DIY Laptop Cases

Are you one of those people that throws your laptop or tablet in a large purse without so much as a sleeve protecting it? Stop and think again. Even a slim case is better than nothing. Then comes in the question, do you buy or DIY a laptop case?

There are so many readily available and affordable laptop cases that it seems unlikely that people would make their own. However, as we've seen, people do make their own, and oftentimes the time spent crafting one pays off. When you design a case from scratch, you're able to customize the size, material, and function in a way a store-bought case can't.

DIY laptop cases need to be both stylish and durable to make them worthwhile. We've collected some laptop case tutorials that will work for laptops, tablets, phones, and any other electronics you need to protect. Pick one and get started!

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Craft a Laptop Case in Less Than Ten Minutes

Crazy Little Projects

One thing that deters some people from making their own laptop case is the time investment. To them, anything that involves sewing would take up way too much of their day. This tutorial from Amber of Crazy Little Projects proves that idea wrong. The simple laptop sleeve you see here can be made in ten minutes using only a few key materials.

DIY Laptop Sleeve: Make it in Ten Minutes from Crazy Little Projects
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Add a Scalloped Edge Detail

Oh So Lovely

Stef and Erin from Oh So Lovely are a wonderful team that comes up with some clever tutorials. Their DIY iPad case can be customized to fit just about any electronic device, and the guide is really easy to follow. Our favorite part is that the steps are overlayed on top of the images so there is no confusion. If you want to make a laptop case with a scalloped edge like you see here, head on over to their tutorial.

DIY iPad Case from Oh So Lovely
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Mix Leather and Lace

Moms and Crafters

When trying to replicate a vintage bohemian style, materials are going to be the most important element of any project. Menucha from Moms and Crafters came up with a fashionable design using lace and leather. To learn how to sew your own by checking out her step-by-step guide.

DIY Laptop Sleeve from Moms and Crafters
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Use a Belt as a Clasp

es.kaa makes

Some of the most stylish laptop cases look like or double as a handbag. Along with looking like a purse, this laptop case also has a faux belt detailing that adds a little extra security on the flap. Selina from es.kaa makes this tutorial look effortless on her blog.

How to Make: Envelope Laptop Case with Faux Belt from es.kaa makes

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Coordinate Fabrics for the Inside and Outside

Polkadot Chair

If you're going to make the effort to make a laptop case from scratch, put in the time to pick out cute fabric for the inside and the outside. You see the inside of the case more often than you'd think, so make sure it coordinates. Using an extra fabric liner will also add a little bit more protection for your computer, so don't skimp out. If you like how these fabrics work together, check out Melissa's tutorial on Polkadot Chair.

DIY Laptop Sleeve Clutch from Polkadot Chair
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Combine Felt and Fleece for Durability

She's Got the Notion

Felt and fleece are two of the most common fabrics you'll see in DIY laptop case tutorials because they are durable. However, sometimes this fabric combination can look cheap and sloppy. We love this tutorial from She's Got the Notion because it uses these inexpensive textiles but makes them look spectacular in the process.

Felt and Fleece Laptop Sleeve Tutorial from She's Got the Notion
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Sew On Button Enclosures

Purl Soho

If you're keen on tutorials that pay attention to detail, visit Laura from Purl Soho. Her electronic case tutorial is very detail-oriented and thorough. The best part about this project is that the pictures are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners. Gather up some supplies and head on over to her step-by-step to make your own customized cases.

Felt Electronic Cases from Purl Soho
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Sew a Quilted Laptop Bag

The Yellow Birdhouse

Laura from The Yellow Birdhouse has a ton of tutorials that involve sewing and patchwork. We especially love this quilted laptop bag that she made because it serves many purposes and can be sewn together from remnant fabrics. Her pictures are crisp, her tutorial is straightforward, and she will make this bag do-able for a beginner. If you're interested, visit her page to find out more.

Quilted Laptop Bag Tutorial from The Yellow Birdhouse

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Add a Zipper Enclosure

Ohoh Deco

If you're new to sewing, one thing that might intimidate you is adding a zipper to a project. One solution to this dilemma is DIY laptop cases that have a button enclosure instead. You could also head on over to Ohoh Deco and learn how to sew on a zipper once and for all. Take your time and hand stitch where you must to complete this case.

How to Sew a Laptop Case from Ohoh Deco
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Craft an Easy Leather Laptop Case

Almost Makes Perfect

Working with leather isn't that difficult once you get some basic techniques down. Molly from Almost Makes Perfect nails this leather laptop case and teaches all her readers how to do the same. Head on over to her tutorial to learn how she made sewing leather easier.

DIY Easy Leather Laptop Case from Almost Makes Perfect
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Embellish a Laptop Case with Patches

A Beautiful Mess

There are so many laptop case tutorials that start from scratch, but sometimes you already have a case that isn't to your liking. One workaround to this problem is to add some funky patches as seen on this case from A Beautiful Mess. Check out their tutorial to get some advice on placement and the type of adhesive to use.

DIY Patch Laptop Case from A Beautiful Mess
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Crochet a Striped Laptop Case

5 Little Monsters

Most crochet purse patterns can be adapted to work for a laptop case, but it's helpful when you have a pattern already perfected for the cause. Erica from 5 Little Monsters offers her readers this free crochet pattern that she adapted for this purpose.

Sweet Striped Crocheted Laptop Case from 5 Little Monsters