Cosy mobile phone / gadget protection case tutorial

I got a new phone just before Christmas and I love it! Unfortunately this has led to my total paranoia about scratching the screen whenever it's in my pocket or bag. Maybe you have the same paranoia about your phone, camera, mp3 player or other valuable? An easy solution is to make a simple fabric case. I had fun making this tonight and it only took an hour, and was completely free as this project doesn't need much and I used scraps from the sewing box.

You will need:

- 2 pieces of fabric for the top layer (see pics for size guides)

- 1 piece of same fabric as above for the strap, 4 times as wide as the desired strap width

- 2 pieces of soft fabric for the inside, I used felt

- A reel of thread in a colour to compliment your fabric

- A scrap of velcro (a hook and eye or a press stud would do just as well)

- Scissors, pins, a sewing machine or a good needle

- A button or anything else you would like to use to embellish the finished product

1.  First of all, lay one internal and one external layer together.  Turn over about a centimetre of the top layer fabric, pin and sew into a hem.

2.  Take the piece for the srap, fold in half and press.  Open out and fold the edges into the middle as shown, then fold in half again and press.  Now straight stitch along both sides, about 0.5cm from the edges.

3.  Fold for neatness and pin the strap about 1" from the hemmed edge of the body fabric.  Sew into place.  Don't forget to reverse stitch at the start and end so it doesn't unravel.  I only did a straight line here, but for security you could do a square of straight stitches with a cross in the middle, the way bag straps are usually sewn down.  Use a needle to thread the loose end from the exterior side of the fabric through to the interior for neatness, and tie a knot. Cut the ends short.

4.  On the other piece, sew your velcro or fastener of choice about 2" from the top hem, in the centre of the fabric.  I left this til almost the last stage, and really regretted it - had to hand-sew it in a really cramped and awkward way, so I would definitely recommend doing this now!

5.  Measure and pin where the sides of the case should be sewn.  Mine ended up quite snug, you can see why - I should have given a bit more space for seams and simply getting your fingers in there to get to your gadget!  For a perfect fit I would give it an additional 1cm once you've taken into account the width of the item.

6.  Sew the lines - I just used straight stitch - and again don't forget to do a couple of reverse stitches to secure it at each end.  Now cut around the shape, leaving 0.5-1cm seam allowance.  

7.  Turn inside out!  Always my favourite bit, very satisfying!  Now cut your strap down to size: fold it over the top and decide where abouts you'd like the fastener to be - mine was about 2" from the top - and leave a little extra to fold over for a neat edge to be sewn under the velcro.

8.  Next take your velcro (or press-stud etc.) and sew into place.

9. Your case should now be a fully functional, cosy and snug protector for your phone or gadget - not so snug you can't remove it from the case easily, though!  All that's left is to add any embellishments - a medium or large button serves this purpose well - and you're all done!