How To Make an Ear Bud Wrap using Paper

We've all been there: you're hurrying out the door, and by the time you reach into your bag to retrieve your earbuds, they've managed to tangle themselves in an unmanageable knot. Isn't that annoying? What if I told you that the solution might be as easy as finding a piece of leftover paper in your sewing drawer? Your earbuds can find the coziest little home in that tiny piece of paper you were about to throw away. You can make a cute, tangle-proof pouch out of plain paper with just a few folds (or none at all, if you're feeling lazy). It's a simple, inexpensive trick that takes only a few minutes to add some flair to your regular carry. Let's get started and transform that leftover Paper into your new.

Cut Out Your H-Shaped Template

Let's start with something super simple — a piece of paper. Grab a square sheet measuring 4 inches by 4 inches (or 10 cm by 10 cm if you're using a ruler marked in centimeters), and carefully cut it out with your scissors.

Now, fold this square right in half, like you're closing a book, and press down firmly along the edge so it leaves a neat crease. This fold is your guide for the next part. Here comes the fun part: on the folded edge, snip out a small rectangle from each corner, about 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch (or 1.3 cm by 1.9 cm). Think of it like taking a little bite out of each corner.

Once you unfold your paper, take a look; it should now look just like the letter H. Those little notches you cut out aren't just for looks, though. They'll act like tiny hooks, gently holding your earbuds in place so they don't slip and slide around once your holder is finished.

Use Felt to Trace and Cut Your Shape

It's time to use stiffened felt to make your template come to life. Your finished earbud holder will maintain its shape rather than flopping around because this type of felt is slightly thicker and more durable than the standard kind.

Using one hand, hold the flat H-shaped piece of paper in place on top of the felt. Trace the edges carefully, following the outline all the way around, using a pencil or marker. After you've finished tracing the entire shape, put the paper down and grab your scissors. To ensure that your felt piece precisely matches the template, cut along the lines you just drew, paying close attention to the H-shape.

You will then have the main body of your very own homemade earphone cord holder. Not able to locate stiffened felt at home? You can easily get some at any nearby fabric or craft store, so don't worry.
Try using a pair of fabric scissors if your scissors are having trouble cutting smoothly and cleanly. They are made to move much more easily through materials like felt.

Add the hook-and-loop fastener dots in step three.

Then pick up your second dot and remove its backing as well. To ensure that the right and left sides line up precisely, fold your felt in half before attaching it. To make the two dots meet and adhere when you fold the felt, press the second dot into the corresponding spot on the right edge.

Do you not have self-sticking fastener dots on hand? You can easily find them online or at any craft store, so don't worry. Additionally, don't let the inability to obtain the sticky type deter you. Simply attach standard hook-and-loop pieces to your felt using tiny dots of hot glue.

Add the hook-and-loop fastener dots in step three.

It's time to add the component that will keep your earbud holder closed. Make sure the long edges of your felt shape are facing left and right when you lay it flat on your work surface. It should resemble a large letter H stretched out in front of you.

Peel off the backing paper from one hook-and-loop fastener dot (you know, the sticky kind that sticks together, sometimes called Velcro). On the left side of your felt, firmly press it in the center of the long edge. Then pick up your second dot and remove its backing as well. To ensure that the right and left sides line up precisely, fold your felt in half before attaching it. In order for the two dots to perfectly meet and adhere to one another when your felt folds together, press this second dot into the corresponding spot on the right edge.

Do you not have self-sticking fastener dots on hand? You can easily find them online or at any craft store, so don't worry. Additionally, don't let the inability to obtain the sticky type deter you. Simply attach standard hook-and-loop pieces to your felt using tiny dots of hot glue.

To fasten the hook-and-loop fastener dots together, fold the felt in half vertically. To align the felt with the right edge, grab the left side and fold it vertically. To keep the hook-and-loop fastener dots in place and secure the cord inside the holder, push them together. To transport them without getting tangled, place the holder in your pocket or a bag.
If you are concerned that the hook-and-loop fastening will come loose, tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the outside of the felt.