends).
• Dritz 1/2" Grommets or 1/4" 2-Part Eyelets & Tools
• Brother Sewing machine 
• Twin needle (or zigzag stitch).
• General sewing, cutting, and measuring supplies

Cutting: 

• Front pocket pouch: 14 1/4 x 5 1/2"  (You can edit this if your phone is smaller or larger).
• Elastic back sections: 2 that measure your left over arm circumference. For example my arm circumference measured 10" subtract 5" for the phone pocket = 5" then add 1-2" for the seam allowance plus the phone area since they can be large these days. So 6-7" strips of elastic for me. Error on the side of bigger and edit if need be. 

Sewing:

Fold the top edges over 1/2" and hem with a double needle or zigzag stitch.

Fold wrong sides together leaving about 1 1/4" for the top fold. 

Fold over the top 1 1/4" edge and pin to the other top portion (do not sew the back part). You're basically creating a tube. Stitch with a zigzag stitch together (1/4" seam allowance).

This is how it should look. 

You can add a grommet or eyelet for your earphones as an option so the cord can come right through. I added one just along the top fold about 1" in from the edge (left side). Just be mindful you only get the top layer. I used the 1/2" Grommets because mine were too big for the smaller 1/4" eyelets. So you will have to see what fits best for you're specific earphone cords. Follow the instructions using the 2-part tools to apply the grommets.

It should look like this when done. 

Now it's time to add the elastic. Flip the pocket so right sides are together. The bottom fold should be up right. 

Place the elastic pieces inside the pocket and pin the edges together. There should be a slight 1" or so gap between the top and bottom elastics. You may have to fold and pin the elastic center to make sure it doesn't move out when sewing. 

Stitch from top edge to bottom on both sides making sure to get all layers (zigzag stitch or serge, 1/4" seam allowance). 

Flip right sides out through the pocket opening and it should look like this when done.