
If you've injured your arm and can't get immediate medical attention, you can make an arm sling with a T-shirt. Arm slings are used to stabilise and immobilise your arm and shoulder in the event of an injury. Here are the steps to make an arm sling with a T-shirt:
First, cut the sleeves off the T-shirt. Then, cut the remaining cloth in half diagonally to create a triangle. Place your elbow at the corner near your body and your wrist on the long edge. Take the other two points of the triangle and put them around either side of your neck, meeting behind the neck. Adjust these ends so that your hand is higher than your elbow, then tie the ends behind your neck. Alternatively, you can use a safety pin if a knot is uncomfortable.
How to make an arm sling with a t-shirt
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What you need | A t-shirt with long sleeves |
Step 1 | Cut the t-shirt in half diagonally to create a triangle |
Step 2 | With the longest edge facing away from you, place your elbow at the corner near your body and your wrist on the long edge |
Step 3 | Take the other two points of the triangle and put them around either side of your neck, meeting behind the neck |
Step 4 | Adjust these ends so that your hand is higher than your elbow, then tie the ends behind your neck |
Alternative | Use a safety pin if a knot is uncomfortable |
What You'll Learn
Folding the T-shirt to make a triangle
To make an arm sling with a T-shirt, you will need to fold the T-shirt to make a triangle. This can be done by folding the T-shirt diagonally in half. Place the T-shirt on a flat surface and line up the sleeves so that the bottom hem of the shirt forms a straight line. Then, grab the corner of the shirt on the side with the sleeves and fold it over to the opposite side, forming a triangle.
The triangle you have created will serve as the base of your arm sling. The long edge of the triangle will go across your back and the two corners will be tied together behind your neck. The third corner, which is now the top of the triangle, is where you will place your elbow.
If you are using a long-sleeved shirt, you can also use the sleeves to help secure the sling. After folding the shirt into a triangle, take the sleeves and tie them in a knot. This will create a loop that you can put your arm through. Place your arm through the loop and adjust the sleeves so that they are comfortable and not too tight.
When folding your T-shirt, it is important to make sure that the triangle is big enough to support your arm. The triangle should be at least 40 inches (1.0 meter) on each side. If your shirt is smaller than this, you may need to cut the sleeves or bottom hem to create a larger triangle.
Additionally, if you are using a T-shirt that is particularly thick or stiff, you may need to cut the fabric instead of folding it. Cutting the fabric will create a smoother edge that is less likely to irritate your skin.
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Placing the injured arm in the sling
Firstly, make sure the longest edge of the triangle is facing away from you. Place your elbow at the corner of the triangle nearest to your body, and your wrist on the long edge.
Then, take the other two points of the triangle and put them around either side of your neck, meeting behind your neck.
Now, adjust the ends of the sling so that your hand is higher than your elbow. You can then tie the ends behind your neck. If you would prefer not to tie a knot, you can use a safety pin to secure the sling.
Your sling should fit your arm comfortably, and you should be able to see your fingertips. If the knot is uncomfortable, you can pad it with a small towel or a piece of fabric.
If you are using a long-sleeved t-shirt, tie the sleeves behind your neck and support your arm in the loop.
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Tying the ends of the T-shirt behind the neck
Once you have the T-shirt in the correct position, it is important to tie the ends securely. This will ensure the arm is supported and kept still, which is the purpose of an arm sling.
Firstly, you will need to tie a knot. This can be a simple knot, but it should be secure. If you are using a T-shirt, you may find it more comfortable to tie the knot at the side of your neck, rather than directly behind it. This will prevent the knot from digging into the nape of your neck. You can also slip a small pad or towel under the knot if it is uncomfortable.
Make sure to avoid tying the knot in your hair. If you accidentally catch your hair in the knot, it can be very painful when you move your arm or walk.
If you are using a long-sleeved garment, you can tie the sleeves behind your head and then carefully insert your injured arm through the loop. This will create a similar effect to tying a knot, but may be more comfortable for some.
If you are using a belt, fasten it behind your neck so that your arm is supported. You can shift the belt so that the buckle sits between your neck and arm, as this may be more comfortable than having the buckle directly against the back of your neck.
If you are using a necktie, simply tie it behind your neck and pass your arm through the loop.
Once you have tied the ends of the T-shirt behind your neck, you can adjust the height of the sling by loosening or tightening the knot. This will change the length of the fabric and allow you to find a comfortable position for your arm. Your arm should hang at a 90-degree angle, with your wrist elevated above your elbow.
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Adjusting the sling to the right height
When adjusting the sling to the right height, you should ensure that your wrist is elevated above your elbow. Your hand should be higher than your elbow, with your arm hanging at a 90-degree angle. The sling should be comfortable and not cause any additional pain. You should be able to see your fingertips when wearing the sling.
If the knot of the sling is uncomfortable, you can use a safety pin to secure the ends of the sling instead. If the knot is still causing discomfort, you can place some padding between the knot and your skin. If the sling is causing skin irritation, you can wear a collared shirt underneath or add padding to the area of the sling that is rubbing against your skin.
If you are using a long-sleeved garment as a sling, adjust the length of the sleeves so that your arm can hang at a 90-degree angle. You can also use safety pins to close the fabric of the sleeve around your elbow, creating a backstop for your sling.
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Securing the arm with a safety pin
Step 1: Create the sling using a t-shirt. You can do this by folding the t-shirt in half diagonally to form a triangle. Place the injured arm inside the triangle, with the wrist resting midway along the bottom edge of the triangle and the elbow at the top point.
Step 2: Bring the two free corners of the triangle up and around the neck, either over the same shoulder or the opposite shoulder, depending on your preference. Adjust the length so that the hand is higher than the elbow and the elbow is bent at a right angle.
Step 3: Secure the two ends of the triangle together at the side of the neck using a safety pin. This will ensure that the sling stays in place and that the arm is securely immobilised.
Step 4: Check that the person's fingertips are exposed and that their arm is resting comfortably against their chest. You may need to adjust the sling to ensure that it is not too tight and is not causing any discomfort.
Step 5: If the safety pin is causing irritation to the skin, you can add some padding between the safety pin and the skin, such as a small piece of fabric or a pad.
Step 6: It is important to regularly check the circulation in the arm by checking the skin colour and pulse. If the area becomes cool, pale, or blue, or if numbness or tingling develops, loosen the sling and adjust as needed.
Using a safety pin to secure a makeshift arm sling is a simple and effective way to stabilise an injured arm and prevent further injury. Just make sure to keep an eye on the arm and adjust the sling as needed to ensure optimal comfort and healing.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to use a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Tie the sleeves of the T-shirt behind your neck and carefully insert your injured arm through the loop.
You can use a safety pin to close the edge of the sling near your elbow, creating a "backstop" for your elbow to rest against.
You can also use a belt, a necktie, a sheet, or a pillowcase.