In this Instructable I present a tutorial to built a protecting pouch for small every day carry items like a multitool, a folding knife, a flashlight, etc. The initial project was to build a sheath/pouch for my multitool. The design was so effective, simple and cheap that I used it for other items. This instructable reflect that general versatile aspect so the readers can get a feel for other potential applications.



You can find a multitude of sheath/pouches on the market but you typically find yourself in two situations:

- either you can find and buy one custom made for your item with varying quality and price

- or you buy a general product but it's very likely that the size won't fit. Hence your item will not be well protected and you will loose some precious space in your backpack.



I found online a very nice sheath for my multitool from Skinth (see last two photos), but at $25 a piece (excl. shipping) I figured out that I could build my own. The entire project was completed within a week-end and cost roughly a dollar per pouch.



The main criteria I selected for this project were:

- Low cost

- Easy to build with limited skills and equipments

- Versatile application so I can re-use the same design for various items.



The key features I was looking for in the end product were:

- Light & Robust. The pouch is build out of a strong nylon strip.

- Accessibility. A velcro (hook and loop) fastener is used for quick and easy access to the item in the pouch.

- Secured pouch - I found an effective way to secure the item in the pouch even when the lid is open.



Not really knowing what I was heading to I decided to test the concept with a very small item: a button compass. I was very pleased with the result so I build a second pouch for my multitool and then a third one for a flashlight. Each time I followed the same identical steps. In the following tutorial I will present each individual steps and will use the multitool pouch for illustration.



After nearly a year of every day carry, the pouches show no sign of fatigue.



Updates after questions/comments from readers:

. Note that I didn't use a press stud like in the online example because the inside part of the stud would damage the multitool. My aim was to keep the design simple so I used some velcro.

. Note as well that I purposely didn't included a belt-loop on the back of the pouch. The multitool is too small for this. It fits in my pockets or in my backpack along with my keys. If I have to build a larger version I will definitely include a belt-loop.





This Instructable was accepted for the 'I could make that contest' so if you wish to vote for it I invite you to use the small voting button on the top right corner of the page.





