Make a sleek-looking duct tape case for your iPhone (or other smart phone) with duct tape. What makes this design special? It’s lined with fabric so your phone stays free from stickies and scratches. I have never seen another duct tape phone case that uses the technique I developed for creating a fabric lining, so grab a roll of duct tape and some scrap fabric and come make a phone case with me.

The backstory for this duct tape phone case:

I just got a new phone, and I’m paranoid about scratching it up. I already outfitted the phone in a hard-shell case and screen protector film, but I am still afraid my keys will somehow find a way to mess up my phone while they are jostling around in my purse.

Enter this duct tape phone cozy that will give my iPhone another layer of protection. Not only is the outer duct tape shell sturdy enough to deflect scratchy surfaces, but the inside is soft and safe, thanks to a lining of fuzzy flannel. And if you don’t have an iPhone, don’t worry. The principles of this phone still work! You will just need to alter the measurements of the pattern pieces to fit your phone.

What you need for this project:

• Duct tape, on hand or $1 and up
• A piece of fabric (I used flannel) – about 6×15″

Total: $1 and up

Note about duct tape: I have seen it at the dollar store, but I have a huge weakness for colored and patterned duct tape, and that will run you slightly more per roll (although, it will probably be pretty comparable if you calculate the cost per foot — the rolls at the dollar store are small).

Tools:

• Scissors
• Ruler

Optional, but helpful:

• Cutting Mat
• Rotary Cutter
• Goo Gone (rub on scissor blades to keep them from sticking to duct tape)
• Your phone to measure

How-to Video (Written instructions below)

To make:

1. Cover your fabric with duct tape on one side, overlapping the duct tape at each strip’s long edges.

2. Trim off all the edges of the fabric piece, removing any excess duct tape.

3. Trim a piece of the duct tape fabric that measures about 14″ long and 2.5″ wide. Trim one edge to a point.

If you have a cutting mat with guide lines and ruler, you can measure the center point of the short side of the piece. With a washable marker, mark the center point of the side (should be 1.25″ if you are using my measurements), and line that point up with the point of the X on your cutting mat. Line the ruler up with the X’s lines, and trim a perfect mitered edge on your piece.

Or you can just eyeball it.

3. Cut two pieces of the duct tape fabric that measure about 3.75″ long and .5″ wide. These will be the sides of the case.

4. Put the two small pieces on the center of a piece of duct tape.

5. Attach the side pieces to the sides of the straight end of the main piece (should end up looking kind of like a T) — these are your “wings.”

Tip: leave a microscopic space between the side pieces and the main piece when attaching. This will allow ample room for the sides to fold up.

6. Put your phone on the top of the T, and wrap the long end of the strap up and around the bottom of the phone.

7. With your phone still inside the long strap, fold the wings up over the back side of the strap.

8. You should now have a pouch. All that’s left to do now is add a strap to secure the front flap.

9. To create the strap: Cut a piece of duct tape about 5.5″ long. Fold it one-third up on the long end of the tape. Then fold down the top over the first fold. You should end up with a narrow, long strap.

10. Wrap the strap around the front of the case, not too tight. The backs of the strap should wrap around the back of the case.

11. Secure the back of the strap to the back of the case with duct tape. The easiest way is to put a piece of duct tape on each end of the strap, and fold it up (snug, but not too tight) and secure the duct tape to the back of the case.

12. You’re done. The front flap should slide easily in and out under the strap. Your phone should slide easily in and out of the case, but be pretty snug and secure inside.

Scotch Duct Tape Colors and Patterns

Many thanks to my sponsor Scotch Duct Tape, who graciously provided me with tape and compensation in order to bring you this high-quality project tutorial! Scotch just launched a new line of duct tape: over 10 colors, 16 patterns and 10 combo packs of  Scotch Colors and Patterns Duct Tape.

Take the Style that Sticks quiz: Take this fun quiz at Scotch Duct Tape’s Site — answer 3 questions that lead you to your personal style (Glamorous, Traditional or Trendy) and patterns and projects that align with that style. In addition to recommending fun and unique DIY projects, along with select duct tapes, the quiz ends with an option to enter your email address to win one of hundreds of free combo pack samples every day.

I found some AMAZING DIY projects there! Like:

Duct Tape Tumbling Block Art by The Glamourai

Neon Duct Tape Chevron Cuff Bracelet by Brit.co

Visit Scotch:

Website: www.ScotchDuctTape.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ScotchColorsPatterns

This post is a collaboration with Scotch Colors and Patterns Duct Tape, whose celebration of unique personal style led to this post.