When I first saw the Leese Design Neo Stitch Cross-Stitch iPhone Case, I was absolutely giddy with excitement. The idea of being able to cross-stitch a custom case for my phone was almost too much for my little embroidery-loving heart. But, before I got too excited, I knew that I would need to create a pattern that would put the case through its paces so I would know what I was working with. To test as many normal cross-stitch functions as I could, I created a dandelion cross-stitch pattern specifically for this review so I could see how the case would handle different combinations of stitches and lines and find out whether or not it would hold its shape after heavy stitching. I’m really pleased with how well the case worked with the pattern, and feel like I got a much stronger sense of the case’s potential by going beyond a simple x pattern. If you like the design and want to make one of your own, you can download a free copy of the pattern on my site, The Zen of Making.

Dandelion Cross-Stitch Pattern

The details:
The Neo Stitch Cross-Stitch Case for iPhone is compatible with iPhone 4 and 4S. A needle, three floss colors, and an instruction book with patterns are included in the kit. According to the Leese Designs site, the case retails for $18.00 US, and is available in black, green, pink, orange, blue, and white.

According to the package: (Fair warning: the case is made by a Korean company, and the package translation can be a bit rough in spots.)

• Highlight: The Cross Stitch Case is made of particular ultra slim design for improved grip and usability with compatible side-button. It conveys a sense of Unique style through the fabric pattern of cross stitch, and makes a better fashion item for Apple iPhone 4 users. It is possible to customize into any style or design that one prefers.

• Features of the product: Always protect from dust be like new iPhone 4 can be protected from impact.

• Notice: Do not force your product. Must avoid high temperatures, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Elasticity of the product have but do not increase the elasticity of the product. If the product is dirty, gently wipe dry please.

• Exchange Refund: Damage, pollution and if found defective exchange for a refund please.

What I loved:

1. The fabric texture and hole size is close to that of standard cross-stitch fabric, making it easy to use patterns that you already have.

2. The case fits very snugly around my iPhone 4S, and looks great. The holes are all perfectly spaced to fit the buttons and ports.

3. The holes are easy to find on both the back and the front of the case.

4. The needle fits easily through the holes, so stitches are easy to sew.

5. The needle included in the kit has a big eye for easy threading and is rounded at the end so you don’t accidentally stitch through the wrong part of the case.

6. It’s easy to pull out misplaced stitches.

7. In addition to x shapes, you can also stitch lines and half stitches into the grid.

8. The case maintains shape well as you stitch, even with several layers of floss in some spots.

What I didn’t love:

1. The cross-stitch instructions provided in the book were not best practices. While technically not wrong, generally cross-stitchers complete a full row of half-stitches in one direction, then cross the stitches as they work backwards toward the starting point.

2. The instructions didn’t indicate how many strands of embroidery floss to use when stitching (each piece of floss is comprised of 6 individual strands). I used two strands for all of my stitches, and that seemed to be just right.

3. I wasn’t excited about the patterns that were included with the case. I don’t think that they represent the full range of stitches that are compatible with the case, including lines and half stitches.

4. While the fabric texture looks nice, the faux woven pattern makes the grid more difficult to count than a flat grid would be.

5. You can’t sew through non-hole places in the case, so you’re limited to stitching only shapes that will fit on a grid.

6. The extra non-hole dots around the edges of the case make the grid harder to count.

Tips and tricks:
* Don’t pull stitches too tight, as this can warp the shape of the case.

* Once you have 4 or more layers passing through one hole, the needle is harder to push, and a thimble is helpful.

Overall impressions:

I love this case, and think it’s a fantastic product. It was fun to stitch, allowed me to create a very unique case for my iPhone, and was very easy to work with. I’m extremely happy with how well my own case turned out, and would definitely recommend this kit to others.

A friendly word of warning: There are several iPhone cross-stitch case brands out there, and they’re not all the same. Make sure that you know what you’re getting before you order, or you may end up with a case that doesn’t meet your needs.

If you want to make your own dandelion iPhone case, you can download the free pattern here.

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About Haley

Brooklyn-based DIY from a Gal in Granny Glasses! When not at CTD, I write The Zen of Making (http://www.thezenofmaking.com), a DIY blog featuring craft tutorials, handmade geekery, and all things domestic. (Okay, and a few cat photos.)

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