Make a quiver
Make a wearable quiver for toy or foam arrows using cardboard, fabric, and straps; measure, cut, assemble, and decorate for safe imaginative play.
About this activity
Make a wearable quiver for toy or foam arrows using cardboard, fabric, and straps; measure, cut, assemble, and decorate for safe imaginative play.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Measure your longest toy or foam arrow and write down the length.
- 2
Step 2
Use a ruler to draw a rectangle on the cardboard that matches the arrow length plus 1 inch for overlap.
- 3
Step 3
Cut out the rectangle from the cardboard with scissors.
- 4
Step 4
Roll the cardboard rectangle into a tube shape.
- 5
Step 5
Tape or glue the overlapping seam to hold the tube closed.
- 6
Step 6
Cut a circle from extra cardboard the same diameter as the tube opening.
- 7
Step 7
Glue the cardboard circle to one end of the tube to make a bottom and hold it until the glue sets.
- 8
Step 8
Cut a piece of fabric large enough to wrap around the tube with one inch extra at the top and bottom.
- 9
Step 9
Wrap the fabric around the tube and glue or tape the edges to secure the covering.
- 10
Step 10
Make two small holes near the top on opposite sides of the tube for the strap.
- 11
Step 11
Thread the ribbon or strap material through the holes.
- 12
Step 12
Tie knots inside the tube at the strap ends to keep the strap from slipping out.
- 13
Step 13
Decorate the quiver with colouring materials stickers or fabric shapes however you like.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished quiver on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a wearable quiver for toy arrows?
To make a wearable quiver, measure your child's torso and cut a cardboard tube or a rolled sheet to the desired length. Line it with fabric or felt, glue or tape edges, and add a bottom cap for stability. Attach adjustable straps (ribbon, webbing, or elastic) with hot glue or sewing, reinforcing with tape. Test fit, trim any sharp edges, and decorate with paint, markers, or patches. Use soft foam arrows only and supervise initial play.
What materials do I need to make a cardboard and fabric quiver?
You'll need a cardboard tube (poster or mailing tube) or sturdy cardboard to roll, fabric or felt to cover, scissors and a craft knife, ruler and pencil, hot glue or strong craft glue, duct tape for reinforcement, adjustable straps or ribbon, elastic or buckles, foam arrows or soft toy arrows, optional felt lining, paints, markers, and decorations like patches or stickers. Keep a cutting mat and adult supervision for knife use.
What ages is making a wearable quiver suitable for?
This project suits children about 5–12 years old. Ages 5–7 will need close adult help with measuring, cutting, and glue; ages 8–10 can handle most steps with supervision; 11–12 can plan, decorate, and customize independently. For toddlers under 4, adapt by using pre-made tubes and non-toxic decorations while an adult does cutting. Always consider each child's fine motor skills and supervise any tool use.
What safety tips, benefits, or variations should I know for this quiver project?
Safety first: smooth or tape all cut edges, avoid staples, and use only soft foam arrows to prevent injuries. Supervise cutting and hot-glue use, and fit straps snugly so the quiver won't swing into a face. Benefits include imaginative play, hand-eye coordination, measuring and sewing practice, and creativity. Variations: make a smaller belt quiver, backpack-style quiver, or decorate by theme (archer, ranger, space). Use washable materials for easy cleaning.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I don't have corrugated cardboard, what can I use instead for the quiver tube?
Use a sturdy cereal-box panel or poster board cut to the same arrow-length rectangle and roll and tape it following the 'draw a rectangle' and 'roll the cardboard rectangle into a tube shape' steps, then reinforce the seam with extra tape.
My tube keeps unrolling or the seam comes apart — how can I fix that?
Reopen the tube, add a strip of strong packing tape along the overlapping seam and on the inside or run a bead of craft glue on the overlap and hold until set as described in 'Tape or glue the overlapping seam to hold the tube closed'.
How can I adapt this activity for a 4-year-old versus a 10-year-old?
For a 4-year-old have an adult pre-measure and pre-cut the rectangle, circle, and punch the strap holes so the child can wrap the fabric and decorate, while a 10-year-old can measure, draw, cut, glue the seam, make the holes, and tie the strap independently following each step.
What are simple ways to personalize or upgrade the finished quiver beyond stickers?
Before wrapping the tube, glue a fabric lining and foam padding to the glued bottom, then add sewn or glued cardboard pockets or elastic loops to the fabric cover and decorate per the 'Decorate the quiver' step for extra storage and flair.