DiyProject

Upgrade Your AirPods Max With a DIY Leather Headband Cover

X-HT-300825

Of all the DIY projects we've seen, this one is a true testament to the spirit of making. It's a project born from a simple problem: a friend's discomfort. The mesh on the popular AirPods Max headphones, while stylish, wasn't cutting it for all-day wear. The solution? A custom-made leather headband cover that's as sharp as it is comfortable.
Materials List:
  • Dusty Ocean Chrome Tanned Buffalo Leather 4 to 5 oz. Side & Panels #126387
  • Fiebing's Leather Edge Kote® Black 4 oz. #123775
  • Fiebing's Leather Edge Kote® Blue 4 oz. #123776
  • Closed Cell Foam Padding #124929
  • S-18 All-Purpose Adhesive 8 oz. #124193
Tools List:
  • Rotary Cutter 60mm #126361
  • Sailrite® Diamond Stitching Chisel Set 1/8" (3mm) #126527
  • Sailrite® Leather Burnishing Machine #123327
  • Sailrite® Leather Edge Paint Pen & Container Set #123316
  • Sailrite® Scratch Awl #123270

This project is a fantastic example of how a little ingenuity and the right materials can elevate a product to a whole new level. We didn't want just to create a simple sleeve; we wanted to design a truly bespoke accessory. It took a few iterations to perfect the pattern, but we were determined to make a flawless fit that appeared to have come straight from the factory.

AirPods Max Finished Project

For the material, we chose the beautiful Dusty Ocean Chrome Tanned Buffalo Leather 4 to 5 oz. from expansive collection of leathers. To add an extra layer of comfort, we bonded a thin layer of foam to the top of the headphones. During the process, we found that using masking tape for alignment and pre-punching the stitching holes was key to achieving a clean, professional finish. It's those techniques, refined in our workshop, that we love sharing with you.

Naturally, we turned to our supply of Sailrite products to get the job done right. The real finishing touch was the edge coat. We spent time mixing blue and black shades from our collection to create a custom color that perfectly matched the headphone's silicone parts. We were thrilled with the polished, high-end result. 

AirPods Max Finishing Edge

We love how this project turned out, and we're excited for you to try it, too. It's a great way to personalize your gear and make it truly your own. To help you get started, we've created a free downloadable pattern and filmed the entire step-by-step process. If you're ready to take on a satisfying and practical DIY project, we know you'll love this one!

AirPods Max Finished Project on Table
!