Thursday 10 April 2014

Phone Holder Tutorial

Today I'm going to share a tutorial for a mobile phone or iPod holder. I've lost count of the number of these I've made - they're quite simple to put together and make great little gifts. They're also a good way of showcasing two contrasting fabrics. I decided to go for a floral, Cath Kidston-style look for this particular phone holder using two Tilda fabrics from Elephant in my Handbag. Like the idea? Well read on as there's a fabric giveaway and reader offer at the end too!




You will need:
1 x outer fabric 4.5" wide x 14" long
1 x lining fabric 4.5" wide x 14" long
1 x medium weight sew-in interfacing* 4.5" wide x 14" long
*I use sew-in interfacing as I find it's a bit weightier than fusible and provides a bit more cushioning. If you'd rather use fusible interfacing, then iron it to the reverse of the outer fabric piece before you start.
A 1 inch square of sew-in Velcro. I don't use adhesive Velcro as it gums up your needle (ask me how I know!)


1. Right, we'll start by making a fabric sandwich:
Place the outer fabric piece face UP on top of the interfacing piece
Place the lining piece face DOWN on top of the outer fabric (so that right sides are together).
Pin in place through all layers.





2. Starting about a third of the way in from one of the SHORT edges, sew all the way around the long rectangle, finishing the same distance from the corner of the other short edge. I use the edge of my presser foot as a seam allowance.

Starting point


3. If you're using sew-in interfacing, trim the interfacing seams down to reduce bulk.  Snip all four corners on the diagonal.


4. Turn the whole thing the right way round, through the gap you've left.  Use a paintbrush or similar to poke out the edges, making sure they're nice and pointy. Give the whole piece a good press, ensuring the seam allowances in the turning gap are also pressed under.

Turning gap with seams pressed under
5. If you want to add a label, now's your chance. Sew it in position as close to the top edge as you can, making sure the label goes right across the turning gap.  If you're not adding a label, simply stitch right the way across the top edge to close up the gap.



6. Take one half of your Velcro piece and centre it 1.5" down from the top edge. You shouldn't need to pin it in position, just hold it firmly in place with your hand. Stitch down, keeping close to the edge.


7. Stick the other half of the Velcro to the piece you've just sewn on. This will keep it safe until we come to attach it to the front flap of the case later.


8. Fold the bottom of the fabric rectangle up by 5" so the two lining sides are against each other and you've created a pouch. Pin in place securely.


9. Starting at one bottom edge, sew all the way up the sides and around the top edge of the pouch. I tend to sew about ¼" from the edge to avoid the bulky seam allowances.


10. The picture below has been turned the right way round. You can see the where it's been top stitched up one side, across the top and down the the other side. You may want to backstitch a couple of times where the two layers of fabric meet, for extra security.

My stitching's a bit wonky on one side...
11. Fold the top edge of the rectangle down over the pouch you've just sewn (just above the label). Then gently pull apart the Velcro whilst holding the unattached Velcro piece firmly onto the back of the top flap (see picture below).

Pull apart the Velcro and hold it in position
12. You may need to practice this a few times to make sure it's in exactly the right position you want. You can also just mark the position on the top flap if that's easier. Keeping tight hold of that Velcro, carefully sew it into position.


Remember, this square of stitches will be visible on the front of the pouch, so try to be as neat as you can.


13. Give everything a final press and you're done. All you need to do now is add your phone! I haven't got a fancy phone, but I do know that the dimensions for this phone holder are large enough for an iPhone.


Your phone safely inside - all snug

I hope you find this tutorial useful and please do let me know if you spot anything that doesn't make sense.  If you'd like to try your hand at making something similar, Elephant in my Handbag is very kindly offering one of my readers any bundle of four fat quarters from their website. Enough for many, many mobile holders, in every possible fabric combination if you so wish! To enter, have a look at the FQ bundle section and leave a comment on this post, telling me which one you'd choose if you're the winner. The giveaway is open worldwide and closes at midnight GMT on Tuesday 15th April. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on the blog. GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

The fabrics for this tutorial were given to me free of charge. All views my own.

68 comments:

  1. Jane, this post is just perfect, I've been looking to make an iPad case and had started searching for patterns. The Funky Apples would be great for an iPad case, but I do love the Dinosaur Volcanoes in blue.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your phone case. My phone needs a new case and this will work perfectly. As much as I love anything with purple, elephants come more highly on my list of wants. I absolutely love them and they are all over our house. I'd have to have the "Elephants Spots Blue Bundle" from a fantastically named shop. I already have an elephant in my handbag, but I'd love a real one :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for a great tutorial and giveaway. There are so many lovely bundles to choose from but I really like the Nautical fat quarters. Perfect for the summer.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the Matilda bundle and rather fancy a little phone case in it and possibly a kindle case
    http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for this brilliant little tutorial - I definitely fancy making one of these little cases! I love the 'Pink orange deer woodland scandi' bundle!
    Rebekah (http://handmadebyrebekah.blogspot.com/)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the Tutorial Jane.
    Thank you also for the chance to win the fabric - if I were the lucky winner I would definitely choose the Michael Miller "Helen's Garden".

    ReplyDelete
  7. Definitely dinosaurs and volcanos in grey to make a gorgeous quilt for my 4 month old daughter. As the second child she has not benefitted from as much home-made goodies, so this would be perfect! ( marillawalker.blogspot.co.uk email: rillafree@hotmail.co.uk)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Id have to go for the Pink Owls, would make a fab phone holder, laptop holder, notebook holder, anything else holder!
    Thanks for the giveaway and tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  9. cute project i love tildas fabric so i would chose this one http://www.elephantinmyhandbag.com/bundles.php#!/~/product/category=2415931&id=27270045 too add on to my eldest's quilt that i may get finished before she leaves home (shes 8 now!)
    i also lve the blue dinosaurs my youngest daughter would love taht as she's dino mad!

    thanks for intoducing me to a new online store off to waste an hour or so looking :)
    charlie x

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a very cute phone holder I may have to give it a try. Woodland Kitzbuhl would be my first choice of bundle but there are several there that I could choose. Thank you for introducing me to their site I am new to sewing and trying to find good places to get supplies and they seem to fit the bill very nicely.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the tutorial, will defiantly to scrap bust one of these over Easter. Think I would have to choose 'Helen's Garden' - because I'm called Helen and like to garden! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a great tutorial for a really useful little holder. I need to get some interfacing as I've never worked with it before and make this very soon. If I was lucky enough to win I'd love petit street.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a fantastic tutorial! I've had a 'new' phone for a year but haven't found a cover I like, so now I can make one instead! All of the fat quarters are lovely but my favourite is 'Summer Fair' in Grey & Blue and Pink - would love to make some placemats for the summer! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've been needing a phone case; this looks super easy. Thank you! My favorite fat quarters are the Pink Orange Deer Woodland Scandi pack.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love either Blue floral spot and birds. They are deliciously adorable! I need to make quite a few little bags for the whole family !

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would love either Blue floral spot and birds. They are deliciously adorable! I need to make quite a few little bags for the whole family !

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the tutorial and the fab giveaway! I would love the 'Perfect for Spring' bundle, so so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for the tutorial and the giveaway. I'd like the 'Robotic' bundle :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would love the mathilda bundle!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'd love the funky floral bundle to make some pairs of knickers! x

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'd choose All That is Spring b/c I'm so sick of winter!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ooh, lovely. I would pick the Petit Street bundle if I win.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for the tutorial. I was just thinking I'd like to make something like this. I'd choose the retro 30's pink and blue bundle, it's really pretty. Thank you for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanx for the fab giveaway. I would love to win the wee wonder blue bundle.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lovely tutorial! I really like the 'my sunshine' bundle.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cute idea Jane! I would definitely try my hand at this tutorial with the Snips Green bundle!

    ReplyDelete
  27. A great tutorial and a generous giveaway. I love the "Sweet Christmas" and the "Petit Street" bundles. If I were lucky enough to win, I'd leave the final choice to Stephanie as fabric surprises are always good.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very nice! Simple but effective, and smart.

    I would have to go for the 'Space' FQ bundle. It glows in the dark!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ooh, lovely tutorial! I'd love the Blue Floral Spot bundle if I won. Also, where do you get your labels made? I've always loved them on all your makes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're from http://www.wovenlabelsuk.com. I get the sew-in school labels. x

      Delete
  30. I love this case as its nice and simple so even I could make it. My mum has just got an ipad so if i scaled it up i could make her one for that. I love the funky pears and think it would lend itself to that. The colours are great . I love your posts and seeing how lovely you look in all your creations. n

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a lovely post. I fell a couple of weeks ago and have decided that I need to wear my phone to call for help - this tutorial will be the basis of a case to hang around my neck. And if I win the Giveaway I'd love the "Handmade" 4 Fat Quarter Bundle by Windham

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you for such a great tutorial! It is now bookmarked ready to try soon.

    I love the Sweet Christmas bundle.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great tutorial. I'd choose the 'Summer Fair' Grey/blue/pink bundle by Tilda if I were lucky enough to win...

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'd choose Nautical 5. It would make a great patchwork tote - with a matching phone case obviously!

    ReplyDelete
  35. this is fab you have the same phone as me me ive got a lefluer tho .. http://www.elephantinmyhandbag.com/bundles.php#!/~/product/category=2415931&id=35521353

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love your tutorial Jane! Such a satisfying quick make. Boy will start school soon so I'm stock piling ideas for school fetes and fundraisers!
    There's almost too much choice at elephant in my Handbag! I love the Dino bundles and also the wee wander.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's perfect for school fetes Vicki. I've sold loads at school over the years! x

      Delete
  37. Instant love with this Christmas bundle! http://www.elephantinmyhandbag.com/bundles.php#!/~/product/category=2415931&id=28213340
    Your case tutorial is perfect! I'm pinning for our stash busting!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great giveaway! I would choose the Robotic bundle.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you for the fun tutorial and the giveaway! I like the "Yay Day" Organic Cotton Fat Quarter Bundle by Birch Organics.

    ReplyDelete
  40. So many fantastic choices! I think my favorite is "Nautical" 5 Funky Sailing Beach Fabrics Fat Quarter Bundle.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is a really handy little tutorial! Would be great to make these pouches for all sorts of things as well. I would love the "Woodland" Organic Cotton Fabric Bundle by Monaluna, that fabric is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm torn between "handmade" and "robotic". I think the first would get used quickest though. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love the Blue Pink Floral Retro. So many adorable fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow, it's so tricky to choose from so
    Many glorious bundles!! I think I would go for Havana Florals, so pretty. Thanks for the tutorial x

    ReplyDelete
  45. Well I'd love the 30's florals, my daughter would kill for the fairies, but I'm going to choose Woodland so both my boy and girl children can benefit!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would like the blue woodland kitzbuhl.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm very new here but thank you for the solution to my much-needed new iPad cover! And it would look f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s in those nautical fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great tutorial Jane, thanks so much! I might add a pretty button over the velcro square on the outside just for decorative purposes. I would choose the small chevrons bundle by Riley Blake, I love chevrons, they go with everything and this bundle comes in such lovely colours so there would be plenty to choose from!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A decorative button over the velcro square is a great idea. Would you mind if I added that to the tutorial as a suggestion for customising? x

      Delete
  49. Hi Jane, am new to your blog but already planning a few makes...

    I would love the Wee Wander floral blue bundle - am making a lampshade in the same fabric (I think it will look lovely with the light glowing through the fabric), and some matching accessories would be lovely! I could make a lovely kindle cover from the bundle - and an extra couple to give away as presents!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh Jane, I had to grab a coffee so that I could give the Tutorial my whole attention. I shall make one for my Kindle first, much nicer that the Amazon one, but I may add a touch of wadding or even the thick plastic to help protect it when I, Inevitably, drop it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just had a peek at the fabrics, how can I choose from such a delicious selections?
      Like a previous commenter ( making some for her School Fete/Bazaar) I shall make some of these for the Marie Curie Charity that I support. Thank you so much for the good idea. I have just stuck a mental pin in and chosen "Summer Fair" Grey Blue Pink Fabric Bundle by Tilda.
      Hugs

      Delete
  51. It's great idea and phone holder is so cute!
    MONAfaktura

    ReplyDelete
  52. LOVE the little phone holder - especially as I have the same phone! Would adore to win All That is Spring FQ.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Nice! I just love the Wee Wonder Blue!

    ReplyDelete
  54. All of the fabric choices are so lovely! I would probably choose "White Lovey Dovey" - Bird Spot Bundle by Riley Blake if I won :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow, thanks for the giveaway! There are so many lovely bundles, it's pretty hard to pick one. I guess I'll go for the Woodland Kitzbuhl by Westfalenstoffe :).

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank you for the tutorial. It looks so fantastic with very clear directions. I tried another tutorial before and it was a flop. My FQ choice would be "All that is Spring" Grey Blue Pink Fabric Bundle by Tilda.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Fab frocks and phone holder! If I were lucky enough to win the fabric bundle I'd choose the gorgeous "Handmade" because it sums up everything you and me are about, and all that is right with the world!



    ReplyDelete
  58. Such a cute project! I'd have to choose the Woodland Kitzbuhl bundle, such cute prints!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Nice phone cover. I'd probably choose the "Petit Street" 4 Fat Quarter Bundle by Dashwood Studio. Very cute. Really like the clouds print.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I absolutely love the "Pink Orange Deer Woodland Scandi" - would be so cute for a cover.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I fell in the love with the "Woodland Kitzbuhl"!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Lovely little tutorial! I have been meaning to make a phone holder since a bit... although I might replace the Velcro with a popper or a button and loop in order to avoid little things getting stuck in the closure. I love the bright and happy colours of the "My Sunshine" - Pink Birdspot Bundle!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I've made several of these now following this tutorial and I love them. Thank you !

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...