My 3 Monsters: DIY iPhone Wallet Tutorial

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5.31.2013

DIY iPhone Wallet Tutorial

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

A while back I got a really cool case for my iPhone on one of those "deal of the day websites".  It was awesome because it not only held my phone, but it also had pockets for my driver's license and debit card.  I could even squeeze a little cash in there.  I didn't have to take the phone out to use the camera and it was super cute.  It was practically perfect in every way.

This may sound a tiny bit dramatic, but it was a life changing purchase for me.  No longer did I have to carry my giant purse when I was just dropping kids off at school or running a quick errand.  In fact, I barely carry a purse at all anymore.  It was a sad day when the "pleather" of that case started to separate on the inside and I knew it was time to move on.  I looked online, but I couldn't find another one like it.  In a last ditch effort, I decided to try to make a new one myself and after 3 tries, I finally figured it out.  

For the cost of about 1/4 yard of fabric and less than an hour's time you too can have a life-changing iPhone wallet!  Here's the scoop:

EDITED TO ADD:  I have worked and worked to perfect three versions of my iPhone pattern and find an easier way to make them available to y'all.  I know it has frustrated many who have been unable to download the original pattern from my Google Drive.  For some reason it has only been working for about half of the people who try to download it and that is just not good enough.  For those reasons, I am offering this pattern on Craftsy for the teensy price of $1.  For that price, you will get the pattern pieces for ALL THREE VERSIONS of the iPhone wallet along with detailed sewing instruction complete with pictures, and I will get to take my kiddos to Taco Bell to make up for all the time mom has spent on the computer putting this all together.  I know that is going to irk a few of you, but I hope you'll understand.

iPhone Wallet Tutorial

Supplies:

1/4 yard of main fabric
scraps of coordinating fabric for the flap {or just use your main fabric again}
magnetic purse snap closure {available at most craft stores}
inexpensive plastic case that fits your phone
coordinating embroidery floss & needle
E6000 craft glue

STEP 1:  Print out pattern pieces and cut out your fabric.  My pattern is sized to fit an iPhone 4, but you could adjust it to fit other sizes.

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

Follow the directions that come with your magnetic purse snaps to apply to one side of the flap and the exterior layer of your wallet fabric.  I just had to poke holes in the fabric and bend the prongs back to hold each piece in place.

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

You could top stitch around the edges you sewed once you have it turned right side out.  I liked it better without.

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

If you don't stitch across the bottom edge, your debit card will fall too low when you place it in the pocket.  The stitching ensures that your cards will always be easily accessible.  

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /
diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /


diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /


diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

I sewed around my camera opening as if I were creating a button hole by hand, using all 6 strands of embroidery floss.  Once I had finished the opening, I outlined my stitching on the exterior of the wallet to give it a finished look.  Here's an actual photo:

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

I liked the little pop of bright green, but you could certainly use a matching color if you prefer.

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

I used E6000 glue to attach my inexpensive plastic case to the inside of my wallet.  This is the kind of hard plastic case that your phone snaps into and stays put.  Be careful with the glue!!  My fabric was thick enough that the glue didn't seep through and show on the outside.  If your fabric is a little thinner you may want to cut a piece of poster board or thin cardboard the same size as your plastic case and slip it in between the layers of fabric before you sew the opening shut in step 9.

Once the glue dries {several hours later -- I waited overnight} you can pop your phone in place and load it up.

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

To use the phone just flip the flap and the pocket side to the back and attach the magnetic clasp to hold it in place and out of the way.  I am so pleased with the way it turned out and now I know that I can whip up a new one whenever I need to!  Love that!!

diy smart phone wallet sewing tutorial at /

My phone and essentials are always ready to grab and go!  

As a bonus, I also created a new wallpaper for my phone to go with the new case. 

Custom iphone lock screen wallpaper at /
Feel free to download it and save it to your computer or phone for your own personal use.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask here in the comments or shoot me an email. I tried to cover all the bases, but writing tutorials is hard guys.  I'm obviously not a teacher!  If you make one send me a picture -- I'd love to see how it turns out.

Now, after a full day of sewing and tutorial writing, I'm off to celebrate my husband's birthday with him.  Hope you have a great weekend, too! 


 I'll be linking this project up to:

85 comments:

  1. Single cutest thing on pinterest! Love this!
    Making one when I get back home (hopefully my machine still works).

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  2. this is awesome. i had a michael kors one that was pretty pricy and i used that thing to death. it didn't have an opening for the camera though, which always drove me crazy. can't wait to give it a try!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I would love to know how it turns out if you make one.

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  3. That's really cool! I want to make one but I also want to know how to make the OTHER wallet pictured above!

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    1. Thanks! I love the bigger wallet, too. I bought it from Group Deals a while back and made the iPhone wallet to coordinate. Sorry I can't be more help!

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  4. I want to make your wallet this weekend, SUPER CUTE! I got all the material but when I went to open your PDF nothing showed up... would you mind sending me those patterns? [email protected] THANK YOU! :)

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  5. I have to have this, I do have a burning question...where did you find the plastic back cover? Thank you!!

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    Replies
    1. I already had one that I had purchased a while back from Amazon, I think. They're pretty inexpensive because you don't need a decorative one. Good Luck!

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    2. You can get some at Dollar Tree!!! That is where I get mine!

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  6. I love this but am concerned about having your cards and cash showing when your on the phone. Wouldn't be too hard to make a flap to cover that up I don't think..so that everything would be secure and still functional?

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    1. I thought about that. My only concern is that it might get too bulky. I would love to know if you give it a try. I pretty much only use my phone around the house or in the car so it wasn't a huge concern of mine. Good point, though.

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  7. I cannot see anything in the patter .pdf document. Is there a trick to this??

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    1. Sorry! There shouldn't be a trick -- it is working for me. Email me and I'll send it to you.

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  8. An amazing tut - I have to make my own covers as I am left handed and most covers are right handed - of course........lol
    I inner lined my latest slip case with plastic packaging - the kind that is in a sheet form and usually wrapped round an item (bubble wrap is too noisy and then too thin!) to give the phone some protection - and used velcro to fasten but half the time I forget to fasten so the magnet would be much easier. I wish I had added a pocket for my cards to my original so I will defo try this........................ for a left handed person.
    thank you so much for sharing.
    xx

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    Replies
    1. The plastic inner lining is a great idea!! I have a daughter who is a lefty so I know what you mean. Thanks for the nice comment!

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  9. What a great idea! I have one that I bought, it's leather and I love it! I have neck problems and can't carry a purse anymore .So this works out great! Wallet and phone altogether ! Thanks now I can make myself one!

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    1. Thanks! It has been so handy to just grab my phone and go instead of carrying my big, bulky purse everywhere. I'm so glad you found it helpful.

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  10. Super cute idea! I live in the phone dark ages and obviously don't have an iphone, but we recently switched companies and got new phones. I was pretty psyched that the cheapest phone they sold ($10) was a wifi capable smart phone with touch screen. I feel pretty cool, even without a data plan, haha. Anyway, this phone wallet is a dandy idea--just perfect for what I need! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks! I just barely got my iPhone for my birthday last year because it was finally a free upgrade on our plan. That's why I'm so excited about it even though my kids keep reminding me it's about two generations old and not as cool as I think. Kids are great to keep you humble.

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  11. Amy...I found this post thru Craft Gossip! I've been jealous of iphone users ability to buy one of these for years. I use an LG brand Android smartphone and no one makes one for my brand, let alone my model. I cannot wait to adjust your pattern and make one for myself!

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

    When I complete it I would like to link back to you and your great tutorial when I show mine on my blog, if that is ok with you? Come visit me at theliberalladykay.com!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I would be thrilled to have you share it on your blog. I'm heading over there to snoop around right now . . .

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  12. I found you through Pinterest :) And I am excited about making this case! I don't have an iphone but I do have a plastic case for my kyocera. I haven't been able to find anything my phone fits in properly :( Making it today!! :) Thank you for sharing!!!

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  13. Amy, you have single-handedly made my day!! I absolutely can't wait to make this. It is next to impossible to find good accessories for iPhone 4 now, save searching on Amazon. (which, btw is a great source for the clear plastic covers for those of us who had to make our own "personalized designer scrap-book paper cases")! I will gladly give up that option for this handy way to carry everything that's necessary without that monster purse! My only desire now is to figure out a long strap for this mini wallet, so I can "wear" this and be hands-free while driving, or carrying grandchildren, groceries, etc. Bless you for making my life simpler! <3

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    Replies
    1. You are so welcome! I love mine and get compliments everywhere I go. Hope you love yours, too!

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  14. What a good idea, i've had the same phone case since i bought my phone aha! so now i have no excuse to switch it up.

    Marlene Detierro (TRUSTprice - Software Download)

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  15. I don't have an iPhone, but I love the blue floral wallet, any chance there is a tutorial for that wallet?

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    1. I bought the floral wallet from Groopdealz a while back. I love it, too, for when I need my checkbook.

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  16. Dollar Tree carries assessories for iphone4 including these plastic cases. You might have to check a few stores.

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  17. How did you make the keychain that went with. Cannot wait to make

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    Replies
    1. I did make the key chain. If you go on Pinterest and search "key fob diy" there are a ton of tutorials out there. Hope that helps!

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  18. a fantastic tutorial, so thank you for that! hope you & hubs had a nice b-day celebration.

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  19. I just had to read your blog post to my husband b/c I was so freaked out that you and I have had the same experience with an iPhone case - except I am not crafty enough to make one of my own :)

    I also got one (from zulily) that I loved- and it DID change my life- I also rarely bring a purse anymore, etc... I LOOOOVE it -- but can't ever find a decent one anymore--- I have found some at Five Below, but they are crappy and do not last long- and they look cheap.... I was super excited when I saw Kate Spade sold one - got it - and it was horrible- you have to remove to take a photo, and it didn't snap in, but slid in and had stuff around it to hold it in- that got in the way of using the phone - so I returned it.

    Yours is ADORABLE!!! You should sell them!! I would buy one! My iPhone 5c is coming Friday - I am going to need a new case (currently using one rom five below that I like, but it's about to break).

    Why are more people not making these well and done right the way you have??? :) You just need a wrist strap :) Thanks!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! A wrist strap is a great idea. I'll add one on the next model!

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  20. has the magnetic closure given you any issues with the phones performance? I ran into that with a previous phone case with magnet

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    1. I haven't had any issues with it, other than it being too bulky. I made a newer version that has an elastic closure that I actually like better. The link is at the end of the post.

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  21. I made it with a rounded flap, but i'm definitely making more than one of these!

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  22. This is brillant! I'm totally gonna make me a new iPhone wallet for my new iPhone!

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  23. can you email me the printables? [email protected]

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  24. Could you make a tutorial on how to make one where it goes into a pocket?

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    Replies
    1. I would make it exactly the same way, but instead of gluing the phone case to the interior of the case, just use the cash pocket to stash your phone. Hope that helps!

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  25. ...so cute! Can't get the pattern pieces to print though...can you email that file to me? Thanks!
    [email protected]

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  26. Amy,
    When I click on the link to the patterns for this, I get a blank page. I know a few other people mentioned having the same issue - I hope you can fix it because I'm super excited about trying this! (If you can email me the patterns, that's great too! It's [email protected] - Thanks so much!) I came across this post on Pinterest as I noticed a few of your other commentors did, and I repinned it as well - so cool that a project you designed yourself is so popular!
    I'm more than a little bit nervous about trying this myself though, because I have ZERO sewing experience... LOL Plus, I need to make mine for my iPhone 5, and I'm not quite sure (translation: I'm totally clueless!) how to go about altering the pattern (once I can access it, of course!)

    ****If anyone else has made the iPhone 5 version I'd REALLY appreciate it if you could post a link here to your pattern (if it's ok with Amy, that is!)****

    Lots of thanks from your newest follower!
    ~ Lauren

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    1. I looked at the dimensions for an iPhone 5 and it looks like it is just 1/2" taller so if you add 1/2" to each of the pattern pieces it should turn out great. Hope that helps!

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  27. Aha! The reason I couldn't access the pattern is because I was still on Pinterest. When I opened this page in Safari and clicked on the link, the pattern popped right up! Just thought this may help some others out there who were also having trouble seeing the pattern!

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    1. That's good to know. I'll add a not to the original post!

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  28. I love this!!! Having trouble printing the pattern though. Can you email me please? [email protected]

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  29. Hi there! :-)

    Great looking tut I'm making one for a friend for Christmas. A bit confused about the card pockets, how do you line it up so all the pockets you make are available to be used? My reading if it makes it seem like half the pockets are stuck inside and not able to be accessed.

    Thanks

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    1. I know, it seems like a waste. There are only two slots for cards and one big pocket for cash, etc. when the wallet is sewn together. You could probably add a few more card slots by adding layers of fabric, but I worried about it being too bulky. I only use it for necessities -- driver's license, debit card, and a little cash. If I need any more than that I just bring my larger wallet, too.

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  30. Do you have a pattern for Iphone 5?

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    1. From the little bit of research i have done online, it seems the only difference is that an iPhone 5 is 1/2" taller than an iPhone 4. If you add 1/2" to the height of all the pattern pieces you should be good to go!

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  31. Hi
    I am so excited by this - I think I am motivated to start sewing again.
    Similar story to everybody it seems, my hubbies' wallet case is about to die so this is perfect for a personalised pressie for xmas.
    Would you be able to send a PDF as I can't see a link at all! THANKS SO MUCH!!!
    [email protected]

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  32. I was wondering if you could let me know the dimensions of the pieces as I don't have a printer (sorry if that is WAY too much work for you, I understand if you can't!)
    Really want to make these for my siblings for Christmas!

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    1. No problem! Here are the cutting dimensions for each piece:

      Exterior/ Interior piece: 6 1/8" across x 5 1/4" tall
      Large Interior Pocket: 5 5/8" across x 5 1/4 " tall
      Middle interior pocket: 5 5/8 " across x 6 3/4" tall {fold in half after cutting}
      Small interior pocket: 5 5/8" across x 7 " tall {fold in half after cutting}
      flap: 2 3/8: across x 3" long

      Sew it all together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

      Hope that helps!

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  33. I'm hoping to make myself one of these someday soon. I got a cheapo faux leather case at the moment. I'm excited to try it and will probably blog about it and link back to you if I ever get around to making one

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    1. I'd love to see yours when it's finished! Good luck with it!!

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  34. will this fit the ipod 4g? like the size of the patterns, or do i need to fix it a little?

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    1. It should fit pretty well. I looked up the dimensions of an ipod touch 4g and it is about .15 inches wider and .1 inches shorter than my iphone 4. The ipod touch 4g is thinner than the iphone so you should be able to use the pattern as-is and have it fit.

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    2. thank you! i suspected that it would fit without alternations, but i wanted to make sure. so excited to make this! i love phone wallets and ipod 4g's are so hard to find and expensive so now i can finally make my own!

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  35. i will try it for my phone because i can search no where for my phone case which is xperia mini pro. Wish me luck .

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  36. Hi! I am having trouble printin out the pattern designs. Can you please email them to me at [email protected]

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I emailed you. Don't know why it works for some and not for others. Sorry for the inconvenience!

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  37. I can't seem to print the pattern :( can you please email me? [email protected] thank you!

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  38. Thank you so much for this pattern ... its exactly what I have been sear for over a year for ... I am becoming a follower of yours this instant! Truly, thank you!

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    1. You are so very welcome. I'm glad you liked it!

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  39. Did you make the key ring Lineyard two? We would really like to make that as well!

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    1. I did make it. The supplies are inexpensive and available at theribbonretreat.com. Just search Pinterest for "key fob tutorial" and you'll find a bunch of great tutorials. {In fact, I just checked and there's a tutorial right on The Ribbon Retreat website.} Good luck!

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  40. this is amazing, i have been looking for something like this forever. When i go to the link no images show up though:( could you email this to me? [email protected]
    thank you again for putting this up, i cant wait to make it:)

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  41. What is the alternative for e6000 glue I'm from India

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm. . . .I'm not sure what is available to you in India, but any kind of permanent glue that sticks between fabric and plastic would work.

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  42. Thank you very much Amy!

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  43. I love this case! I was just wondering if you used a needle or a sewing machine..
    Like most people my link is not showing anything. Would you mind emailing it to me? [email protected] . Thank you in advance!

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    Replies
    1. I used a sewing machine for everything but the camera hole. I have revised the pattern and am now selling it on Craftsy.com for $1. Hope that helps!

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  44. I just made this and it turned out super cute but ran into some problems with the camera hole. I used red embroidery thread to finish it off. But when I was testing the my camera on the phone in the case it would work fine without the flash but with the flash it would get a red haze or just not work well at all. Do you have any suggestions on how to avoid this? Should I try a different way of finishing off that hole? Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Hmmmm... I have not had that problem, but I rarely use the flash. I would probably just take it out of the case if I was going to use the flash.

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  45. For reference, for UK readers, $1 is only 63p :)

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  46. Hi!

    Was wondering how you figured out how much fabric to use based on the phone's dimensions? I have a Samsung Galaxy s5 that I would love to make this for, but I'm unsure of how much fabric I'd need. Did you just add 2" all around to the hight and width of the phone?

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  47. I just got an iphone 6 and I heard they 'bend' easily, so I want a wallet to keep it safe. This is perfect! I would gladly pay more $ for this pattern so you can have more tacos with your kids!

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  48. This didn't work for me at all. Even after adjusting the pattern pieces, they proved much too small for my case. Spent a lot of time and money finding clasps and cases and coordinating fabric. Oh well.

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    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry to hear this. Did you add extra fabric for seam allowances?

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