Love to exercise, but don’t want to wear arm band in order to listen to your favorite music? Erin from the Sewing Rabbit Team has the perfect solution for you, a Running Belt. This phenomenal little belt will eliminate all of the arm slippage, and make running while listening to music a breeze!
Running Belt DIY
I have a love/hate relationship with running. On one hand, it’s healthy and good for you. On the other, it’s hard.
To help make the time (and me) go a little faster, I like to listen to music. I’ve tried running with my iPhone in one of those arm band things, but they don’t usually stay on my non-bulging biceps and I just end up resorting to tucking my phone into my sports bra (gross, I know). After seeing some running belts on much faster runners back at a race in the spring, I decided it was a genius solution and that I needed one. Not wanting to shell out the big bucks for it, I figured I could easily make one! This running belt is perfect for holding your phone, keys, and your ID.
Here’s how to make one…
Materials
- 1/4 yard of Spandex or Nylon Fabric
- 7 Inch Zipper
- Fold-Over Elastic (FOE)
- Stretch Needle
- General Sewing Supplies
Instructions
Measure your waist or hips, depending on where you want to wear your belt, and cut your fabric to that length. You are going to want the belt to be snug, so it doesn’t bounce around when you run.
Next, place the zipper and the fabric centered, right sides together with the tops aligned and pin in place. I centered my zipper, but you could put it anywhere.
Using a stretch needle and zipper foot, stitch close to the zipper teeth. Then, turn the fabric over and top stitch. This will help prevent the fabric from getting caught in the zipper teeth when opening and closing the zipper.
Now, align the non-sewn side of your zipper up with the top side of the other half of the fabric, right sides together. Using your zipper foot, stitch close to the zipper teeth. Then, turn the fabric so the right side is facing out and top stitch.
Now, turn the belt wrong side out and stitch up the sides. I used my serger for this part, but a zig zag or stretch stitch would work great too!
Unzip the zipper half way and tuck the ends into each other so that right sides are together then top stitch around the tube.
Turn the belt right side out.
Cut 2 pieces of your FOE to the length of the belt, plus 1/2 inch. Attach the fold-over elastic to the top and bottom of the belt using a zig zag stitch. I set my sewing machine with a stitch length of 4.0 and a stitch width of 3.0. This FOE will help keep the belt from rolling and bunching up.
*Tip: This part can be a little tricky as the fabric is slippery. I used binder clips to help keep the elastic in place as I sewed. Just keep working the fabric and be careful not to rotate the fabric when sewing.
And that’s is! Now we can be hands free on walks, runs, and prancercise sessions!
Also, big thanks to my awesome friend Katie of Katie Hellinger Photography for taking the pictures of the running belt in action!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy Sewing!
As a runner who hates wearing arm bands, I LOVE this! Thanks for the great tutorial Erin!
Aw, thanks Jen! 🙂
What a great idea! I love the color you chose too!
Thanks! I actually found the fabric at Denver Fabrics (the retail location… which I hear isn’t related to the website?). They have a fun selection of fabrics!
I love this – a 21st century version of a fanny pack! I walk and ride a bike and this belt would be perfect for those activities, too!
Yay! I’m glad you like it! 🙂 You are so right – this would be great for biking too!
Love it!!! In hot weather I like to carry a little cloth, in addition to ID, keys…this is perfect! I think the fold over elastic in the print really makes the belt special. Must find some for my project too!
Thanks Sue! I picked up the fold over elastic on amazon.com – it was my first time using it. It’s such a fun product! And, you can’t see it in the pictures, but I made it into a hair tie too so I would match! 🙂
This idea is genius! So practical for us modern girls who can’t go for a jog without our keys and cell phone. 🙂
Thanks Erica! I would totally run with a fanny pack to hold all my things if it wouldn’t bounce around (And it if was cute… ooooo a floral fanny pack?!)
Awesome! Thank you. I’ve tried shirts with pockets for keys, but this is so much better and cuter!!!
Aw, thanks for the kind words Alana!
Great idea! I have to ask though, what is that little red clip? Is that something to use in place of pins? A new type of sewing notion? Seems genius.
Oh, nevermind, I see the explanation above the photo! (I skimmed the photos too quickly)
Hi Julie! Haha, binder clips are my go-to these days – I’ve broken way too many pins sewing over needles this past month!
Metal hair clips (the ones that you bend to snap open or shut) work wonderfully for holding together slippery fabrics!
Love love love! Now I just need to get my butt of the couch.
Thanks Celina! Oh my gosh, I know right?! I counted the photo shoot where I was wearing the belt as a workout since I jogged up and down the street about 5 times trying to get a cute running shot – turns out I’m really awkward looking when I run!
What was the height you used?
Hi! I used a height of 1/4 yard, so 9 inches. I found that was the perfect size to fit my iphone. You could definitely make it taller or shorter though!
This belt is genius. I don’t run, but walk (er, sometimes) and have had many an awkward moment with my phone when I’ve had to just hold it in my hand. Or wear something with a pocket to hold the phone such as regular khakis.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Samina! Thanks for the kind words! 🙂 Oooo, and I love Essie nail polishes – every time I go to the grocery store I pretty much always end up with a new one to add to my collection! 🙂
Just noticed the matching manicure :). Lovely!
Love this!
Thanks Shannon! 🙂
I actually just bought one of the FLIP belts. Wish I had seen this tutorial two weeks ago. I might just have to make one as a backup. Thanks for the tutorial.
I would love to see your belt if you make one! The FLIP belt is actually where I got my inspiration for this belt from! 🙂
Love this! How about adding an eyelet to string the earpiece thru and that way you don’t have to leave zipper open. Oooooh…can’t wait to try
Hey Monica – I LOVE that idea! I’ve never made anything with grommets or eyelets before… that would be so cool! I would love to see your belt if you make one!
Hi, instead of grommets or eyelets — why not a buttonhole? Don’t forget to stabilize it yet it could be easier than the other suggestions. My daughter and I will be making these. Great idea! Thanks!
I didn’t even think about buttonholes – great idea, Jane! I hope you and your daughter have fun making them! 🙂
That’s what I’m considering, although I think instead of a button hole, I’m going to use a small bit of stretchy elastic and sew a loop to hook over the button. If that makes sense. 🙂
I have been looking all over the web for tutorial like this! I, too, have problems with the armband version! 🙁 I think I’m going to work on this tonight! Thanks again!
You’re welcome! 🙂 I hope you share your version if you make it!
I love this! I’ve been carrying my phone and it drives me nuts. Can’t wait to make this!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aww, thanks! I hope you share a picture of your version if you make it!
Love this!!! Wish you sold them…this is a great item for etsy.
Aw, thanks so much Renee! That’s such a great compliment! I wish there were more hours in the day! 🙂
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! If only they would put pockets in women’s workout clothes like they do for the guys….
I agree! My husbands workout clothes have all sorts of great pockets… it used to make me jealous, but now I have the perfect belt to hold all my stuff! 🙂
I may have to get some help in making one of these but it’s super cute. I LOVE to run (when I can, which I can’t right now due to injury but soon?)!! I also like that you can sit this on top of your love handles and not worry about that. 🙂 LOL
Thanks Randi! One of my favorite parts of this belt is that it holds my love handles in! 🙂
I was just thinking to myself this afternoon as I was out for a run, I need something better then an arm band to hold my phone. This is perfect, it’s cute and not bulky at all! Love this, thanks for sharing!
Aw, thanks Felie! I would love to see a picture if you make one!
This is brilliant. The lack of useable pockets in all my running clothes makes me so mad. I too keep all my stuff in my sports bra. So nasty, but what else am I going to do? Last week my phone went flying out too–in the middle of an intersection and I’m running so of course I kick it and send it flying, so embarrassing. God forbid that happen on the trail somewhere where there’s no one to observe my humiliation.
Haha, that’s pretty much the story of my life too! 🙂
There is a company that has a patent on this!!! Hipssister.com!!!
Yikes! I hadn’t seen them before! Thanks for letting me know!
No problem! They are a great company, too! Their product was just featured on HSN! 🙂 It’s a nifty little thing, if I do say so myself!
awesome tutorial. I so need one of these!!
Aw, thanks Daniela! I would love to see yours if you make it!
Hi there, I need a little help. I can´t find a Fold-Over Elastic (FOE) in Czech republic – do you have some ideas what to replace? Thank you very much!!!!
Hi Carol! Hmm… the fold over elastic is great for keeping the belt from rolling over itself, but it’s not necessary. You could try making one without it, or maybe you could use regular elastic and sew two pieces side by side (maybe with a zig sag stitch? Or something stronger?) and kind of make your own? I find a lot of FOE on online retailers… have you looked there? I’m not sure how shipping works to the Czech Republic though.
please make these an sell them i want one in black thanks
Hi Cyndi! I actually just learned there’s a company that sells something very similar – hipssister.com. You should check them out! 🙂
So how do u put it on? Does it slip over head or something?
Hi Peggy! You could totally pull it over your head, but I just step into it like a skirt. 🙂
What was the width of the FOE that you used?
Hi Aubree – The FOE I used was 5/8 inch, but it was a little tricky. I would recommend something wider.
But, here’s the link to the FOE I picked up on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Fold-Over-Elastic-Chevron-Yards/dp/B00DGDMV9G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1378240766&sr=8-3&keywords=fold+over+elastic
Hi Aubree – The FOE I used was 5/8 inch, but it was a little tricky. I would recommend something wider.
I picked mine up on Amazon… just search Fold Over Elastic FOE 5/8 Inch Grey Chevron Zig Zag 10 Yards. 🙂
I don’t like running either… so I don’t, LOL. But this belt would still be great to use at the gym! I have an armband but sometimes I have to place my iPod elsewhere because the cords get in the way… like when lifting weights. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Angela! I’m glad you liked it!
Thanks from a sister sesamstress for sharing this tutorial on your great idea. 🙂
Aw, thanks Emily! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, I am definitely going to make one – also perfect for poo bags for when I am out walking the dog in the summer – I sometimes end up wrapping a jacket around my waist just so I have pockets!
Ooh! What a great idea!
Can I pay you to make one for me?? (I’m being serious!)…. 🙂
Hi Janet! I actually just learned there’s a company that sells something very similar – hipssister.com. You should check them out! 🙂
Thanks Erin for the shout out. Our patent pending design is a great solution when you want to live your life hands free.
take care,
Kathleen.
I hike year-round. In the summer my husband has to be the pockets for both of us. I’m going to make myself one of these as soon as I can get out and get fabric. I can also see a GREAT use for this when shopping – no need to carry a purse and worry about leaving it in a cart or having someone get into it. Thanks!!
I’m glad you like it! Thanks Diana! 🙂
Love this! I hate the armband and feel uncomfortable running holding the phone especially when I run with my dog. This will be perfect for when I walk the dog and take him to the river to hold keys also!
Nice way to recycle some of those dri-fit event shirts we don’t use.
What a brilliant idea, Jane! I love that idea!
I am so in love with this! Heck, I am contemplating making one just so I don’t have to carry a purse any more! I could totally see myself wearing one to work each day, going to pick up our lunch will be sooo much easier with one of these. Or going to my son’s football games. Heck, make several in different colors/designs to go with each outfit! Yes, I do believe I’m gonna have to try this! My best friend will be so proud of me for using the ol’ sewing machine again!
Oh my gosh, Renee! Your comment made me smile from ear to ear! I’m SO happy you like this tutorial! Please send some pics my way if you make one (or one in every color!!)! I would LOVE to see it and share it on my blog!
Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I don’t run but I do wear an insulin pump and have been looking for a holder to use when my clothes have no pockets. What is available on the market are waistband clips and bra pouches, neither fit with my lifestyle. Like Erin (above) says, this could be made in several fashion styles by changing up materials. You can’t know how much easier this will make life with an insulin pump. Thank you so much!
Yay! I’m so glad you like the tutorial, Mikki! 🙂
My granddaughter has T1 diabetes & wears an insulin pump too. She’s 11 & I know she would like one or two in a cute design. Thanks for the tutorial.
Hi Erin,
Great this DIY. I have made purses in my running shirts as I had problems taking gloves in the winter and food for marathon with me on my runs. But your idea is even better. I think I will make it with two or three zippers so that ther are more pockets in it. You can see my DIY in dutch here
http://djaktief.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/alle-combinaties-mogelijk-vervolg-met-verbeteringen/
Bye,
Dorothé
this is genius, don’t know why i never thought of something like this before. i hate the arm bands and i’m always afraid i’ll just drop my phone from my sweaty hands while running. what a great idea and a perfect use for all this random fold over elastic i have that i’m not using…
Aw, thanks so much, Dixie! 🙂
I just made my second one of these (first one was practice) and added some cording with toggle stops when I finished the seam to use during races. Thanks for the inspiration!
The cording and toggle stops sound genius! If you have some pictures, I would love to see them – my email is hello (at) sewbon (dot) com
🙂
LOVE this!!! Thanks so much I knew there had to be a way to make this without shelling out the cash LOL. Thank you thank you
Thanks, Meredith! 🙂
Hi, Thank you so Much for this DIY !!!!!
I’ve just translate it in french for my sewing friends ! I can send you by mail this translation if you want !
Bye
Cornaline50 (In France)
Hi Cornaline! Thanks so much for translating my tutorial! I would love to see the translation! 🙂
My email is hello@sewbon.com
Thanks!
This is amazing!i usually run with an armband but i dont like how it feels on my arm.i was looking through flip belts by LEVEL and BANDI but they dont ship to Malaysia and they are very expensive too.your DIY tutorial is amazing.i just cant wait to make one for myself soon!
Aw, thanks so much for the kind words Mieyra!
I just made myself one of these yesterday. I don’t really need it for my music player (ipod shuffle, clips on my clothes) and I don’t carry keys when I go running (code lock, yay), but I did want something I can stuff things like fingerless gloves, headband, fructose tablets, perhaps even my camera in when I go running. Not to mention little bags for collecting seeds from wild plants in the autumn (yes, I’m hooked on gardening, why do you ask).
I made mine a bit higher, as I found I can always scrunch it up if I want to, but making the pocket bigger would be impossible. I also didn’t have fold over elastic, instead I just used normal white elastic (1.5cm wide) on the back side of the belt, stitching it down with a triple stitch zig-zag. Works fine and the edge doesn’t roll. And mine is dark red.
Yay Anja! Sounds like your belt is fabulous! Thanks for using my tutorial! 🙂
Quick question–do you think jersey knit would work the same or should I stick with spandex?
Hi Amanda! I think jersey knit would accomplish the same thing, but I would recommend making sure the stretch of the jersey knit is enough to be able to pull the belt on and that it has a nice recovery so it doesn’t get too stretched out.
Thanks for the reply! That was also my concern, that it would get too stretched out. I found some spandex fabric pretty cheap, especially for 1/4 yd, and I got some FOE. Looking forward to making this belt today!!
I would LOVE to see yours once you make it! My email is hello@sewbon.com 🙂
I would love to see yours, Amanda! 🙂
Love love love!! Just made one….took me less than 30min….and it is perfect!! Will test it out tomorrow, but I’m thinking ‘christmas prezzies!!’.
Also going to europe in Jan, and this will indeed make a much more stylish option than a fanny pack! Thank YOU
Yay! I’m glad you liked the tutorial! 🙂
Many many thanks from Germany!!! Great idea and great tutorial!
I’ve made one just now from a lovely belly belt with had a decoration of strass crystals on it.
That’s why I’ve used a glittering Fold-Over Elastic (FOE). I didn’t use a zipper than leave only four slits (like the original flip belt I think).
Perhaps I’ll send you some pictures, but they aren’t pretty as yours!
The next one will be of neon-green spandex with a red zipper and black FOE’s with a red stripe in 🙂
On sunday I’ll test it in my fitness-studio! Hope it will work fine 🙂
Wow! Yours sounds beautiful! I would love to see it! 🙂
Thank you for this! I am going to get some fabric and see if my son likes it for his insulin pump. It might suit him better than what we are currently using. I passed on your blog to fellow diabetes mamas. 🙂
That’s so smart! I hope this belt works out for your son!
Can’t sleep the night before the big half marathon? Whip up one of these baby’s for the race! It holds A LOT of stuff!
Haha! I love it!
Cute & functional! You rock. I love the colors & how you added the trim. That trim really completes the piece & pulls your running outfit together. I might need to make one for my photo walking. The phone is in & out of my pocket constantly while spotify plays my walking tracks.
Aw, thank you for the kind words Gwen! 🙂
Hi, something I do wrong – the zipper always waves 🙁
What could I do?
Hi Kate! What do you mean that the zipper waves? Is the fabric bunching? Do you think something could be off with the tension?
Hi Erin. Thanks for this post. I’d like to have a go. Sourcing the nice FOE here in the UK is proving to be a bit tricky; (I can get plain but like the chevron effect). Can you recommend any larger suppliers in the US that may send to me over here? Happy Christmas. Lisa.
Hi Lisa! Sorry for the slow reply – I just saw this. 🙂 I picked my FOE up from Amazon.com… does Amazon ship to the UK?
Hi Erin, I managed to get some from China thanx. I was a bit dubious at first but the quality is lovely so I’ll be making this real soon. Take care and thanx again. Lisa
I will have to make this for trail rides. I used to have a phone that clipped to my belt, but my new phone is just too big. I feel a lot better when I am alone riding my horse when I have my phone with me, just in case.
Great idea! I wish I knew how to ride a horse! 🙂
Made mine without elastic and love it!
Yay! I’m so glad you like the tutorial! 🙂
Love this idea! Hate my armband. However, I can barely thread the needle on my machine. Do you sell these by any chance? They are a great 🙂
Hi Michele! Unfortunately I’m not selling any of these, but you should check out hipssister.com or flipbelt.com as they are super similar to this tutorial. I didn’t realize how close hipssister was until after I wrote the tutorial and someone told me about it! Oops. 😉
This will work perfectly for my daughter’s insulin pump. She is always struggling to find a place to clip it.
Great idea! I hadn’t thought about how this could be useful for insulin pumps! Genius!
I love your running belt. I made mine from the bottom of a spandex t-shirt that I didn’t mind sacrificing for something better. This is great for my radio and cell phone when I do housework.
Yay! I’m so glad you liked the tutorial! 🙂
Love the tutorial! Made one this afternoon….ready for a run now! Your directions were very easy to follow. Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for this tutorial! I bought the materials today and wanted to make this for our upcoming Disney Cruise this week. With 2 small children, I love wearing fanny packs because I love being hands free and don’t like carrying a purse around, but fanny packs can be too bulky for me! I love the idea of this version! I was wondering if you can put a second zipper on, so one for the front and one in the back and sew a seam on both sides, so I can have 2 big pockets. I feel like with only zipper, there is a lot of wasted space that could be utilized. I’m also new to sewing, so I wanted to know if you can kindly explain to me how I would incorporate a 2nd zipper, if that’s possible? Thank you so much in advance!
Love this idea and made one with two zippers as a trial. When putting the FOE on do you stretch the fabric as you are sewing it on?
Thanks
L
this is soooo cool! perfect idea! I’m searching for something like this for so long! thank you so much 🙂
This is great! I am a novice at sewing. Do you by chance have a video for this? I am struggling getting the two ends to workout. I have sewed them all the wrong possible ways, but haven’t successful master how you connected them.
Thanks
Teresa
Binder clips, genius! I coach a run club for SAHMs and I can’t wait to make one of these for each of them! Your tutorial is awesome!
I made this for the Color Run, it was great! Not as nice as yours though as I used jersey fabric and elastic binding (we dont have cute fold over elastic here). I have pictures here if you want to have a look: http://mybusycraftlife.blogspot.com/2014/06/running-belt.html. Thank you so much for these instructions!
Thanks for posting this great tutorial. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a running belt (or fold-over elastic) but as soon as I saw it I had to make one! I ended up making mine a little differently but I couldn’t have done it without your tutorial. You can see mine on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151644712428030951/
I love this! It’s simple to make and not bulky either. I hate it when you can feel things bouncing around as you run.
My daughter has to wear a heart monitor for a month and we were trying to figure out how she can wear it while she runs and does karate. This is perfect! Now I just have to wait for the fabric store to open. Thank you for sharing your talents!
Hello. Thanks for the great idea. I have been trying to find a way to my an insulin pump belt for my 9 year old daughter. I made one on my own before finding this page and it looks like my daughter would have made. Thanks for posting this!!
Jeni
Hello. Thanks for the great idea. I have been looking for a way to stop my inhaler falling out at karate.
I love this belt! I tried making one, and I’ll admit, this was a Pinterest fail. 🙁 Part of the problem is I’m not a very experienced seamstress. This was the first time I sewed a zipper, and first time I ever worked with slippery/stretchy material. I love the concept though!
Did you use a ballpoint needle? It seems like a small detail, but when sewing knits it makes ALL the difference.
Go girl !! She is geniuse .. Love the Flip belt tutorial 😉
Any tips for sewing the ⅝ FOE, it is not the easiest thing lol? Also did you pull it while you sewed it?
i am going to make one of these for my nephew! He’s diabetic and just got an insulin pump, and mom was going to order the $60 belt designed for use with the pump….all I have to add to this is a buttonhole on the inside for the tubing and connectors!
How do you determine how much FOE to use? When putting the FOE on do you stretch the fabric or the FOE or neither as you are sewing?
What kind of thread do you use for this? Doesn’t it have to stretch?
Hey, I’m diabetic type 1 an I’m getting an insulin pump soon.
I was searching for any type of pocket/bag to carry my pump and I really love this belt.
I’ll sew it when i’ve got my pump: in different colours, one for my waist, one for my hip and one for my leg.
I thank you so much for this great diy!!
best wishes from berlin,
Mara
I love this tutorial, the running belt looks so comfortable! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
I linked to your post from my blog, you can see it here.
My 3 year old daughter just got an insulin pump and I’m hoping that this will work to hold her pump around her waist comfortably! Thanks for the how to!
Just took one of these out for my first marathon this weekend and by the end, still loved it! It is so much better than any store bought belt, as those slide all over the place and end up being a huge distraction while running. Thanks for the awesome pattern/idea!
Thank you so much for your website. You are so talented and your step by step directions have made my life easier! I’m glad i found you via pinterest. I am making one for myself and my 3 year old niece for her insulin pump
Hi! I just want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for creating and posting this. Your directions were very easy to follow. I found you on the web & would love to add your page to my Pinterest page. I’ll pin it, I mean. I just got my belt finished tonight. I have to walk alot for my heart & mow the lawn, so this belt is going to work wonders!
I made this last night. The directions were easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!
super easy tutorial! I made the belt and I fell in love with it!
thank you 🙂
I made the belt and I love it …
This is fabulous! Thank you for sharing, I love my running belt but it wasn’t cheap and I really want another one, now I can make one!
This is just what I was looking for. I whipped up two of these belts. One was made from one of those cheap stretchy cami’s they sell at Walmart for less than $2.00 and the material worked just fine. The only problem I’ve had is that my FOE comes out wavy after stitching it. I tried switching to a walking foot, but it didn’t make a huge difference. Any advice?
Just what I need, I once lost my car keys jogging along the beach. After looking for over 2 hours they were found, Thankfully! I stopped Jogging along the beach and now use our treadmill, yuck, so this will make jogging outside possible again
Thanks!
This is definitely a tutorial that keeps inspiring! I’ve just re-started running and my running apps (and music) are on my phone, so after one run where I’d grabbed the wrong gear and had to (gasp!) hold my phone as it kept shifting around, I remembered you posted this, nearly 4 years ago!- Thank You!
this is cool. I am sure The Fabric Exchange has so many choices of fabric for this kind of project.
Thanks for the great tutorial! I just made one! Am going to make another one that my passport can fit in.