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.
→Follow me on Instagram where I often make a fool of myself←
sera
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!!!!
Julie
Fantastic - a new home for my new iPhone 5 - thank you Karen
:)
Jan
You are a genius goddess Karen.
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!
flattire Tuesday
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. :)
Karen
1843 years? You're very, very old. ~ karen
flattire Tuesday
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.
flattire Tuesday
Close to what it *was.
Julia
Oh my god.
Now I have to start running?
You already made me get chickens.
Karen
Well, technically you could just wear it on your arm while you read a book. ~ karen!
Jack
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!!
Karen
So now I'm saving lives. I'm quite impressive. ~ karen!
Carolyn
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
Sawndra
You may have a whole other calling as an upper arm model...
Karen
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!
Lisa
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.
Mondo
simple and functional. I should try it...if I'm not feeling too slazy.
Karen
LOL! Slazy, slazy, slazy. ~ karen!
Jeni
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)
Barbie
I LOVE this idea! I am totally doing this for when I mow the lawn!
Jess (Will Run for Cheeseburgers)
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 :)
Karen
Link away Jess! ~ karen
Leslie
If this works with flabby old lady arms you are my hero. Again.
Shauna
I don't even run and I want to do this - such a clever idea!
kate-v
Brilliant!!
Kim
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!
Debbie
You are the most resourceful,creative, interprising, original , skillful being that I have ever encountered!!! I love this !
Jeannie B
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.
toekneetoni
genius idea, as always with you. and you have the leftover piece to do your "secret dusting." :)