Nintendo 3DS XL Leather Case

I wanted a simple case that was not too bulky that would just hold my Nintendo 3DS XL system. I got a new 3DS XL (Zelda Edition) and didn't want it to get scratched/dinged like my blue one. I used leather because I thought it looked cool and it would last. I carry around my 3DS alot for spotpass/street pass. Hope this comes in handy

Step 1: Get the Template and Tools

You will need a couple of things:

3ds XL (to shape and test the fit)
Punch tool
Piece of scrap wood
Piece of leather (Craft store, got mine at Hobby Lobby)
Round Leather Lace 2mm/2yrds (On A cord : 225441 - Got mine at Hobby Lobby)
Large Needle size of the Leather Lace
Snaps with snap tool

Step 2: Cut the Piece of Leather

Use the PDF templates to cut your peice of leather to size. I have created two versions, one that is for 8 1/2 x 11 print outs and one for 11 x 17. You will need to tape together the 8 1/2 x 11 as it will not fit on one sheet of paper. When I created the one in this example my piece of leather was not long as long as I wanted but it still worked. You will see on the PDF's that I have included the modification to make it have more slack for the snaps. If you want it like this example, just cut off the area that states for you to remove.

*NOTE* the holes will come in another step*

Step 3: Check Size

*NOTE* the holes will come in another step*

Verify that the leather looks correct and trim any areas you fell are too long. Make sure to see if the leather wraps around the 3ds and doesn't have gaps or over laps, it should come together.

Step 4: Make Holes for the Leather Lace

Place the scrap piece of wood under the leather piece and use the punch to make holes through piece of leather. Make the holes 1/2 a centimeter a part. Do not make the holes all the way around the piece of leather, use the photo as a reference. You do not want the closing flap to have holes.

Step 5: Make Holes Larger

Using a large needle, poke the needle through the wholes you just created to make them bigger. I think if you had a proper tool to make the leather holes you may not need to do this. I did not so this was my solution.

Step 6: Sew Case Together

First you will want to tie a knot at the very end of the leather lace. Now on the other side of the piece of lace, cut it at an angle so it will make it easier to go through the holes. You may need to keep cutting it because the end will get "soft" and not be as easy to go through the holes. Sew the lace keeping it pretty tight, you want to make sure the two pieces of leather do not have a gap, but do not over lap too much. When you get to the end, tie another knot or two and cut the leather lace to size (not too much because the knot might come loose).

Step 7: Add Button Snaps

First make sure you figure out where you want to put the snaps, then make holes like you did for the leather lace. Next use the tools to punch the snaps for the top and bottom snaps.

After you add the snaps, put your 3DS XL in the case and make sure everything fits.

You are now done.