Do you want to know how to make a holster for a toy gun? If so, then keep reading as I present to you two easy ways to create a holster for your toy gun. I have found these solutions as my child kept on losing his toy gun in his pocket.
You can make a holster out of simple things, like duct tape, cardboard, and fabric. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Toy Gun
Of course, you’ll need your toy gun to serve as a measurement basis for the holster. You’ll want your toy gun to fit snugly into the holster, so it won’t drop on the ground during plays. Place your toy gun near you, so you can reach for it when it’s time to make the pattern.
You can make a holster for any toy gun, whether it’s a wooden gun or a laser tag weapon.
Scissors
You’ll need scissors to cut the duct tape in method 1 and the fabric in method 2. A pair of scissors can also be a good alternative for a utility knife in cutting the cardboard in method 1.
Any pair of scissors will do, as long as it’s sharp enough to cut through anything. If you have your own special pair of scissors for fabric, then use it, because cutting fabric with an all-purpose scissor will just dull the blades.
Pencil (Optional)
Others can trace the pattern of the toy gun directly with a utility knife, but you can use a pencil if you want to be more meticulous. A pencil also makes it easier to cut the holster pattern because you can draw the outline beforehand.
Compared to other markings, I like to use a pencil because it’s easy to erase the markings when I make a mistake. If you can’t find a pencil near you, use any marker you have.
Additional Materials
For Method 1
Cardboard
You’ll need heavy-duty cardboard to serve as the thick base or backplate for your holster. I got mine from an old manila folder, which has served its purpose very well. You can also use the back part of your notepad or any thin poster board.
When choosing the right cardboard for this project, look at the firmness. Make sure that it doesn’t bend like some flimsy paper. I also don’t recommend a thick box because it will make the holster bulky.
Duct Tape
While the cardboard serves as the backplate, the duct tape will be the holster’s shell or pocket. I like to use duct tape because there’s no need to use hardware to hold these two pieces together. This material precisely molds to fit the gun and provides an aesthetic to the entire holster.
You can choose any color you want. For the type, I recommend using a professional-grade because it’s stronger and more adhesive than other types of duct tape.
Utility Knife
The knife will be useful in cutting the pattern. I use a utility knife because it’s very sharp and easy to use. If you can’t find a utility knife around, you can use any of the following alternative tools.
- Hobby Knife: Like the utility knife, a hobby knife is sharp. I like this tool because it’s easy to grip with its textured handle.
- Scalpel: If you use thicker cardboard, I recommend using a scalpel because it’s good for doing more intricate work.
For Method 2
Fabric
If you want to be fancy, you can make a fabric holster for your toy gun. You can choose any prints you want, but the quality shouldn’t be too thin or it will give in easily. The best material for a toy gun holster is cotton canvas because it’s waterproof and heavy-duty.
What I like best about canvas fabric is that it’s soft and quiet. No matter how your kid abuses the holster, it won’t make any annoying sound like polyester. This type of fabric is also easy to repair.
Needle And Thread
You’ll need a needle and thread to sew the fabric into a holster. Choose any size of need that you’re most comfortable with. The color of the thread may depend on the fabric’s color. If you use white fabric, it would be better to use white thread.
Alternatively, you can use a sewing machine to save time and hassle. This equipment is faster and more efficient, but only experienced sewers know how to use it.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Once you’ve decided which method to use, gather all the required materials and refer to the detailed instructions below.
Method 1: Duct Tape Holster
1. Make The Backplate
Lay the toy gun onto the cardboard to create the backplate. Trace the toy gun’s outline with a pencil or do it with a utility knife. In making an outline, don’t include the handle and make sure that it’s slightly larger than the toy gun for an easier fit.
2. Wrap The Duct Tape Around The Toy
Now, place the toy gun into the backplate and start wrapping them around with the duct tape. Fold the duct tape in half so it doesn’t stick to the toy. Also, make sure that the tape is adequately long to wind around the toy.
Once done, test whether the size is right. Try squeezing the edge closed and draw the gun out. The toy gun should snugly fit, so it stays secure when you’re carrying it. Finally, tape around the gaps and edges to seal the holster.
3. Make A Belt Clip
The belt clip can be a piece of cardboard, long enough to enclose around your belt.
My belt is around 1.5 inches wide, so I cut cardboard that’s 3.25 inches long. The width is half the width of my duct tape, which is about an inch. After cutting the loop, tape it around like a taco, seal the edges, and attach it to the back of the holster.
Method 2: Fabric Holster
1. Make A Pattern
Fold the fabric and lay your toy gun on top of it. Trace the shape of your toy gun using a pencil or any marker available in your home. Make sure that you’re doing it on the backside of the fabric and not on the printed one.
The pattern should be slightly larger than the toy gun because you need to sew the sides together, which takes me to the next step.
2. Hem And Sew The Sides
To make the holster look neat, hem the top and bottom parts of the fabric. I also think doing so will make things simpler. Now, sew the sides together using a threaded needle or sewing machine. Sew the sides together with the right side out to make sure that the toy gun fits into the holster.
3. Make The Belt Loops
Measure your belt and cut strips from the remaining fabric to make belt loops. Make sure that the loops are large enough to slip on the belt easily. For example, if your belt is 2mm wide, the loops should be 3.5mm long or so.
Finally, fold and sew the loops then tuck them under the raw edges.
Conclusion
Did you find the tutorial above easy? My favorite is the duct tape holster because it doesn’t require any sewing skills. We should know how to make a holster for a toy gun so our kids can be more comfortable carrying and playing with the toy.
If you have anything to say about this tutorial, feel free to write in the comments. Please share this article with your loved ones if you like it.