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How to Make a Mourning Armband

Mourning armbands have a history for men but are increasingly worn by all members of law enforcement, fire departments and sports teams as they pay homage to a deceased member. Historically, in the United States, widowed men wore them for months to a year. They could remarry when the black armband period was over. Mourning armbands are also referred to as sleeve garters and are constructed of fabric-encased elastic. They can be made in various widths with meaningful symbols or colors attached to them.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Scissors
Black fabric strip
Black thread
Sewing machine
1/2-inch elastic
Needle

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the bicep area of the arm with a measuring tape.
- 2
  Cut 3-inch-wide black fabric so it is the length of your arm measurement plus half again.
- 3
  Fold the right sides together lengthwise and stitch a seam, with a 1/4-inch-wide seam allowance. Use a sewing machine or hand stitch this seam.
- 4
  Turn this tube inside out so the seam is on the inside.
- 5
  Cut a piece of 1/2-inch elastic to the bicep measurement.
- 6
  Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic.
- 7
  Feed the elastic into the black tube, using the pin as a guide.
- 8
  Sew the ends of the elastic together.
- 9
  Use hand stitching to attach the two ends of the black tube together, totally encasing the elastic .

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