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Insulin Pump Garter

Insulin Pump Garter
This instructable shows you how to make a quick and easy insulin pump garter or "leg band." These are sold by insulin pump manufacturers, but often, they are hideous, scratchy, bulky, or only come in patterns for kids (baseball motifs, rainbow crayons, etc). I wanted to make one for myself that was soft, durable, and interesting. I hope you enjoy the instructions! This wide and streamlined version lies flat on your leg, and is very easy to make. You only have to sew four straight lines and cut a few things out! Have fun.

OR - - - order a custom made one here at Etsy: http://www.etsy.com - search for Vanfan "Insulin Pump Garter Belt"

FYI: Some Type 1 (Childhood Onset) Diabetics wear insulin pumps that give them a steady supply or "basal rate" of insulin 24 hours a day. For me, this technology improved my self-care regime tremendously. I've had my pump for 5 years and I love it. After years of multiple shots a day, it really makes life easier. In addition you can be more flexible about how you eat. If you are curious about insulin pumps or diabetes, check out www.jdrf.org.
 
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Step 1Materials Needed

Materials Needed
For this garter, you need very few materials. Scraps of fabric larger than your device and strong elastic will do it. For mine, I used great pieces from old costumes, as well as scraps collected from Purl Patchwork in Soho (a bargain! $5 for 8 very unique scraps!).

The materials needed include;

  • Good scissors
  • Strong Elastic that is at least 5cm thick and doesn't stretch out easily
  • A material for the cover/outside (note: this works like underwear; subtle colors if you want to hide it, bold colors if you are showing it off!)
  • A lining material (not entirely necessary but looks nice)
  • A fabric pencil
  • Your insulin pump or other device
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17 comments
Jan 3, 2012. 9:43 AMZaii says:
I was unable to find these on etsy.com, only belts, bags, and such, no thigh ones. There were a few pouches designed for a flask that came up in search results for "insulin", but they didn't look all that functional or slim. I've got a friend who is unlikely to make one, but may enjoy it as a gift.
Feb 19, 2011. 3:00 AMputrajustdoit says:
It's a good information for who have been diabetic to how to insulin injection.
Good job
Feb 16, 2011. 8:48 AMBiggsy says:
This is a fantastic idea, well done... I'm a type two diabetic... but I shall keep this in mind for some of the other Diabetics I know
Feb 16, 2011. 2:55 AMSafanu says:
Kim

thanks for the Idea I will be making one for my wife ! She loves her pump as it has made her life so much easier.

Thanks for this instructable!!!
Feb 15, 2011. 3:40 PMcaitlinsdad says:
May I ask, can you go swimming with the device? I guess you can make it out of the various neoprene stretch materials for a more sportier utility.
Feb 26, 2010. 9:14 AMshoster says:
Thanks so much for the idea!!! My friend has a pump and has been wearing pants to all her firefighter banquets so she could attach her pump! I am def going to make her one of these! For that matter I could make one for me to put my cell phone and a few dollars in when I don't want to bring a purse!!!
Oct 2, 2009. 4:30 AMavkrisnik says:
This is great. I have been stashing my pump in the hip area of my boy-cut panties which also works but it does give me a big bulge in my hip. I am looking forward to trying this out!
Apr 16, 2009. 9:36 PMswinding says:
Amen, sistah! I love this because when I clip said pump to my looser-than-usual clothes I tend to have lower than low riders! Not so hot. This is a million-times cuter that that or the crappy, saggy garters you can buy for, like, $20!
Aug 5, 2008. 11:18 AMdawnrager says:
Thank you for sharing your how-to knowledge! I can't wait to try this for my pump. Thanks, Dawn
Jul 25, 2007. 5:32 PMclevergirl says:
Yay! Cool pump pack! Oh how nice to be able to be clever and stylish with our pumps! And way to raise awareness! Yippee!
Jul 25, 2007. 5:34 PMclevergirl says:
ps everyone- this is also a great way to stash a celphone, ID, lipstick, etc when you don't want to carry a purse... And you get to feel like a Bond girl whipping out your phone from your top secret stash!
Jun 24, 2007. 3:39 PMsnipegoat says:
yay diabetis i myself am working on some diabetic supplies projects
Jun 22, 2007. 9:37 AMAlisonEtsy says:
This is SUCH a good idea. I had no idea there were other options for insulin use! Wow!
Jun 20, 2007. 2:59 PMVanessaEtsy says:
You rock, Kim.

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Author:kimchal