Sure you can buy an expensive neoprene pocket to hold your phone while you run. But why? When you can make an elegant and sophisticated holder out of a dirty sock?
Several years ago, back when I had a fella, he bought me an armband to hold my iPhone in while I was running. It was very nice of him. I will stress what a nice thing that was for him to do, to just walk in the door with an armband for my iPhone to use while running, even though I didn’t really run. Kay? Understood? Nice of him.
I hated it.
It was too big and scratchy and uncomfortable in the way only a very expensive accessory outsourced to China can be. It looked good. It just felt awful. It dug in my arm and the velcro that closed it scratched at my skin and it took forever to get it to the “right” tightness. It either felt like it was going to fall off or like an overinflated blood pressure cuff.
Fast forward to a few months later. I was cleaning out the laundry room and came across some socks I wear around my ankles during running in the winter. My ankle warmers. They’re a pair of work socks I cut the foot off of that I slip over the bottom of my running pants so my little ankles don’t get a chill.
The site of them got me to thinking. I wonder if I could use a sock like that for my iPhone.
And I could. That was 5 years ago and I am STILL using the same sock to house my iPhone while I run.
If you’ve been looking for a comfortable, WASHABLE, easy to use armband for your phone while exercising, you HAVE to do this. Obviously it wasn’t only a good idea when I did it 5 years ago, but I can safely say that this chopped up sock will stand the test of time.
It’s very involved and complicated so pay attention. Here’s what you have to do …
How to Make a Phone Holder for Running.
Cut the toe off of a sock … and put it on your arm.
It will immediately make your elbow look all wrinkly like a horse’s wee wee as it’s coming out to pee. If you’ve never seen a horse’s wee wee as it’s coming out to pee it looks very much like my elbow.
Stick your phone at the top of your sock, up high on your arm.
Fold the bottom up over the phone.
Wanna make more of a fashion statement? Use a fancy sock. Like this camouflage one.
The original work sock that got me to thinking about making an iPhone holder. It’s too loose and the wool is too scratchy for me, but might work for you if you have bigger arms and no aversion to wool. It would look especially good if you’re a long distance running lumberjack.
If you want to get really aggressive with this DIY you can serge the raw edge of your sock so it doesn’t fray or unravel but I couldn’t be bothered. And since this has lasted for 5 years I’m fairly confident in saying … your sock isn’t going to unravel if you don’t serge it.
If you don’t wash it, it’s going to smell … but it won’t unravel. Don’t run so you don’t think you have any need for an arm sock? Just imagine how cool you’d look with a can of Pringles sticking out of it.
You’re welcome.
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You’re a genius! Unfortunately it didn’t worked well for me :/
As a somewhat large male, the sock got too tight and uncomfortable during my arm workout. Thanks anyway 🙂
Booo. Try a bigger sock! Or maybe the bottom of a legging? Sorry it didn’t work out Mr. big arms. 🙂 ~ karen!
Thanks. It was my wife who bought your site to my attention. I will now check it regularly for other great ideas. Thanks again.
This would have been useful info…A YEAR AGO! !! Omg! Do you have any idea how much money I’ve spent on armbands? ? This is sheer genius. I think I’m falling in love with you!
That’s understandable. Welcome to my site Anthony! ~ karen
Thanks for this! I’m expecting an important phone call today and I don’t have pockets and I’m terrible at remembering to carry my phone around to all parts of the house. So this is perfect. (It also beats wearing it in my bra like I usually do!)
Thanks Kristin! This is still one of my favourite DIYs I’ve ever done. ~ karen!
So glad I googled ‘diy iphone armband’ before I sprang for a prefab version online…& so glad I found this site! Amazing solution, I made the armband in 2 seconds and don’t have any more excuses to put off my workout 🙂 thanks!
You’re welcome! I must admit, it’s one if my favourite DIYs too ~ karen!
I’ve been thinking about an armband for a long time now and wouldn’t do it because of the downsides listed here. I don’t own any long socks, and DH only has a few pairs to wear with boots, so I hated to cut up any of them. BUT- I ran across a pair of TED hose (the support hose that they put on your legs when you go to surgery) and used them. They were great, if a little tight on my arms. However, it occcurs to me that some people have really skinny arms and the socks might not stay up well. The TED hose (or any other kind of support stocking- you can find them with the Dr. Scholl’s products) might be just the answer for those smaller arms.
Hi Denise – I’m glad you decided to hack up a pair of hose. It really is the best armband ever. I love it every time I put it on! You don’t even notice it’s there. ~ karen!
How about going to the dollar store and buying kid size socks if you have really skinny arms? And they come in such cute patterns and colors!
So happy this came up when I was searching online to buy a phone band today!!
Wow. You run. I’m impressed!
Absolutely brilliant! I used a knee-sock instead of a tube sock and it worked wonderfully! Thanks so much for this wonderful DIY!
Thanks April! Isn’t it hilarious? Its the best iPhone band EVER, LOL. ~ karen!
This is a great idea, but I sweat like a pig when I run. So, I decided to make myself a DIY waterproof iPhone case with a Ziploc bag. This is the best $30 I’ve ever saved!
LOL. I don’t really sweat until I stop running. Then I’m a disgusting mess. You should try the armband w/out the ziplock. It absorbs your sweat! And since the phone is encased between the two sides of the sock it doesn’t get wet. If it does … you should maybe see a doctor. Heh! ~ karen
Genius, I have now stopped washing my socks and started cutting them up and selling them to joggers instead. Great tip!
Thanks Neil. Glad to have pushed you into a higher tax bracket. ~ karen!
you’re a genius!!!! of course, everyone else has told you this already. But, my husband is constantly going through smart wool socks and ditching them when they get holes. This is awesome!!!!
Fantastic – a new home for my new iPhone 5 – thank you Karen
🙂
You are a genius goddess Karen.
Jan … Normally I’d say, oh stop … No I’m not. But with this idea? I’m going to have to wholeheartedly agree with you. ~ karen!
I went for my first run this morning in approx. 1843 years. I refused to voluntarily deprive myself of sleep before my baby was one year old. I tucked my phone in my bra, and the whole time was kicking myself for not reading this article first (I’d seen the story on my FB timeline) and making one… not pleasant to have to keep reaching into my shirt and fix my phone. Tomorrow’s run will be much better. 🙂
1843 years? You’re very, very old. ~ karen
Oh my gosh. I run so slow I feel old. LOL. Although, I did the math and 1843 days is probably pretty close to what it’s been. However, I cannot get over how genius and simple this really is.
Close to what it *was.
Oh my god.
Now I have to start running?
You already made me get chickens.
Well, technically you could just wear it on your arm while you read a book. ~ karen!
I tried this with my Sony Sports Walkman but I couldn’t find a sock with enough holding power…..then I thought of those elastic socks old people like your mother wear on long flights. Works like a charm and I will never have to worry about getting a blood clot in my arm when I am out walking!!
So now I’m saving lives. I’m quite impressive. ~ karen!
Cooking week end… What happened .? I decided to make tie dye cookies. Found a recipe on the internet for butter cookies. Great… Toke my dough and colored four different colors. Something was not right, sticky and stetchy. Cooked a batch and they came out like Super Balls. What the heck happened, i could have bouced them across the room. I love to bake, but every thing I make never turns out.
HELP
You may have a whole other calling as an upper arm model…
Hey S! That’s true. I’m just happy I didn’t make an iPhone assband. The photos wouldn’t have been nearly as impressive. ~ karen!
This. Is. Brilliant. I am so excited. I have that stupid velcro pinch-your-skin armband as well and I HATE it so much I have been running holding my phone in my hand. Makes my shoulders hurt. This is amazing.
simple and functional. I should try it…if I’m not feeling too slazy.
LOL! Slazy, slazy, slazy. ~ karen!
Awesome! I have the sock … now I need to get an iPhone (I have been looking for the perfect excuse to get one) Thanks :o)
I LOVE this idea! I am totally doing this for when I mow the lawn!
this is AMAZING! great idea. please let me know if it would be ok to link back to this post after I try this out myself 🙂
Link away Jess! ~ karen
If this works with flabby old lady arms you are my hero. Again.
I don’t even run and I want to do this – such a clever idea!
Brilliant!!
Hurray! This is MY kind of DIY! I don’t even have to go to the store as I have all the materials at hand. Woohoo! I will, of course, forget you ever mentioned a form of sewing. I even need an iPhone armband! I asked Santa for one for Xmas 2 years running but, apparently, I have been a bad girl because I didn’t get one. No need to wait for Santa any more, baby! It’s Xmas in June (or July by the time I get around to doing even this couldn’t be easier DIYer)! Thank you Karen!
You are the most resourceful,creative, interprising, original , skillful being that I have ever encountered!!! I love this !
As always, a great,simple inexpensive idea. Sort of reminiscent of the cool look in the 50’s, of guys carrying their package of smokes in their rolled up T shirt sleeve. By the way Karen, you have great looking arms. I should have realized that you’re a runner. I’ll test this idea out and see what else I can use it for.
genius idea, as always with you. and you have the leftover piece to do your “secret dusting.” 🙂
what an excellent idea! I’m thinking this would make a great sunglasses holder for when I’m hiking and the trail goes in and out of the woods; glasses on, glasses off, glasses on, glasses off….
This is a great idea for people who run..maybe even for flea markets, yard sales, etc..usually when I put my phone in my pocket I don’t hear it ringing..
Use the ‘vibrate on ring’ function for when it’s in your pocket. 🙂
You are too funny, Thank You for staring my Monday with a smile.
Love this! I have my pedometer on my iPhone for my morning run. The friggin bands are so distracting, always slipping or digging in my arm! Definitely giving this a try tomorrow. Thanks!
This changes everything!! Thanks!
So… you now have an iPhone armband for sale… right? LOL
S#*t woman, you’re genius knows no bounds! I’m off to my lonely sock drawer to recruit a candidate.
What a great a idea! And I have to tell you, I am, as always, fascinated by your great photos. So I have to ask – how do you do them? I’m assuming that’s you modeling the armbands, so do you set your camera up on a tripod? Coerce the fella into snapping a few shots? Grab an innocent bystander and thrust a camera into their hands?
Hi Donna – When you work alone you figure stuff out. 🙂 For the first shots I used a light box and then did some photoshopping. For the second shot, I used a tripod and remote. ~ karen!
Love it! Genius.
Just wondering what socks do have, that you allways have great ideas whit them…
Remember your dust-sock…lol
Nice idea, i`d use it when I`m cleaning the house… Running??? naaaa
Genius as usual. I’ll try that this winter. I’m on the treadmill with handy little “cup” for the DROID. Go Pandora Pitbull Radio!
You should post this on http://www.instructables.com! Way to reduce, reuse and recycle!
I’m so doing this…I spent so much $$ on a new iPhone and case that I just couldn’t bring myself to spend yet more $$ on an arm band for when I walk my dogs – so I’ve been using this awful little purse thingy. You so saved me, thanks!
You have your very own spot on my pin board! You are such an amazing woman!
LOL! Well that’s fun! ~ karen
Great idea.
How secure are they though? Won’t it just fall out when you’re running? Do you need quite a tight sock? Why am I asking all this when I should just try it and find out? lol
Al – No the sock does not fall off. Not my arm anyway. You may have to experiment with socks. Neither the sock nor the iPhone budges while running. It’s GREAT! ~ karen
I hope you washed that sock first…..just saying!
you are clever! as always!
Holy Mother of Invention lol!!
I know!!! LOL. ~ karen
Genius! And here I was thinking I was going to have to get an armband for my iPhone from amazon! You saved me money and postage.
Thank you!