Given that my iPad is one of few things I can’t function without, it was about time I gave it the royal treatment. Inspired by Stella McCartney‘s iconic Falabella bag, I whipped up a chain trimmed leather sleeve perfect for my favorite gadget! This tutorial is a great way to learn a super simple hand stitching technique which can also then be applied to other leather wares. Have I piqued your interest yet?
You’ll need:
- leather iPad sleeve
- 30 inches of stainless steel curb chain
- 5 yards of waxed linen cord (last used here & here)
- all purpose rotary punch (last used here)
- an embroidery needle
- wire cutters or bolt cutter (optional)
- scissors
Start by setting the rotary punch to the smallest hole setting. Create a hole in the upper right corner, making sure to punch just outside the seam but without cutting into the outer edge of the leather sleeve. (Click images to enlarge)
Each chain link is approximately 5 millimeters apart, therefore the holes should be spread apart with the same distance. Continue punching holes around the perimeter of the sleeve.
Thread the needle with the waxed linen cord and tie a double knot at the end. Pull the thread through the first hole and pass the needle through the same hole again, making the first stitch.
Pull the needle through the bottom of the first chain link and push it through the top of the second hole. Pull tightly.
Continue pulling the thread through bottom of the next chain link and pushing through the top of the subsequent hole.
Stitch the corner link through the same bottom hole twice.
Tie a double knot to finish the entire stitch. Trim the ends of the knots with scissors and cut away any excess chain with a wire or bolt cutter.
Now go back with fingers or a pair of tweezers to pull out any original broken stitches.
Your Stella McCartney inspired iPad sleeve is finished!
(Stella McCartney Falabella iPad Sleeve $415; all images by HonestlyWTF)
This. Is. Awe. Some.!
What a great idea! So rock and roll! 🙂
xoxo
http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com
This is so simple but so effective! Now just to get an iPad…
so cool! 🙂
I love this. Trying this out A.S.A.P.
http://www.stylishabits.blogspot.com
Amazing work, very neat! Love this DIY!
xoxo
http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/
The Cuir Elixir iPad/MacBook Air sleeve totally fits, and its curved design honor’s the brand’s minimalist look. Supports your professional and social interests. You can get it any query https://cuirelixir.com/product/lustrochetta-ipad-sleeve/
I love this! Just what I needed.
very cool!!!
http://bonnieclydemarni.blogspot.com/
LOVE this!! such a good idea! http://www.fashionifancy.com
Amazing!!!
great idea!!!
xoxo
http://touchkajal.blogspot.com/
Oh That’s great .. Gonna do it definately…
I don’t think Stella’d be too rapt that you’ve used a leather case…
Oh God, how freaking amazing is that? I need to get a rotary punch so I can start doing these things (even though I don’t have an ipad). Such a cool tutorial!
xo Joana
I like this post!!..it’s amazing!!!!!!!!!
I talk about your DIY in my blog, have a look:
http://monmannequin-flami.blogspot.it/2012/04/new-diy.html
Wow, this makes me wish I had an iPad!
http://peppermintsandpixiedust.blogspot.com
Wow!! I made the same but iphone suitcase, look in http://www.desdetenerifeconamor.com/2012/03/diy-stella-maccartney-iphone-case.html
Love it!!!! And the purple color is just lovely
http://ilovedoityourself.blogspot.fr/
wow, great post! I really like the effect!
I love DIYs where you make something pretty even prettier! I guess this could be adapted for other things – like wallets or make-up bags.
The J’adore Blog
Wow, So great! Love it!
Do you like studs?
YAAAY a DIY and it is so flipin awesome.. im super excited to do this.. i love the Stella bags.. can never afford them.. but this is just sooo awesome.. lol im so excited hehe
Piqued not peaked.
wicked cool idea
http://youngandimpressionablee.blogspot.com.au/
xx
Love it. It seconds as a cool clutch!
xoxo
http://www.thewrittenrunway.com
This is great! LOVE!
Dang it girl! You are da bomb! Love it!!!!
great touch !
http://girlwiththeskullscarf.blogspot.co.uk/
This is amazing!
beyond amazing! i might have to get an iPad just to make this fab clutch for it! ha
xx
LOVE IT!!!! I was eying on Stella McCartney’s iPad sleeves and now I’m more than inspired to make my own!! hurrah!! Thanks for the awesome DIY tips! xoxo
http://www.hellohellofriday.com/
love it !!
http://littlefinspiration.blogspot.com/
Looks great! Now if only someone would get me an iPad… 😉
this. is. genius.
wtfwhatthefashion.blogspot.com/
one of your best!!! I absolutely love this!
katie
http://kfitzdesign.blogspot.com
wow that’s amazingly simple and gorgeous, just like the stella bag!
in dramatic fashion
very nice!
Looks awesome! But since I do not own an iPad, I might try this on my phone 🙂
wow… i wish i had an ipad now!
I love love love this DIY. It’s amazing!
ok. you need to sell this…to me.
http://mybabykins.com
Love it! I actually like yours better than the Stella McCartney sleeve. 🙂
Really great, wow!
Virginie/
Fantastic idea!!!!!!Love this DIY!!!
http://lovelittlelulu.blogspot.com/
Ridiculously good. I can’t WAIT to finish my exams: I’ll go through all your tutorials, make a shopping list (when is that not fun?) of all the things I need to make the ones I want, and just try them all out. Must find my creative flair in this time also. I hope it comes as naturally.
LoOOooOvvvvvvVe the blog. It really does make my day.
Sarah @ Acid Wallpaper
X
Wow, skillful and perfectly executed! Nice and pretty result above all!
xoxoxo
AMAZING DIY…super CUTE combo of colours metal silver witj Violet
YOu can check me in NEON 2 CAPES:
http://www.laviequo.com
XOXO from MUNICH
La Vie Quotidienne
brilliant!
Bises,
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
That doesn’t look too hard! I just need to get my hands on one of those punchy things…
http://www.stylingmylife.com
Very cool! My family actually just gave my mom an iPad for her birthday present! This is perfect!
http://theaverageasiangirl.blogspot.com
This is SO fantastic! I actually like yours much better than the Stella McCartney. And purple is sooooo beautiful <3
Super cute + super easy = love
Love this, if I actually had an iPad I’d be making this.
Love this! I reposted on my blog~ you guys always have the best post!
amazing
pink.lemon.in.crystal
that is genius!
xx
sarabelleblog.blogspot.com/
these are SO awesome! now I just need an iPad… : )
http://www.dragonnfruit.com
Great DIY .. Very chic and stylish. Will def be trying this out adding a bit of my own flare to it!!
Might just have to try this one! You always nice DIYs
Fabulous!! I want to paint/spray paint the curb chain a different color. What should I use? Would it be durable to wear the painted chain as jewelry too? Thank you!
Ohmygoodness, this is brilliant and beautiful! It looks so amazing! I’d love try this out for my Galaxy! Another brilliant DIY from you girls! Thank you!! 🙂
this is just awesome, i have to share this! just so sorry to dont have an ipad!
Amazing <3
Holly you guys!! all time fav!! love this diy!!!!!
love K
Wowzers! This looks so amazing! Rock chic style!
Looks good!
Super cute, but it looks very time consuming!
Awesome DIY tutorial though.
-Tara of Mad Max
http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com
http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/
I love love this!! I want to do this for my IPad! Thanks for sharing!!!
http://eyesofacouturier.wordpress.com/
Aweesssooommmeee!
Absolutely love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
Nice, except she might never go for leather!
LOVE. IT!!! stay FLYY.
http://www.flyycoast2coast.wordpress.com
This is AMAZING!
that is AMAZING, your blog is AMAZING! thank you so much for sharing and i’m so glad to have stumbled on your blog and your outrageously AMAZING diy section.
abby
http://www.farandwildjewelry.blogspot.com
How cool is that!
-Art a la Rue xx
that’s pretty cool!
Amazing !
xo ,
Ana Catalarrana
This is soooo coool!!! I wish i had an Ipad…
You’re DYI posts are honestly the best!
one of your best DIYs yet!
january, x
jessicajanuary.com
This is such a fantastic idea. And super simple!
xo,
Jaclyne
http://www.sadeesays.com
How fun is that? I’m going to try this with pearls.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
woow! I really love it!
http://nomeeparafracos.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/diy-susan-boots/
Genius! I’m going to make this for my friend for her B-Day.
what happens to the knot in the 3rd and fourth picture :s does it stay there
@Sam, the knot stays there. you’ll trim it at the very end but the double knots prevent the cord from unraveling.
I love this! Been looking for a great idea to make a great looking ipad2 case and this rocks! Love it! Thanks a lot!
Annabella Merlin
Creative Photo Albums
So simple but so effective! 🙂
http://mustbebeautiful.blog.com
love leather and steel! looks cool!
OMG, im in love with this diy
this is totally awesome!
vanessa
http://thepinkmateproject.blogspot.com/
Where did you get the plain purple case that you started with? I’ve tried finding one on ebay but I haven’t had much luck.
I love this D.I.Y. and I’m dying to try it out!!
Hi, I’m the Merchandising Manager for Leatherology.com & love what you’ve done with our Purple Italian Leather iPad Sleeve!!
AMAZING! I think i’m now called to leather work lol!
Wonderfull! I made a Stella McCartney’s embroidery inspired DIY sweater. You can get it ay http://www.thediysigner.blogspot.com
fabuolse! <3
http://myinspiration.devote.se/
Nice! And it s great that you have other tutorials involving rotary punches so that we can get more than 1 use from it 🙂
The Cuir Elixir iPad/MacBook Air sleeve fits perfectly, and its curved design honours the brand’s minimalist aesthetic. ensures your professional and social
The holes Each chain link is approximately 5 millimeters apart, therefore the holes should be spread apart with the same distance. Continue punching holes around the perimeter of the sleeve.
You can get it any https://honestlywtf.com/
The Cuir Elixir iPad/MacBook Air sleeve totally fits, and its curved design honor’s the brand’s minimalist look. Supports your professional and social interests. You can get it any query https://cuirelixir.com/product/lustrochetta-ipad-sleeve/