Introduction: AirPods Leather Case

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About: I like making things myself and learn new stuff.

A friend of mine wanted a leather case for his AirPods. After a few Web searches for ideas and 3 discarded prototypes I settled with this design. The oil tanned leather gives the case an "old distressed" look. I will include the PDF template on the instructable so any one can make their own. With a 12" by 12" (about $6) you can make at least 3. It has an optional small carabiner on the back so you can secure it to your backpack. I strongly recommend it. In the last step you will see an example of the real advantage of adding it.

Step 1: Materials

  • Leather 8" x 3"
  • Carabiner (optional)
  • Hand awl
  • Needles
  • Waxed thread (6 threads, approximately 6" each)
  • Scissor
  • Double sided sewing tape
  • Box cutter
  • Ruler
  • Hammer
  • Compass divider
  • Hole Stitching Punch
  • Snap fasteners
  • Snap fastener Setter Base
  • Brass logo (optional, but really cool)

Step 2: The Pattern

Print the included template preferably in stock paper. It’s on a letter size pdf. I recommend checking with a ruler that the 1” marks on the printed document are actually 1” in length :-). The template can be cut with scissors or with the box cutter. The dot marks where the stitch is going to be on the main piece, two are for the snap and one for the charger port. This one is the most difficult part of the project. If you are unsure about it, you can choose not to cut it open but then you will have to take the AirPod case to charge it.

This is a really good Instructables Class by MikaelaHolmes on how to cut the leather and installing snap fasteners:Beginning Leatherworking Class/.

This one goes over patterns, punching the holes on the leather and stitching the pieces together Intermediate Leatherworking Class. I took both classes and they are very helpful. I highly recommend it.

Attachments

Step 3: The Cutting

Mark the leather using the template and the hand awl. Using the box cutter, cut the leather to size.

Using the wing divider mark an 1/8” where the stitches will be. Optional, you can trace the line around the main leather piece to give it a more detailed look.

Step 4: Punching Holes

Using the hole stitching punch and the hammer, create the necessary holes for the stitching. Use the mark line as a reference for the holes. Install the snaps with the hammer and the setter base.

Step 5: The Stitching

First, stitch the small rectangles to the section in the middle of the main body of the cover. It will be easier to stitch the next part this way. Continue stitching the other two segments.

Step 6: The Hooking

Carabiner (Optional)

First, mark and punch the holes. Insert the carabiner in the leather and fold the leather around it. Stitch the leather from the center to the edge. Using the double-sided tape attach the leather to the main body of the case. Insert some piece of wood on the case before punching the holes on to the case to prevent damaging the front side. Stitch the pieces together.

Step 7: Make It Look Unique

Logo (optional)

You had made a unique hand crafted master piece! :-) Stamp your creation!

Step 8: ​Final Product

Now you have a beautiful case for the AirPods. After making the first one, five other friends had asked me to make them one. So, I made a few others. Two of those did not had the carabiner. One sadly was left on an airplane, and the other was used as a chew toy by his dog. Accidents happens, hook it up to something :-)