How to make an arm covers

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one pair)

• Main fabric (UV-blocking fabric, cooling knit or cotton) — about 60 × 50 cm (24 × 20 in)
• Narrow flat elastic (0.8–1 cm / ⅜ in wide) — about 80 cm (32 in)
• Bodkin

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Accessories” → “Arm covers” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the upper arm and wrist circumferences, the length and the elastic casing. Presets cover child, women's and men's.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   The piece is a tapered rectangle — wider at one end. Mark which end is the top.
2. Cut
   Cut two. Cut stretch fabric lying flat and relaxed.
3. Finish the edges
   Serge or zigzag the long edge.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew into a tube

1. Fold each piece right sides together lengthwise and sew the long edge.
2. On stretch fabric use a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag — a straight stitch will snap as you pull it on.
3. Press the seam allowance to one side.

4-2. Make the casings

1. Fold the wide end under twice to make a casing and stitch, leaving a 2 cm (¾ in) gap.
2. Do the same at the narrow end.

4-3. Thread the elastic

1. Cut the upper elastic 2–3 cm (1 in) shorter than your upper arm — enough to stay up, not enough to dig in.
2. Cut the lower elastic 1–2 cm shorter than your wrist, but make sure your hand still goes through.
3. Thread, overlap and stitch the ends, then close the gaps. Repeat for the second cover.

✏️ The balance between the two elastics decides how these wear. Tight at the top and loose at the bottom and they slide down every time you bend your arm. Aim for the least at the top that stays up and the most at the wrist that still lets your hand through.

5. Tips & variations

• Add a thumb hole: leave 1.5 cm (⅝ in) unsewn at the lower end for your thumb. It covers the back of the hand and stops them riding up.
• Skip the elastic: in stretchy knit, hemmed ends grip well enough on their own.
• For chores: water-repellent fabric keeps your sleeves dry at the sink.