Archery Arm Guard Pattern Free: How to Make Your Own Step by Step

An archery arm guard pattern free download or hand-drawn template lets you make a forearm guard that fits your bow arm, protects you from string slap, and costs little more than a scrap of leather or plastic. This guide walks you through measuring your forearm, drafting a pattern, cutting and shaping the guard, and fitting it so it stays put while you shoot. The method works for recurve, traditional, and compound shooters alike, though the bow-arm side and strap placement change a little depending on your style.

Why Arm Guards Matter Before You Build a Pattern

String slap happens when the bowstring snaps forward after release and strikes the inside of your bow forearm. It can leave a welt, a bruise, or a stinging red mark, and new shooters often flinch because of it, which then affects their form. A properly sized arm guard covers the area the string travels across, usually the inside of the forearm from the wrist toward the elbow, and it keeps loose sleeves out of the string path. Before you cut anything, confirm that you need one for your style. Compound shooters commonly use a guard as well, mainly to protect against the cable and string on the bow arm, so the same principles apply.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 9 Best Arrows for Traditional Archery (2026): Expert Picks.

Materials and Tools You Will Need

You do not need specialized equipment to make a guard from a free pattern. Gather the following before you start:

• A flexible sheet of leather (around 2 to 3 mm thick), thick neoprene, or a rigid polymer sheet
• A tape measure with metric and inch markings
• Sheets of kraft or butcher paper for drafting the pattern
• A marking pen or fine scribe
• A sharp utility knife or leather shears
• A metal ruler or straightedge
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit) for smoothing edges
• Hook-and-loop strap, leather lacing, or a buckle for fastening
• Rivets, snaps, or contact cement if you plan to attach straps
• A leather punch or drill for strap holes

Step One: Measure Your Forearm Correctly

Accurate measurements are the foundation of any arm guard pattern, whether printed or drawn from scratch. Stand in your normal shooting stance with your bow arm extended, then take these measurements:

1. Wrist circumference: Wrap the tape around the bony part of the wrist, just above the hand.
2. Forearm circumference: Measure around the thickest part of the forearm, typically about 3 to 5 cm below the elbow.
3. Guard length: Measure from just below the elbow crease to about 2 cm past the wrist bone. This length covers the string’s path on most shooters, though some prefer a shorter guard to reduce bulk.
4. Width at the elbow end: Measure the inside-to-outside width of the forearm at the elbow end of your planned guard.

Write every measurement down and add about 1 cm of ease to the circumferences so the guard fits comfortably over a shirt sleeve or bare skin. Too tight, and the guard pinches or restricts blood flow; too loose, and it shifts during the shot.

Step Two: Draft or Adapt a Free Pattern

Many archery forums, club websites, and bow-shop newsletters share free arm guard templates as printable PDFs or paper outlines. When you find one, check it against your measurements before you use it. Most patterns are drawn for a standard adult forearm and may need adjustment in three places: the overall length, the width at the wrist end, and the curve along the inside edge.

To adapt a pattern, print it at 100 percent scale and confirm the printed scale bar measures correctly. Then trace it onto kraft paper, mark your adjusted lengths, and redraw the curves smoothly. If you cannot find a pattern you trust, draw your own: a rounded rectangle with a slight taper, about 2 to 3 cm narrower at the wrist than at the elbow, works for most shooters.

Checking the Pattern Fit

Before cutting your final material, cut a test piece from cardboard or an old file folder. Wrap it around your forearm, secure it with tape, and shoot a few arrows at close range. Check that the string clears the guard during release and that the edges do not dig into your skin. Adjust the pattern and repeat until the fit feels right.

Step Three: Cut and Shape the Guard

Once the pattern fits, transfer it to your chosen material. Lay the paper pattern flat, trace the outline with your marking pen, and cut slowly. Leather is easiest to cut with a sharp knife on a cutting mat; neoprene and polymer sheets may need a straightedge and steady pressure.

Smooth every cut edge with sandpaper, starting at 120 grit and finishing at 220 grit. Round the corners lightly so they do not catch on clothing or the bowstring. If you are working with leather, you can dampen the piece slightly and gently curve it around a forearm-shaped object, such as a rolled towel or a PVC pipe, then allow it to dry. This creates the natural curve that helps the guard sit flat against your arm.

Step Four: Add Straps and Fastening Points

A guard that is not secured will slide during the shot. Most designs use two to three fastening points: one near the wrist, one near the elbow, and sometimes a middle strap. Mark the positions on the inside of the guard, punch or drill holes about 3 to 4 mm in diameter, and attach your strap or lacing. Hook-and-loop strips are easy to adjust and remove. Rivets or snaps give a more permanent, sturdy result. Position the straps so they lie flat and do not press into the wrist joint or the elbow crease.

Step Five: Test and Fine-Tune the Fit

Put the guard on over your normal shooting clothes and draw your bow several times. Watch for these signs:

• The string strikes the guard cleanly without hitting skin or sleeve
• The guard stays centered on the forearm after each shot
• You can close your hand and rotate your wrist without pinching
• The straps are snug but not tight enough to restrict circulation

If the guard shifts, tighten the strap or move the fastening points slightly. If the string still touches your arm, the guard may be too narrow or positioned too far from the string line; adjust the width or placement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Building from a pattern that does not match your measurements. Always test with a cardboard prototype first.
• Making the guard too tight. A guard that restricts movement can affect your release and cause numbness.
• Skipping edge smoothing. Sharp edges snag clothing and can scrape your skin.
• Placing straps over joints. Keep fastening points on the forearm, away from the wrist and elbow bends.
• Ignoring the bow-arm side. Right-handed shooters typically wear the guard on the left arm, and vice versa. Confirm which arm you shoot with before cutting.

Tips for a Better Result

• Make two prototypes before cutting the final piece. Paper is cheap and quick to adjust.
• Keep a note of the measurements and adjustments you made so you can reproduce the fit later.
• Choose a material that suits your climate. Neoprene stays flexible in cold weather, while leather may stiffen.
• Clean the guard periodically with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat that can weaken leather or stiffen straps.
• If you shoot in a club, ask an experienced member to check the fit and string clearance at your next session.

Recommended gear

Some ready-made arm guards come in a range of sizes and can be useful if you want a fast alternative to building your own. Look for an adjustable strap system and a guard long enough to cover the string path on your shooting style. Several well-known brands sell adjustable leather and synthetic guards that suit recurve and traditional shooters. View on Amazon

A quality pair of leather shears makes clean, accurate cuts on arm guard material much easier than kitchen scissors. They reduce fraying on leather and keep curved edges smooth. View on Amazon

A cutting mat protects your work surface and gives you a stable base for tracing patterns and cutting straight lines against a metal ruler. View on Amazon

Hook-and-loop strap material lets you adjust fit and swap straps without new rivets. It is an easy addition to any homemade guard. View on Amazon

FAQ

Where can I find an archery arm guard pattern free to print?

Archery clubs, forum communities, and some bow shop websites share free printable templates as PDFs. Check each pattern’s listed dimensions against your own measurements before you cut.

What material is best for a homemade arm guard?

Leather at 2 to 3 mm thick is the traditional choice and molds well to the forearm. Neoprene is softer and more forgiving in cold weather, and thin polymer sheets are durable and easy to clean.

How long should an arm guard be?

Most guards run from just below the elbow crease to a little past the wrist bone, roughly 20 to 25 cm for an average adult. Length depends on your string path and personal preference.

Can I use an arm guard for compound bows?

Yes. Compound shooters often wear a guard to protect the bow arm from the cable and string, and the same measuring and fitting steps apply.

How tight should the straps be?

Snug enough that the guard does not shift during the shot, but loose enough that you can close your hand and rotate your wrist without pinching or numbness.

How do I clean a leather arm guard?

Wipe it with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt, then let it air dry away from direct heat. Leather conditioner applied sparingly keeps it supple over time.

When should I see a professional about string slap or arm injuries?

If you develop persistent bruising, numbness, tingling, or pain that does not resolve, consult a doctor or physical therapist. A certified archery coach can also check your form and equipment fit.

Conclusion

Making your own arm guard from a free pattern is a practical project that rewards careful measuring and patient fitting. Test a cardboard prototype, cut and smooth the final piece, and secure it with straps placed away from the joints. With a well-fitted guard in place, you can focus on your anchor point and release rather than flinching at the string.

Related reading

• Victory Archery Arrows for Sale: 8 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Types of Arrows in Archery: A Beginner's Guide to Shafts and Spines
• Parts of Archery Arrows: A Beginner's Guide to Every Component

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