7 Interesting DIY Tech Accessories, Gadgets, and Gifts

DIY Gadget Projects and Tech Holders

Have you ever wanted to add some oomph to your gadgets? Something to give them some life and make them stand out a bit? We’re going to show you 7 gadget projects that will help you do just that.

Now sure, you could buy most of these things at the store, but why pay tons of money for something when you can make it yourself? Right? Detailed instructions will show you how to build these cool projects!

1. Two-Toned Felt Gadget Cases!

These two-toned felt gadget cases look absolutely amazing and they’re not hard to make either. All you need are some basic sewing skills and you can make a case for your smartphone, tablet, or any other gadget!

You’ll Need:

• 2 18″ square pieces of wool felt in contrasting or coordinating colors
• cotton thread to match the exterior felt
• felt buttons (you can buy these or easily make a few yourself… or just use some fun buttons from your stash!)
• colorful cording

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

2. Earbud Holders

Earbuds are great but those pesky wires always seem to find some way to tangle up and cause problems. The solution? A convenient holder made from a plastic card. Frugal and functional!

You’ll Need:

• An expired plastic credit card or membership card.
• Utility or X-acto Knife (heavy duty)
• Electric drill with drill bit
• Cutting board
• Level smooth surface

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

3. Cross-Stitch iPhone Cases

There are a ton of great iPhone cases on the market (almost an endless amount), but have you ever wanted a completely unique case? Well, the only way to accomplish that goal is to make your own.

Cross-stitch iPhone cases aren’t too difficult to make, and they’re completely customizable. Pick your favorite pattern and get to work! These would make for a great handmade gift as well.

You’ll Need:

• Leese Design’s iPhone 4 Cross Stitch Case
• Caroline Vincent’s Sampler Workbook: Motifs and Patterns, page 17.
• All threads used in this version are Sajou Retors du Nord 4-ply embroidery floss
• Leaves: 2039, 2405, 2529
• Branches: 2227
• Bird: 2010
• Bird’s eye and legs: 2234

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

4. iPhone Stand

Have you ever wanted to stand your iPhone up on it’s own for a hands-free, mini-theatre experience? There are products on the market to help you accomplish this, but why spend money when you can make your own?

You won’t need much to make one of these DIY iPhone stands, and you can customize it with your own fabric as well.

You’ll Need:

• Thick cardboard (I used the back of an old note pad)
• Ruler
• Craft Knife
• Fabric (at least 27cm by 30cm)
• Pins
• Large Needle/ Darning Needle and thick thread (Or wool)
• Scissors
• A Sewing Machine (optional)

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

5. Custom Laptop Bag

Here’s a DIY laptop sleeve that is completely customizable and it works for any size laptop. The best part? You can make one of these in under 1 hour!

Want to make a custom laptop sleeve but don’t like this particular one? Check out these other DIY laptop sleeve ideas.

You’ll Need:

• Cotton fabric in your choice of patterns for outside of the sleeve
• Fleece fabric for the inside of the sleeve
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Snaps and snap press/snap pliers (If you don’t have these you could also create a button hole and use a button or use velcro.)
• Sewing Machine

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

6. DSLR Camera Lens Case

If you’re a passionate photographer there’s no questioning that you probably have a nice collection of lenses that you probably also paid a lot of money for. If you want to protect them in style, making one of these DIY lens cases is a great way to do that!

You’ll Need:

• Ruler
• Protractor, guide or something to make a perfect circle
• Calculator (for a little math)
• Fat Quarter of fabric for exterior
• Fat Quarter of minky or other soft fabric for interior
• Scrap batting
• Piece of plastic or Cardboard (optional)
• 24″ of cording (I used a shoelace I had lying around for about a year – YES!)
• If you have a serger, you will want to use it, but it is not necessary.

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

7. Camera Strap

Another essential part of a photographers artillery is the camera itself. There are tons of different camera straps to choose from, but honestly, most of them are pretty plain.

If you want to add some personality to your camera collection, making a homemade camera strap gives you a ton of creative freedom.

You’ll Need:

• One piece fabric 20.5″ x 4″
• One piece craft fuse (aka iron-on craft interfacing) 20.5″ x 1.5″
• One piece heavy stabilizer (aka heavyweight sew-in interfacing) 20.5″ x 1.5″
• One piece thickish, stiffish material 20.5″ x 1.5″. I used natural canvas/ duck cloth. I included this because I really, really need my straps to not feel like a flimsy ribbon. But that’s just me – you can leave this out if you like.
• Some vinyl. I used upholstery-grade vinyl that was black on both sides.
• Two 3/8″ dog collars.

MAKE THIS PROJECT!

Final Thoughts

When I think of gadgets I automatically think of cold, bland electronics. That’s just often how they are. However, with a bit of craftiness and love, you can bring some warmth and personality into your gadgets.

I hope these DIY tech accessories have inspired you to create some awesome accessories for your own gadgets. Let us know what you’re planning to create!

More DIY Ideas:

• How to Recycle Old Jeans (+15 Easy Craft Ideas)
• 5 Cool DIY Backpacks That Are Functional & Frugal
• 5 Cool DIY Watch Straps You Will Love