How to Make a Fabric iPod Case

Store-bought iPod cases can be expensive, bulky and none too attractive. So instead, consider making your own iPod case from a sock. This project will cost less than $5.00 to create and the finished case will protect your iPod from scratches, moisture and other damage, while remaining soft and easy to slide in your pocket. This iPod case will be created from a sock, therefore, the sky is the limit when it comes to the finished product, since socks of all textures, colors and patterns are available at stores like Target and Wal-Mart. There are several items that will be needed for this do-it-yourself iPod case project:

- A Large Sock (the portion above the heel must be two-and-a-half inches taller than your iPod, therefore totaling approximately seven-and-a-half inches)
- Fabric Scissors
- A Medium Sized Button
- A Needle and Thread
- Embroidery Thread and Matching Needle
- A Watercolor Marker with Washable Ink
- A Basic Knowledge of Sewing Stitches (see related link)

Once the necessary supplies have been collected, it's time to begin creating your personalized iPod case. Notably, this pattern can be altered to accommodate other brands of MP3 players and even most cellular phones.

1. Begin by cutting the sock just above the heel. Dispose of the portion that slides over the foot and you should be left with a fabric tube.

2. Turn the sock tube inside out.

3. Stitch one end of the sock closed with a running stitch.

4. Slide the iPod into the sock and slide the player down so it's at the bottom of the sock, touching the newly-sewn seam.

5. Take the watercolor marker and draw a line across the sock, about one-half inch above the top of the iPod.

6. Turn the sock and iPod over and use the marker to mark the other side in the same way - about one-half inch above the top of the iPod.

7. Place the sock and iPod flat on the table. Make two cuts from the open edge of the sock to the line, one on the right, and one on the left. This will create two flaps that will fold over the front and back sides of the iPod. Remove the iPod from the case.

8. Next, cut along one of the lines, removing one of the flaps.

9. The next step involves cutting the remaining flap into a triangle - this will create the appearance of a fabric envelope. Mark the center of the flap and draw a line from the center mark to each end of the line on the remaining flap. Cut away the excess fabric to create a triangular flap.

10. Next, use embroidery thread to make a decorative oversewing stitch on the outer edge of the triangle. This will prevent fraying of the fabric and it will provide added durability to the flap.

11. Continue the oversewing stitch around the open end of the case.

12. Turn the sock right-side out.

13. On the open end of the sock, sew a button on what will be the front of the case - the side without the flap. When positioning the button, place it in the center, near the top of the case. Be sure the entire button is on the fabric, with none of the button hanging over the edge of the fabric.

14. Place the iPod back inside the case.

15. Pull the triangular flap down over the top of the iPod - like closing an envelope.

16. Hold the flap down taught and use the marker to mark where the top and bottom edge of the button lands.

17. Cut a slit in the flap just a slight bit larger than the button.

18. Use a tight oversewing stitch around the edge of the slit, creating a buttonhole.

19. Place the iPod inside the new case, button the flap to secure and enjoy!

This pattern can also be used with an array of fabrics in place of a sock. Though if substituting fabric for a sock, select a fabric with a moderate degree of elasticity. Decorative buttons can add extra flare to the case, as can decorative embroidery. Snaps can also be utilized in place of the button for a sleeker appearance.

In addition, the extra sock can be used to make an accompanying cell phone case, using the same method.