Do-It-Yourself F1 merch ideas!

Scroll through motorsports content on TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram, and one thing stands out visually across all demographics, subjects, and places of origin– merch. 

It can often seem that a prerequisite to calling yourself a fan of Formula 1 is owning or wearing these official, branded, bright (papaya or rosso corsa or racing green, for example), and expensive hats and shirts. The deeper you get into fan spaces, the more merch it can feel you’re expected to have. Are you a real George Russell fan if you don’t have every special edition cap he’s ever had? Can you own every Quadrant collection Lando Norris has dropped? Will you go viral for your collection of Charles Leclerc mini helmets?

I’m here to tell you what you probably already know deep down– that you don’t need any of those things. For many of us, especially young women or others who have historically been marginalized in motorsports spaces, owning merchandise can feel like a way to back up your status as a fan when others may question it. If you want to purchase this merchandise, great! This isn’t a call-out to any of us about our purchases, because only you know your own priorities best. But I think being mindful both financially and environmentally of what these merch collections can cause is also important, and I’d like to challenge us as a community to get more creative with how we show off our favorite teams and drivers. 

Do-it-yourself merch has a long history in fandom culture, but has recently gotten more attention in our motorsports community. It can be more budget friendly than official merch, it can be a stress relieving activity in our otherwise busy lives, and, if you find your niche, it could become a small business idea. Perhaps most importantly, though, it allows us as fans to show our own personality in place of otherwise corporate, matchy-matchy merchandise. 

So, without further ado– here are some ideas to get you started!

1. Mini LEGO F1 keychains

   
   

   This summer, LEGO released miniature blind boxes with Formula 1 and an F1 Academy car. Not interested in the blind box gambit? Download (APP) to scan the item’s barcode and know which team’s car you’re purchasing. Then, hot glue the miniature car together, add a keychain or bag charm clasp, and if you’re feeling bougie, bedazzle it! 

2. Number hoodie

   
   

   This TikTok would be an awesome idea to follow to make your own custom merch inspired by your favorite driver! To keep things budget friendly, you could upcycle an old hoodie or tee that you already have, or pick up a new-to-you option at a thrift store. Just cut out the numbers you want in a contrasting color, sew them on (by machine or by hand) and you’re done! If you don’t know how to sew, you could get creative with an iron-on option. 

3. Friendship bracelets

   
   

   Beaded, a-la-Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with your favorite driver’s number, a funny radio message, or your team’s name, or in the shape of little F1 cars.

Or, you could make them with string and follow grid patterns on Bracelet Book!

4. Beaded shirts 

   
   

   Some might remember Lily Zneimer’s iconic custom Oscar Piastri shirt, made by Shannon Ashley! While Shannon Ashley’s work is incredibly detailed, intricate, and perhaps tedious for a beginner, Pinterest has lots of slightly more accessible options. 

5. Embroidery

   
   

   If beaded embroidery sounds like too much for you, regular embroidery is also stunning! Etsy offers many options for embroidery patterns or kits themed around drivers’ helmets or your favorite circuit. 

   
   

6. Decorate a driver card, trading card, or make your own photocards!

   
   

   Perhaps an especially appealing idea for fans who already are familiar with K-Pop photocards, you could decorate a toploader for your favorite F1 trading card, or make a frame for it.

7. Customize your own Sylvanian Family/Calico Critter keychain!

   
   

   Sylvanian Family (or Calico Critters, if you’re from the USA) are already the cutest little toys or keychains, but making a race suit or jersey for yours would take it up a notch. This could be done with scrap fabric or with felt!

7. Go thrifting!

   
   

   This last one might not be as DIY as the others, but you’d be surprised what your local thrift store might have that is motorsport related– especially if you live in countries with a big culture around racing, like the USA, the UK, Germany, or Italy! 

If you’re a knitter or crocheter like me, here are some more ideas! If you haven’t knitted or crocheted anything before, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start a new hobby– I like to crochet while I watch F1 practice sessions.

1. F1 Tire Coasters

   
   

   Andrea Nyholm has a great pattern for a tire coaster on Ravelry! I’ve made my own adaptation of her pattern that I found slightly easier. 

2. Tapestry crochet

   
   

   Using a pattern from Pinterest, Bracelet Book, or designing your own, why not make some cool wall decorations with tapestry crochet? If you’re just getting started, a small project might be less tedious, but some incredible fiber artists like Handmade With Kaye have created stunning large scale tapestries, like this one of Sir Lewis Hamilton.

3. Blanket

   
   

   Jenna Bingham made a gorgeous blanket inspired by Lando Norris’s helmet, but you could put lots of different things on yours, using tapestry crochet or corner-to-corner techniques! 

4. 8-bit car sweater

   
   

   This knitted sweater is so chic and would be a great winter break project.

5. Scarf or beanie in your favorite team’s colors

   
   

   A super cute and practical DIY merch item would be some winterwear in your team’s colors! British football scarves, Harry Potter scarves, and hockey beanies could be great inspiration. 

Feel free to tag The Motorsports Girlies in any of your DIY creations– we’d love to see what you’re up to! Happy crafting!