Summer’s here and with it are days near the beach and the pool. To keep my phone protected, I designed this DIY Phone Case that’s Splash Proof, and have a tutorial to make it to share with you today. If you like this project, you may also enjoy my “Sunnies” Sunglasses Case Sewing Pattern.
During the summer I spend a lot of time watching kids from the sidelines as they play in the pool or jump in the lake.
I’ve noticed that kids aren’t always really good at keeping the water IN the pool while they are playing. Somehow there always seems to be quite a lot of water that splashes out of the pool and onto the tables and chairs around the pool. This is bad if your phone is on one of those tables.
Recently year I thought that I’d stitch myself up a phone case to protect my phone when I’m poolside with the kids. I’m headed to the beach for a few days this summer and I think that this case will also be great to keep the sand away too.
First up, this case is SPLASH proof, NOT waterproof. Don’t go dunking your phone in the pool with this… The case features a zip-top and a clear front so that you can SEE your phone that way you know if you get a call or a text.
There is also clear vinyl on the back of the pouch and you could easily make this pouch entirely clear… however I wanted to add a bit of color so I’ve added a printed fabric liner to the back of the pouch.
How to Make a Phone Case with a Zipper that is Splash Proof:
Note: this post was published previously. It has been updated and improved.
Splash Proof Phone Case Supplies:
Want to make one, here’s what you’ll need:
This case was designed to fit an iPhone 6+, you can adjust the size if you need to fit your specific phone.
Sources are linked when possible.
- Two 5″ x 8″ pieces of Clear Vinyl
- 7″ Zipper
- Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
- Two 5″ x 8″ pieces of fabric
- One 5″ x 8″ piece of Heat N Bond Lite
- Zipper foot for a sewing machine.
- Scraps of tissue paper
- Thread to match your bias tape
Time needed: 1 hour
How to Make a Splash Proof Phone Case
- Create a Double Sided Piece of Fabric
Iron the heat n bond lite onto the wrong side of one of the 5″ x 8″ fabric pieces.
Peel off the paper backing and iron to the wrong side of the other 5″ x 8″ fabric piece. Now you have a piece of fabric that is double-sided.
- Attach the Zipper to the Clear Vinyl
Next, use binding clips to pin the RIGHT side of the zipper to one of the clear vinyl pieces.
Stitch in place using a zipper foot. - A tip for Sewing with Vinyl
NOTE: to get the vinyl to feed through the machine evenly you need to create a barrier between it and the feed dogs on the sewing machine.
To do this place a scrap piece of tissue paper under the vinyl. Stitch in place then tear away the vinyl. I just used some tissue paper left over from interfacing. - Attach the Zipper
- Attach the Pouch Back Piece to the Zipper
Next, lay the double-sided fabric on top of the other clear vinyl piece. Place the RIGHT side of the other side of the zipper on top of the fabric. Stitch all layers in place (also using the tissue paper).
Using your fingers or a flat object (like a pen or pencil) press the vinyl pieces away from the zipper. If they are being very stubborn you can place a cloth over the vinyl and press it lightly with an iron. - Create the Rounded Corners
Fold the pouch so that it is right side out and the front and back pieces are touching. Using a round object (like a CD) round off the two bottom corners of the pouch. Make sure that all your pieces are lined up properly before you cut.
- Binding the Edges; Step One
Open up the double fold bias tape all the way. Stitch it to the back side of the pouch, the raw edge of the bias tape even with the raw edge of the pouch. Stitch close to the 1st fold in the tape (use the tissue paper again to help the vinyl feed through the machine).
- Binding the Edges: Step Two
Refold the bias tape. On the right side of the pouch stitch the bias tape in place close to the folded edge.
Fold under the raw edges of the bias tape at the start and stop to get a smooth finish on the corners.
Instructions to make the yarn tassel for the pouch can be found here.
That’s it! You’re done! Now pat yourself on the back!!!
jennifer miller says
What a great idea! Think I must make one (and I have the perfect fabric in mind….)
Stef says
SUPER GOOD idea, Melissa!!
Thanks Stef! Drooling over the wood burned planks you posted today.. those are totally genius!
Sophia says
What a Great idea :)) i will Referate it for surr! Xo sophia
http://Www.littlesewingmachine.blogsspot.de
Anne says
This is waaaay classier than the zip-loc baggie I make my daughter use for her phone. As soon as I’m able, I’ll make her one of these. I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow that links to your tutorial:
https://www.polkadotchair.com/2015/06/splash-proof-phone-case-sewing-pattern.html/
–Anne
Oh I’ve used my fair share of ziploc baggies for electronics! Thanks for the link Anne!
Stephanie says
I was just thinking about making something like this! Love it.
MelanieC says
Love this idea! I will have to make one using your tutorial!
Great!!!
Robin Oconnell says
That’s ridiculously cute! I LOVE it!
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
I’m a sucker for anything beach-y! I’ve pinned several of these awesome ideas. Visiting from Pretty Pintastic Party.
Rosa says
I love this little pouch! I saved a vinyl bag from a purchased curtain that I will use to make this. Thanks for the tutorial!
Geraldine Rothstein says
This is such a great idea, especially if you live in SoCal!. I’m making one for everyone in the family. Thank you.
Brenda Jerles says
This is really cute! I think I will use laminated fabric as well as the vinyl so both sides will be waterproof.
I just bought some super cute laminated fabric so a great use for it!
Thanks!
Kathleen Mason says
Hi! I was wondering if this tutorial was still available? When I click on the button to open the tutorial page it just opens up this same page in another window.
Thanks!
Try it again, the whole page should be loading now. I don’t know what was going on earlier.
Kay says
This is a fabulous idea, thank you very much. x
Megan says
This looks wonderful, thanks so much. One question, what gauge is the vinyl?
I don’t know. It comes on a roll in a small package at the craft/sewing store.
Megan says
I tried this, thanks you very much. I have two questions…1) are the front and back vinyl or the CUNY’s pieces touching? 2), How do you finish the binding tape and the zipper ends? Thankfully this one is a practice, but it is all bunched and doesn’t look water tight. Thanks again!.
Megan says
Sorry, not CUNY’s , but vinyl
Ellen says
This is not a beginner project, in my opinion. I had a lot of trouble with the directions, they assume one knows how to do a zipper and work with bias tape. I found this on a beginning sewing projects site! I’ve made masks, scrub caps, headbands, bowl cozies, etc, but I could not make this although I tried really hard.
Hi, I didn’t say that this was a beginner project. If someone else included it on their list then that’s their opinion, but I don’t have it on my beginner sewing projects list. I’m sorry you had trouble with it. But now that you’re done at least you’ve learned something new! Congrats!
Lisa says
Thank you for a wonderful project. I am no longer afraid of zippers. I made one for each of my family members for our upcoming beach trip. Many thanks again!!’