How to Put Attachment Clips on an iPad Case

Completed Clips with Strap

The iPad is a convenient device, but you may be concerned about leaving it lying around or leaving it behind. The Apple iPad case is good for protecting, carrying and propping up the iPad, but it has no clips to attach a shoulder strap for easy carrying. Using the method outlined here, you can attach straps to make carrying it around much easier.

Steps

1. 

    

   Fabric cement, split rings and seam tape
   Collect the materials. These are listed below in "Things You'll Need".
2. 

    

   Carefully remove the iPad from the case
   Remove the iPad from the standard issue Apple iPad case. Unfold the locking flap and gingerly slip it from the tight clutches of the case. Go slowly and don’t stretch the case - patience grasshopper! As you remove it, notice the top has two small access slots for the mic/ear phone jack and power switch.
3. 

   Seam tape in split ring
   Prepare the straps. Thread the strap material through the ring and fold as shown.
4. 

   Close-up of strap and ring
   Fit the strap to the case. Position the ring and strap as shown so that the strap lies on the interior of the case and the ring just protrudes through the access hole. The ring should be just at the access hole without excess strap material protruding. It will stretch slightly with use.
5. 

   Alignment of straps
   Position the straps as shown. Note the right side strap is positioned to avoid the hump on the back of the case.
6. 

   Mark with a felt tip pen
   Mark the position with felt tip pen: A green one works well. The iPad makes a good straight edge.
7. 
   
   
   Secure the straps. One at a time, carefully run a bead of cement down the line and press the straps into the cement. Only very little should protrude. Using wax paper from the kitchen, gently press the strap to spread the cement.
8. 
   
   
   Hold the assembly together to dry. Using a paper cutter, cut about 30 sheets of used office paper 8 ½ by 6 ½ inches (21.5 cm x 16.5 cm) to fit inside the case. With the wax paper still in place, put the paper on top, as shown, and place several large books on top to press the assembly. Leave for at least an hour to dry. (Some suggestions for heavy books: Anything by Edward Tufte, MC Escher or NASA.)
9. 

   Finished attachments with shoulder strap
   Here is the final product with the shoulder strap clipped on. Now you can carry your iPad around without worrying about setting it down and leaving it somewhere!

Tips

• A large rubber band will keep the case closed as you carry it. Alternatively, if you position the case so that the flap is against your hip as you carry the iPad, it will tend to stay closed better than if the flap is allowed to open away from your body.

Warnings

• Test your work by attaching a shoulder strap and jiggle the iPad over a soft couch to be sure your attachments are secure.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric cement – there is one called “Unique Stitch” – the smallest size tube or bottle is all you will need
• Seam tape
• 
  Basting tape or heavy duty ribbon (18 inches/ 45.7 cm) (similar to item 2884336 at Joanne’s Fabric pictured here)
• Small split rings, 2 needed about ½ inch/1.27 cm diameter (solid rings would work, but these were easy to find)
• Wax paper