Turn a pair of worn-out or laddered tights into cozy, stylish arm warmers in about ten minutes. This is a zero-waste sewing project that requires no special skills—just a pair of scissors and a needle and thread (or fabric glue). You’ll extend the life of your tights, save money, and get a custom-fit accessory for chilly mornings or typing at a cold desk.
What You’ll Need
- A clean pair of tights (any denier works, but thicker opaque or ribbed tights give warmer results)
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Needle and thread (matching the tights color) or fabric glue
- A ruler or measuring tape (optional)
- Chalk or a fabric marker (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the tights. Wash and dry the tights if they’re not clean. Lay them flat on a table, smoothing out any wrinkles. Cut off the foot portion of each leg, just above the heel, and discard the feet. You’ll be using the leg tubes only.
- Decide on length. Measure from your wrist to just below your elbow (or to your bicep if you want longer arm warmers). Add about 2 inches (5 cm) for hemming and seam allowance. Mark this length on the leg tube with chalk or a marker. Repeat on the other leg.
- Cut the leg tubes. Using your scissors, cut straight across the leg tube at the marked line. You now have two fabric tubes. If you want a thumb hole, skip to step 6 before hemming.
- Hem the raw edges. Fold the top edge (the cut edge that will be at your elbow) inward by about ½ inch (1.5 cm) and pin it. Do the same for the bottom edge (at your wrist). If you’re using fabric glue, apply a thin line along the fold and press firmly. If sewing, use a simple running stitch or whip stitch to secure the hem. Leave the side seams of the tights as they are—they’re already finished.
- Try them on. Slip the arm warmer over your hand and arm. The hemmed edges should sit comfortably at your wrist and elbow. If they’re too loose, you can take them in by sewing a straight line along the side seam, about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) in from the original seam, then trimming the excess fabric.
- Add a thumb hole (optional). If you want a thumb hole, put the arm warmer on and mark where your thumb meets the fabric. Take it off, cut a small vertical slit about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long at that mark. Finish the edges of the slit with a buttonhole stitch, or apply a small amount of fabric glue to prevent fraying. Let dry completely before wearing.
- Finish and wear. Turn the arm warmers right side out (if you hemmed inside out) and give them a final press with a cool iron if needed. Slip them on and adjust the position. You’re done!
Common Mistakes
- Cutting too short. Remember that you need extra fabric for the hems. Always measure with the hems in mind, and when in doubt, cut longer—you can trim later.
- Skipping the hem. If you don’t hem the cut edges, they will fray and roll up after the first wash. A quick hem or fabric glue seal is essential for durability.
- Using the wrong scissors. Dull scissors can snag and pull the knit, creating runs. Use sharp fabric scissors and cut in one smooth motion.
- Forgetting to pre-wash. If your tights are new, they may shrink slightly. Wash and dry them first to avoid surprises.
Tips
- Choose the right tights. Opaque or ribbed tights (40 denier or higher) make warmer and more durable arm warmers. Sheer tights (15 denier) are better for a delicate, fashion-forward look but won’t provide much warmth.
- Use the foot for a wrist warmer. Instead of discarding the feet, cut the toe seam and use the foot part as a wrist warmer or a headband.
- Experiment with layering. For extra warmth, wear your arm warmers over a long-sleeved shirt or under a jacket. They also work well as leg warmers—just cut the leg tube to fit your calf.
- Customize with dye. If you have white or light-colored tights, you can dye them with fabric dye to match your wardrobe.
- Repair runs first. If your tights have a small run, you can still use them—just make sure the run is not in the area you’ll be using. A drop of clear nail polish can stop a run from spreading.
Troubleshooting
- The arm warmers are too tight. If they feel restrictive, you can cut them open along the side seam and insert a gusset (a small piece of fabric) to widen them. Or, use a seam ripper to remove the original side seam and sew a wider seam.
- The fabric is rolling at the edges. This happens if you didn’t hem or if the hem is too narrow. Re-hem with a wider fold (¾ inch) or apply fabric glue to the edge and press flat.
- The thumb hole is fraying. Apply a small amount of clear nail polish or fabric glue to the edges of the slit. Let it dry completely before wearing.
- The arm warmers slide down. If they’re slipping, you can sew a small piece of elastic (about 1 inch long) into the top hem to create a gentle grip. Or, use a safety pin to attach them to your sleeve.
- The tights have a run that spreads. If a run appears after cutting, apply a drop of clear nail polish at each end of the run to stop it from growing. You can also sew a small zigzag stitch over the run.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use tights with a hole in the foot? Yes, absolutely. The foot is cut off anyway, so any holes in the foot don’t matter. Just make sure the leg portion is intact.
- Do I need to sew? Can I use no-sew methods? You can use fabric glue instead of sewing for the hems. However, sewing gives a sturdier finish. If you don’t sew, use a strong fabric glue and allow it to cure for 24 hours before wearing.
- How do I wash arm warmers made from tights? Hand wash them in cold water with a gentle detergent, or put them in a lingerie bag and machine wash on a delicate cycle. Air dry flat—do not put them in the dryer, as heat can shrink or damage the fabric.
- Can I make arm warmers from leggings? Yes, leggings work even better because the fabric is thicker and more durable. Follow the same steps, but you’ll have to cut both legs, and you may need to hem both the top and bottom edges since leggings have finished hems at the ankle and waist—you’ll be cutting through the middle.
- What if my tights are too short? If the leg tube isn’t long enough for your arm, you can use the other leg of the tights to extend it. Cut a piece from the second leg and sew it to the end of the first with a small seam.
- Can I make fingerless gloves instead? Yes! Instead of leaving the wrist end open, cut a small hole for your thumb and a larger opening for your fingers. You can also create individual finger holes by cutting small slits. The process is similar, but you’ll need to finish the edges around the finger openings.
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