The best thing about the Flip-Pal mobile scanner that we’ve told you about before is that it’s so small and handy that you can easily take it anywhere with you. To make transport even easier, though, I designed a custom carrying case for it. This simple tote with a shoulder strap is really easy to make and fits the Flip Pal perfectly!

I picked out a pretty black and silver fabric that matched the Flip-Pal’s colors, but you could easily jazz it up with a fun print to suit your personal style. A half yard of fabric will be plenty.

Cut two pieces of fabric to 11 1/4″ x 15″. Set them aside for a minute and let’s work on the strap first. For the strap, cut a piece of fabric that’s 2 1/2″ wide and long enough to fit comfortably over your shoulder. I made mine 50″ long. Fold the strap fabric in half lengthwise, with right sides touching.

Sew the cut sides together along the whole strap with a 1/4″ seam allowance. You’ll use this same 1/4″ seam allowance on the whole project.

Using the safety pin technique that we described in Lesson 8 of our Sewing 101 video series, turn the strap inside out.

When the strap is right side out, iron it flat so that it’s easier to work with. Try to line the seam up so it’s on the edge of the strap, so that it’s less visible.

Now grab one of the big pieces of fabric you cut earlier and put it face up with the long side on top. Pin one end of the strap to the top right corner, 1/4″ from the right edge. Put the other end of the strap so that there is 6 1/4″ of space between the two straps, and pin it in place.

Before you get any further, check that there aren’t any unwanted loops or twists in the strap. Pay special attention to the photo below to see exactly how the strap should be laid out to make it smooth and untwisted in the finished case.

Now lay the other piece of fabric on top, face down, with the top edges lined up. Pin in place then sew across the top edge (remember to use a 1/4″ seam allowance).

Unfold the piece and then fold it back on itself so that the wrong sides are now touching and the strap is sticking out free on top.

Fold the left edge of the piece over to the right so that it’s folded in half, and pin the right and bottom edges.

Sew along the pinned edges and then flip the bag inside out. The straps encourage the top to have a rectangular shape that’s perfect for tucking the Flip-Pal into. Hey look — it’s done!

If you measured carefully, it will be a secure and snug fit that will be just right for the Flip-Pal.

Now you can carry around your Flip-Pal mobile scanner in style!