Hello! Jennifer from Satsuma Designs here and very excited to be back at Just Us Four blog – thank you Shannah! At Satsuma Designs, I create Seattle-made baby products and content that help make caring for kids as easy as child’s play. At my blog, you’ll find crafts, organizing tips, recipes, holiday and everyday treats to delight you and your kiddos. Come by for a visit!

I was a flip phone carrying kind of gal until two years ago at Christmas when my husband surprised me with an iPhone 5. He even sprung for a beautiful leather case, which sadly fell apart after a few months. The quality wasn’t great, but I loved the design. That’s why I’m sharing my DIY quilted iPhone Case to store your own iPhone or other type of cell phone. This DIY sewn iPhone case features an innovative ribbon tab (not my original design!) that you simply pull lightly to pop your iPhone right out of the case. When you’re ready to place it back in the case, it slides in and pushes the ribbon back down to do it again when needed.

 Not only is the design quick and easy, but I loved creating a fun springtime accessory to brighten up the inside of my black handbag and ensure that I’m never left fighting through my bag to answer my phone.

So regardless of your mode of digital communication and relative cleanliness of your everyday handbag, enjoy this easy sewing project to protect your valuable goods.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own DIY Quilted iPhone Case (if using iPhone 5. For other cell phone models, take measurements and use 1/4″ seam allowance):

• 12″x 5″ piece of Quilted cotton fabric or a combination of interfaced cotton with flannel or terrycloth lining. I debated what materials to use, but decided on this fun springtime quilted fabric. I considered using a fusible interface on a fun cotton print and then lining the iPhone case with flannel or terrycloth to protect the screen and even help reduce some of the shine and grime that comes with daily use of the phone.
• 12″ length of 1″ wide ribbon. I used doubled sided gros grain. Make sure that you use a ribbon that has a print on both sides as they will both show. Alternatively, you could sew a 12″x 1″ piece of fabric to use instead.
• Sewing machine with coordinating thread and button hole foot attachment
• 1″ diameter button (to create the button hole, not needed for the finished project)
• Scissors
• Seam splitter (optional)
• Serger (optional)
• Needle and thread for finishing (optional)

How to make your own Quilted iPhone Case:

Start by measuring your phone and cut your quilted cotton fabric to size leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance on either side and a 1/2″+ seam allowance on the top. You can adjust as you go. I measured my iPhone 5 as 4 3/7″ long x 2 3/8″ wide x almost 3/8″ thick and made the appropriate cuts.

Now, create your button hole in the center of your phone case and about 2 1/2″ from the top of your fabric by using your sewing machine’s button hole foot attachment. Insert your 1″ diameter button in the foot and create the button hole. I used a 1″ googly eye to create mine, which had the kids wondered what I was up to!

Use your seam splitter tool or scissors to open up the center of the button hole.

Now add your ribbon on the inside of your case on the opposite side from your button hole. Use your sewing machine to stitch the ribbon that’s been folded once or twice for a clean edge to the inside of the case.

Thread the ribbon through the button hole so it’s running along the length of the inside of your phone case.

Now, fold your fabric in half lengthwise and serge or sew right sides together on the side seams. 

When your sides are sewn together turn phone case right side out fold your top in about 1/4″ in and zigzag stitch the top for a clean finish.

If you like, add a fabric tab to the end of your ribbon so that it prevents the ribbon from sliding through your button hole.

That’s it! Try it out by placing your phone in your new case and pulling on the ribbon. See how easy it comes out?

I love the camera on my iPhone and posting to Instagram. What’s your favorite feature on your phone?  We’d love to hear from you below!