Make Your Own iPod Sleeves

As a summer project, I decided to make iPod sleeves for all the iPod owners in my family, so I can have them ready just in time for the holidays. Instead of spending up to $20 per case, you could easily make a few cases by using materials you may already have at home, a sewing machine, and thread, then decorate them with some applique.

I'm not much of a crafty girl myself, but the last time I operated my sewing machine, I made some fabulous throw pillows for my living room, and I had never used a sewing machine before! With a little practice you'll be making protective sleeves for your iPod or even your laptop in no time.

MacVroom has the easiest tutorial to date on how to make an iPod sleeve. Visit the Apple web site to get the dimensions of each player, then add about half an inch to those dimensions. Cut the fabric, and sew the edges in a simple overlock stitch along the cut edges. Turn the sleeve inside out, and you're done. These cases will keep your iPod from getting scratched but won't protect them much if they ever hit the floor.

Here are some fun tutorials to get your started:

• Furry monster iPod case (Domokun) tutorial
• Felt iPod/BlackBerry case
• Sew an easy change purse (or iPod Mini case)

If you have any other ideas, please post them in the comments below.