What a Garter Is and Why You'd Sew One
A garter is a band of elastic fabric worn around the leg, just above or below the knee, to hold up a stocking or sock. You sew one by attaching elastic to a strip of fabric, then closing the band into a circle. The whole project takes about 30 minutes once you have your materials, and the finished garter is adjustable—you can tighten or loosen it by how much you overlap the elastic when you wear it.
Garters are practical for formal wear, historical costumes, or anyone whose socks slip down. Unlike a store-bought garter, one you sew yourself fits your leg exactly and uses fabric you choose. The basic construction is the same whether you're making a straightforward elastic band or a decorative garter with lace trim.
Key Takeaways
- Measure around your leg just above the knee, then cut your fabric strip about 1 inch longer than that measurement and 2 to 3 inches wide.
- Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other, sew the long edge closed, then turn it right-side out to create a tube.
- Thread elastic through the tube using a safety pin, then overlap the elastic ends by half an inch and sew them together before closing the fabric opening.
- Fold the raw edges of the fabric opening inward and stitch them closed by hand or machine to finish the garter.
Measuring Your Leg and Cutting the Fabric
Wrap a soft measuring tape around your leg just above the knee where you want the garter to sit. Write down that measurement—let's say it's 14 inches. Add 1 inch to that number for seam allowance and overlap, giving you 15 inches as your target length.
Cut a rectangle of fabric 15 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. Use a fabric that has some weight to it—cotton quilting fabric, linen, or a cotton-blend works well. Avoid thin fabrics like voile or muslin, which won't hold the elastic securely. If you want a decorative garter, cut your main fabric slightly narrower (about 2 inches) and plan to add lace or trim along one edge after the elastic is in.
Sewing the Fabric Tube
Place your fabric rectangle with the right sides (the pretty sides) facing each other. Fold it in half lengthwise so the two long edges line up. Pin along the long edge you just created, leaving the short ends open.
Sew along that pinned long edge using a straight stitch and a 1/4-inch seam allowance—that means your needle runs 1/4 inch away from the edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the thread. You now have a tube, but it's inside-out. Reach into one of the open ends, grab the opposite end, and pull gently to turn the tube right-side out. Use a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to push the corners out fully.
Threading and Attaching the Elastic
Cut a piece of elastic 1 to 2 inches shorter than your leg measurement. If your leg is 14 inches around, cut elastic about 12 to 13 inches long—the elastic will stretch when you wear the garter and hold it in place. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic.
Feed the safety pin into one open end of your fabric tube and push it through, gathering the fabric as you go. The safety pin guides the elastic through without twisting it. When the elastic comes out the other end, you'll have elastic running through the center of your tube with fabric bunched around it.
Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about 1/2 inch and sew them together using a zigzag stitch or a small rectangle of stitches back and forth. This overlap keeps the elastic from slipping apart when you wear the garter. Trim any excess thread.
Closing the Fabric Opening
Push the elastic and the seam you just made back inside the tube so it's hidden. You now have two open raw edges where you started. Fold each raw edge inward by about 1/4 inch, press with your fingers or an iron, and pin the opening closed.
Stitch the opening shut using a ladder stitch (a nearly invisible hand stitch that runs inside the fold) or a straightforward straight stitch on the machine 1/8 inch from the edge. If you use the machine, your stitching will show on the outside, so use thread that matches your fabric. Backstitch at the start and end, then trim your thread.
Trying On and Adjusting Fit
Slip the garter onto your leg and position it where you want it to sit. The elastic should hold it snugly without cutting off circulation—you should be able to slide one finger under the band. If it's too loose, you can overlap the elastic more when you wear it by rolling the garter slightly. If it's too tight, you may need to cut the elastic shorter and resew the overlap, but this is rare.
Wear the garter with a stocking or sock pulled up over it. The garter stays in place by gripping the fabric of the sock, not by pinching your leg. If it slides down, the elastic may be too long, or your sock fabric may be too slippery—try a sock with more texture or a slightly tighter elastic overlap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is making the elastic too long. Elastic should be noticeably shorter than your leg measurement—if it's the same length or longer, it won't grip. Another mistake is sewing the elastic overlap with a straight stitch only; use a zigzag or multiple passes to make sure it won't pop open under tension.
Don't skip the step of turning the tube right-side out. Sewing with wrong sides facing each other and leaving it that way creates a garter with visible seams and fraying edges. Finally, avoid very stretchy elastic meant for swimwear or activewear—use standard 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch wide elastic from a fabric store, which has the right amount of grip without being uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different width of elastic?
Yes. Narrower elastic (1/4 inch) works for thin socks or stockings but may dig in. Wider elastic (1 inch or more) spreads the pressure and is more comfortable for all-day wear. Match your elastic width to your fabric width—if your fabric is 2 inches wide, use 1/2-inch elastic so it doesn't bunch.
What if I don't have a safety pin to thread the elastic?
A bobby pin, paper clip, or even a length of thread tied to the elastic end works. The goal is something small and sturdy that won't slip out of the fabric tube. You can also hand-stitch the elastic to one end of the fabric, then roll the fabric around it as you go.
How do I add lace or trim to my garter?
Cut your main fabric narrower (about 1.5 inches wide) and sew lace or ribbon to one long edge before you fold it in half. The lace will end up on the outside of the finished garter. Make sure the lace is flexible enough to stretch slightly with the elastic, or it will bunch.
Can I wash a garter I've sewn?
Yes. Hand wash in cool water with mild soap and lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer, which can damage elastic over time. If your garter has decorative lace, check that the lace care instructions match—some delicate trims need gentler handling than cotton fabric.
What fabric works best for a garter?
Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are ideal because they're sturdy, breathable, and straightforward to sew. Avoid stretchy knits or very thin fabrics. If you want a decorative look, try jacquard, brocade, or cotton with a printed pattern. The fabric should feel substantial enough that it won't wrinkle easily around your leg.