Updated iPod case pattern with sync cable slot!

I've had the idea for absolutely ages, but real life precluded my taking a stab at trying out my design. Today I managed to squeeze out an iPod case that includes a slot for the sync cable. This means you don't need to remove the iPod from it's case to charge it or to hook it up to a car playback device. Yay! Sadly, my demo model isn't my prettiest work, but if I wait around for that... well, technology will pass me by, I'm betting.

It turns out it's pretty easy to modify the pattern to include a cable slot. In fact, no new pieces are necessary. It is only necessary to treat one pattern piece slightly differently. Oh, and you need a narrow foot, like a zipper foot or a (my favorite) straight stitch foot. So let's cut to the chase.

How to create an iPod case with a sync cable slot

• Cut out all pieces as directed.
  
• Go ahead and sew the loop velcro spot to the back, but ignore the instructions regarding the bottom band.
  
• Instead, sew the band into a tube RST, finger press the seam open (over a pencil or your pinky) and turn right side out. You should now have a tube.
  
• Using the seam as your marker. pin the tube to the back so that the seam line is 1/4" inch from the bottom edge. See first photo for an example of a tube pinned into proper position.
  
  
  
  
• Using a narrow foot (either zipper or straight stitch - I prefer the latter) sew just barely off that seam, parallel to it, down the inside of the tube. You will have to hold the top of the tube out of the way with either hemostats or a bodkin, and you won't get very far, even so! That's okay. a 1/2" or 3/4" is fine. See below photo for a shot of this (crazy) seam in progress.
  
  
  
  
• Repeat this short seam on the other side of the tube. When you flip the case exterior piece over, it should look like the photo below. (Hopefully with neater stitching!)
  
  
  
  
• Now that the tube is secured to the bottom of the case exterior. Press it flat so that the seam forms one edge.
  
• From now on, treat that bottom band as you would have treated it in the original pattern, making absolutely certain that you do not catch that free center section of it when you "kiss" the padded interior to the exterior and sew around the perimeter.
  
• Continue on with the pattern as written.
  

And that's it! You need to strike that happy medium where you have enough of an opening that the charging port slides in easily, but not such a gap that the iPod can slip out the bottom. Thankfully there's considerable room for play with regard to this. You'll notice that you do have to undo the velcro to charge the iPod, but I personally like having that tab close up the gap when not in use.

I need to make an addendum to the pattern to include this new technique. I will say that it's a little more fiddly this way, but I really dislike taking my iPod out of its case every time I want to listen to it in the car or grab the latest podcast, so I am very happy to make the extra effort.

I hope folks enjoy this new feature.