Here I will show you how to make your very own DIY iPad Case; that you will not only love, but it won’t break the bank as well. This project is pretty simple and depending on the features you need, rather inexpensive!

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Background Story…

I have been seeing so much hype about the new iPad Pros and how amazingly productive the Apple Pencil was when used with this iPad. After hours upon hours of research, I finally convinced myself this was a worthy investment and I upgraded my current iPad Air 9.7 to a new iPad Pro.

So I purchased an iPad pro 10.5 inch used. *You know how frugal I am and I just found it so difficult to put out some serious dough on a new unit!*  So, of course, I needed an apple pencil to go along with this new iPad! I again purchased a used pencil.  Once I un-boxed my new used iPad I quickly realized I needed a case for it. Here is where my problem first began.

I’m a killer for lists, so I made a list of all the must-have functions my new iPad case needed.

This is that list:

1. Must protect the iPad. This should always be the first and main objective in any case.
2. Must hold my Apple Pencil. The pencil was a huge selling point in my upgrade so I knew I would want to carry it with me.
3. Needs a place for a notepad or paper. I always have notes and paper and I sometimes get the urge to just jot down a few things, so I wanted to make sure I had this option within my reach.
4. I wanted something pink and that was made with a leather-like material. This is just a personal preference, I love leather and pink is my favorite color, so I figured a win-win if I could find this.

After reviewing this list it became clear I was in search of a portfolio of sorts. I found very few on Etsy and eBay, but they were so expensive (like over $100 expensive!) and none of them had all the options on my list. *Trust me if you have searched for this, I feel your pain and frustration!*

So after not coming up with any viable options and not willing to settle, I set out to make my own iPad Portfolio. I mean it couldn’t be that hard, right!?!

DIY iPad Case Instructions

Just a heads up! It did take me a little time thinking about how I wanted to execute this project and I got pretty aggravated when I made a few bonehead mistakes right in the middle of the project.

My suggestion to you is, if you start getting aggravated with any DIY project, just step away or leave it for another day!

Trust me when I say, (that totally rhymes!) this is hands down the best option because you will just continue to make crazy stupid mistakes when all you want to do is finish this damn project already! *Learn from my mistake!*

Materials Needed:

• an old hardback book (large enough to cover your iPad with a little extra room) I found one at the local Good Will Store for $3
• fabric to cover the book (optional) If you like the hardback book don’t cover it! I covered mine because it was an old encyclopedia.
• material for lining the book
• cardboard pieces to fit inside book
• hot glue
• industrial glue or really good super glue (I used e6000)
• heat n bond (optional)
• an elastic headband
• clear iPad case 
• velcro (optional)

Step 1:

You need to remove the pages from the book. I took a box cutter and just cut the binding on the front and back cover and then pulled all of the pages out at once. This is a great option because the pages stay together and you don’t feel so bad for messing with a book!

Step 2:

Cut out cardboard to fit inside of the front and back covers of the book. I used a pizza box lid. You could probably skip this step if you don’t need any pockets from paper. I wanted my case to be durable, as I was likely going to have it with me most of the time!

Step 3:

Cut the fabric to fit over the cardboard pieces. Glue the fabric to the backs of the cardboard and set aside to dry.

Step 4:

If you are covering the book, stretch the fabric across the entire outside of the book with super glue or e6000.  Make sure to pull the material tight and smooth out any wrinkles. I also made sure to bend the book closed to make sure the spine of the book fit nicely. I pressed the spine to make sure the material made a good seal over the book. You can also use heat n bond, just follow the instructions on the package.

Step 5:

If you are making pockets with fabric, sew the material edges over to get a nice hem. This will make a nice neat finish for the tops of the pockets. Layer your pockets and stretch the fabric around the second cardboard piece and glue the material down to the back of the fabric covered cardboard. Make sure you put something like a notepad in the pockets to ensure you have enough room unless you are using stretchy fabric.

Step 6:

Cut out 2 identical pieces of fabric and secure them along the top and bottom of the other fabric covered cardboard. This is the fabric that will hold the iPad in place. I made mine narrow enough to be able to reach the home button. I also made sure to leave a space open on the bottom piece so I could charge my iPad without removing it from the case.

Step 7:

Cut a piece of fabric to cover the inside spine of the book. Make sure it is large enough to fit under the cardboard pieces.

Step 8:

To make the pocket for the pencil cut out a small rectangle piece of material just large enough to fit over the pencil. I actually had a brain fart and made an actual pocket for the pencil and then had to sew onto the material of the spine by hand. It worked nicely, but just putting the rectangle onto the spine material would have been easier. Either way works and it just depends on the look you are wanting.

Step 9:

Cut out another piece of fabric to fit over the pocket. This will be the flap or the top that you open to take the pen out.

Step 10:

Sew the flap onto the fabric that will cover the book spine. Then iron the flap down to make a nice crease.

Step 11:

I then used e6000 to apply a small round piece of velcro to the pocket flap. Do the same to the actual pocket to secure the flap closed. I tried a snap first, but I was worried it would damage the pencil when I was trying to close it. Velcro was the logical answer and would not damage the pencil in the process!

Step 12:

Wrap the headband around the fabric covered piece that will hold the iPad. Then glue the headband to the back of the cardboard piece using hot glue and e6000.

Step 13:

Secure the two fabric covered cardboard pieces to the inside covers of the book. I used the e6000 and hot glue. Press them down and let them dry for at least 24 hours. I placed some heavy books on top of each side to hold them down.

Step 14:

Place three small round velcro pieces to both the top and bottom of the fabric covered cardboard piece, in the space where the iPad will sit. I then took a clear iPad case and put the other end of the velcro on the back of the case using e6000.

This is so that my iPad would be protected when I took it out of the portfolio. Just a tip: Make sure you use the soft side of the velcro on the actual removable clear iPad case. You don’t want to feel the rough side when you use the iPad outside of the portfolio!

Notes:

If you like the actual book cover, you do not have to cover the outside of the book with material! Also if you don’t need pockets ,then just glue fabric on to the inside cover and spine using heat n bond. Then you can just cover the side where you will secure the iPad with one cardboard piece wrapped in fabric.  I would make sure to hem all the sides of the fabric to give it a more finished look.

There are so many possibilities and options with this design! You can customize a case that is just right for you and your needs. I just love my new case and it is just exactly what I was looking for in an iPad case I get so many compliments on my design and I know you will too!

Have you made a DIY iPad Portfolio? I want to see it! Make sure and drop me some pictures or comments below! Enjoy!! 

Is there a DIY Project you want me to do? Let me know in the comments. Want another DIY project? Check out this awesome DIY Softball or Cheer Bow article.

As always, Thanks for looking!

Candace 🙂