Mobile phone cases

[tonyc1]

They are really good quality, Timbo.

[JohnBarton]

I recommend sewing in a liner with foam rubber underneath it. This would allow you to make a cell phone case that "adjusts" to each type of phone and would either drop the need for a flap or allow you to do something like an envelope style flap that tucks under a retaining strip of leather.

This is something I did for a customer for the cue cases I build. It worked perfect as a universal (at least for the four different models we had in the shop that day) cell phone holder.

http://www.jbcases.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2458

Here is a pic with no phone in it.

Lastly, the Chinese leather workers do a lot of cool patterns for cell phone holders. They share patterns too. I'd contact forum member Bobocat and ask him because his forum is pretty active with stuff like this including step by step tutorials.

[Crystal]

Don't know if this will help or not, Ray. I've been asked to make some cases for in-laws. I didn't want a bunch of parts, or a bunch of sewing, and everyone wants some kind of design on them. And, of course, like you said, they are all different sizes. I didn't get a pic of #1, but this is no. 2. About 4-5 oz veg tan.

This is about 10 3/4" long and the middle is 2" wide.

I haven't sewn this one together.

First one I sewed the "T" part of the end together. Slid the flap end through and then sewed a belt loop over top of the connected "T" part. This lets the bottom of the case be able to float a bit to adjust for the height of the phone. I cut out part of this to make room for the antenna. I didn't like the length on the flap - it's a bit long, but I think it will make it easier for pap-in-law (he's 91) to open the flap.

Far from perfect - and chime in if you see anywhere to make changes!

Crystal

[rustyriggin]

Ray, I use the Tandy version for the ones I make, and just put the pattern on a scanner or copier, and reduce or enlarge the image to fit my needs for the different size phones. It works quite well. Rusty

[Randyc]

Ray,

I've built several open top cell phone cases for different size cell phones.

I use the same "T" shaped pattern for all the cases.

Edited October 17, 2008 by Randyc

[DJole]

I used a different approach on my cell phone case.

My cell phone is a "soap bar" type, that doesn't flip open.

The holder is an oval cylinder, with the top cover held on by a snap.

The cover also has an interior loop through which I have fastened the hand strap of my phone, so they are connected. That means I don't lose the top, because it's attached to the phone, and the phone is also harder to misplace!

The basket weave was done with a knife and a beveler--no stamping.

You can see the gold snap clip, which is clipped onto a belt loop riveted to the case.

Maybe you'll see something in this that you'll find useful.

[budd4766]

I've made a few cases myself. I had an old "universal" case from Nite-Ize and I blatantly copied their shape...even cut the belt clip out of the old one to put in my case.

I braided around the edges, and put a conquistador braid in the sides. No stiching except for the flap that helps hold the belt clip on. (which I did by hand).

I've made these for larger phones by increasing the size of my pattern, and thinning the flap over the top to account for phones with the antenna sticking up. Haven't tried to go smaller yet, but might someday.

A "universal" case might be a good one to copy, as they're designed to fit a lot of different phones, and are fairly adaptable.

[UKRay]

I hadn't realised until I saw all the different designs just how interesting a phone case could be. I am working on my own design and will post as soon as I have it sussed. Meanwhile, this is turning into a really useful resource so has anyone else got a design to add? It would be good to hear some suggestions from those who maybe haven't contributed before or who have ideas rather than pictures to share.

Just one point; I notice a lot of people use silver decoration on these cases - how do people feel about this sort of thing? Is this what people are asking for or do we do it because the decorations are available?

[Luke Hatley]

Hang in there you will make it...............

Ray when i do my Cell Phone case, and get the $$$ i want, the customers expect a little flash

so conhos or initals it is............

[UKRay]

Hang in there you will make it...............

Ray when i do my Cell Phone case, and get the $$$ i want, the customers expect a little flash

so conhos or initals it is............

Thanks Luke - I'm working on it!

From a sales and marketing point of view it would be interesting to know if people thought :

1) the silverwork is essential in order to sell the leatherwork?

2) the silverwork is not essential and not desirable?

3) the silverwork is simply something you can do if you have the silver to hand and a customer with plenty of dollars?

Edited October 17, 2008 by UKRay