How to make a case for Xiaomi Redmi 4X with your own hands: from patterning to finishing

Protective case for Xiaomi Redmi 4X β€” It's not a luxury, it's a necessity: a slick metal body, a protruding camera and a brittle screen glass require strong protection, but purchased accessories often disappoint: either they don't fit in size (especially for the dual version). SIM), Or they're made of cheap plastic that turns yellow in a month, and the prices of branded cases go up to 1,500 to 2,000 rubles, almost a quarter of the cost of the smartphone itself!

Make your own hands cheaper in 5–10 It's not as good as the factory one β€” 5 proven methods (from simple silicone to premium leather), ready-made patterns taking into account the dimensions of Redmi 4X (139.2 Γ— 69.9 Γ— 8.7 And there's also life hacks for cutting edges and mounting magnetic locks, and even if you've never sewed or glued, the instructions are adapted for beginners.

We tested each method on real devices: cases that could withstand drops from 1 meter, not interfere with wireless charging (if installed), and keep access to all connectors, and you will also learn which materials are categorically not used, they scratch the screen or block the antenna signal.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Making a Cover

Before you start scissors or 3D-Read the three critical parameters of Redmi 4X, which affect the design of the cover:

βœ… The thickness of the case is 8.7 mm in the thinnest place, but with the camera (height 1.2 mm) and the connectors, the case must be at least 10-12 mm deep, otherwise it will dangle or crack on the first fall.

βœ… Arrangement of antennas - metal inserts on the sides of the body. If the case is completely metal or foiled, the signal LTE Wi-Fi will drop by 30 to 50 percent, and only use dielectric materials (skin, silicone, plastic).

βœ… Sockets and buttons – the cover should not cover:

  • πŸ”Œ Micro-USB (lower end)
  • 🎧 3.5 mm audio jack (upper end)
  • πŸ“Ά Slot for SIM-map (left end, under the three-dimensional button)
  • πŸ”Š Dynamics and microphone (lower edge)

πŸ“ Finished dimensions for patterning (in mm):

ParameterMeaning
Length (with camera in mind)145
Width (maximum width)75
Height of the sides10–12
Camera hole (diameter)8
The opening for the connectors (width)12

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X with installed wireless charging (mode Qi), the case should not contain metal elements thicker than 0.5 mm. Otherwise, charging will be interrupted or overheated.

πŸ“Š What material covers you are more interested in?
Skin/substitute
Silicone/rubber
Fabric/felt
3D-printing)
Other

2. Method 1: Silicone case in 30 minutes (without sewing)

This is the fastest and cheapest method, even for people who have never held a tool, and silicone covers are flexible, shock absorbing and do not slide in their hands, and minus: they can stretch and lose shape over time.

πŸ›’ Materials (cost) ~200–300 β‚½):

  • 🟒 A sheet of silicone rubber 2-3 mm thick (sold in stores for creativity or on AliExpress)
  • βœ‚οΈ Sharp scissors or a stationery knife
  • πŸ“ Line and pencil
  • πŸ”₯ Lighter or matches (for melting edges)
  • 🧴 Moment Gel Superglue (not ordinary - it corrodes silicone!)

πŸ“ Step-by-step instruction:

  1. Print the pattern (see section 6) or transfer the contour of the case to the silicone with a tracing. Consider the seam tolerances of 3 mm on each side.
  2. Cut the parts with scissors. For neat edges, cut the ruler by pressing hard, the silicone is elastic and can run away.
  3. Melt the edges with a lighter (3-5 cm) so that they do not crumble. Don't overheat - the silicone should only melt slightly.
  4. Stick the side seams with gel superglue, and for reliability, stick tape for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Make the connector holes with a sharp knife or a stylus. First, map the center, then carefully cut along the outline.

The phone sits tightly in the case, does not fall out when shaking.

All buttons are pressed without effort.

The openings for the connectors coincide with the phone

The edges of the cover do not cling to or cling to pockets.

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πŸ’‘ The secret to durability: To keep the case from stretching, treat it with a silicone spray (sold in car stores) after manufacture, which will restore elasticity and protect against dust.

⚠️ Note: Do not use silicone "Second" or PVA β€” These adhesives don't hold elastic materials, only cyanoacrylate-based gel formulations!

3. Method 2: Leather case-book (premium protection)

Leather covers look expensive, protect the screen when falling and over time only improve the appearance (as opposed to plastic), minus: they require accuracy when sewing and are more expensive than other materials.

πŸ›’ Materials (~500–800 β‚½):

  • πŸ„ Natural leather or leather substitute 1-1.5 mm thick (color to choose from)
  • 🧡 Waxed thread for sewing (for example, "Ritza Tiger")
  • πŸͺ‘ Thick needle (β„–3-4 or sewing machine
  • 🧲 Magnetic lock (diameter 5-6 mm, force 200-300 g)
  • πŸ“ Skin cutter or sharp knife

🎯 Design features:

Leather case for Redmi 4X It's usually made as a folding-back book:

  • πŸ“± Full screen protection against scratches (in closed condition)
  • πŸ’³ Pocket for bank cards or paper money
  • πŸ”‹ Does not interfere with wireless charging (if the skin is thin)

πŸ”§ Step-by-step process:

  1. Transfer the pattern to the skin from the back side (pencil or chalk). For symmetry, fold the skin in half.
  2. Cut the parts with a cutter in one motion, so the edges will be smoother. Don't use scissors, they mint the skin.
  3. Make holes for sewing with a sewer or drill with a thin drill (1.5-2 mm). The distance between the holes is 5-7 mm.
  4. Stitch the magnetic lock to the inside of the lid, and the optimal position is in the center of the top edge.
  5. Stitch the parts with a double-seam waxed thread (see video below). Start with the corners, so it's easier to keep symmetry.
  6. Treat the edges with skin paint or wax so that they do not flake.
How to choose a magnet for a cover?
The magnet's strength should be 200 to 300 grams -- enough to keep the case from opening spontaneously, but the phone could be easily reached with one hand. Magnets greater than 500 grams can damage the speaker or the Redmi camera. 4X (They have metal parts, and the optimal diameter is 5 to 6 mm.

πŸ“Œ Where to get the pattern?

Ready-made templates for Redmi 4X You can download it in Section 6. If you want to make a card pocket case, increase the width of the lid by 20 mm.

πŸ’‘

Before sewing, moisten your skin with spray water, it will become softer and the needle will pass easier, and after drying, the skin will return to its original state.

4. Method 3: A fabric case made of felt or denim (budget and stylish)

Fabric covers are suitable for those who like original design. Feet soft and does not scratch the body, and denim (jean fabric) adds a style of "country". The main plus is the endless options for decor: embroidery, applications, paint on the fabric.

πŸ›’ Materials (~150–400 β‚½):

  • 🧢 Feet thickness of 3-5 mm or dense denim
  • 🧡 Tissue tone threads + needle
  • 🧷 Partial fastening pins
  • 🎨 Acrylic paints or tapes for decor (optional)
  • 🧴 Glue "Textile" or "PVA" (for felt)

⚑ Quick method (without sewing):

If you don't want to sew, glue the felt case with Moment Crystal glue. Apply glue on the edges, connect the parts and lock it with pins for 2-3 hours. Minus: this case is less durable (glue flakes off over time).

πŸ–ŒοΈ Design ideas:

  • 🌈 Gradient: paint the case with acrylic paints in the transition of flowers.
  • 🧡 Embroidery: Add initials or geometric pattern with muline threads.
  • πŸ“Ž Apply: glue or sew patches from another fabric.
  • πŸ’Ž Strains: decorate the case with pebbles (but don't overdo it - they can scratch the screen).

⚠️ What can't be done:

⚠️ Note: Do not use the Redmi cover. 4X fabrics with metallized filaments (e.g., "gold brocade"), which block the signal. NFC and make it worse GPS 20 to 30%.

5. Method 4: 3D-printing - a precise plastic case

If you have access to 3D-You can make a case with a perfect fit, you can print it:

  • 🎯 Accurate matching to the size of the phone (up to a millimeter).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Ability to add stiff ribs or shock absorbing inserts.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Any design: from minimalist to futuristic.

πŸ–₯️ What's the matter:

  • πŸ–¨οΈ 3D-printer (FDM or SLA)
  • 🎨 PLA- or TPU-plastic (TPU flexible as silicone)
  • πŸ’» 3D-The model of the case (can be downloaded on Thingiverse or Cults3D)
  • πŸ”§ Slicing software (Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer)

πŸ”§ Printing settings for PLA:

ParameterMeaning
Thickness of layer0.1–0.2 mm
Completion20–30% (grid or triangle)
Extruder temperature200–210Β°C
Table temperature50–60Β°C
Speed of printing40-50 mm/s

πŸ” Where to download ready-made models?

Thingiverse has several proven models for Redmi 4X:

  • Minimalistic cover with ribbed texture
  • Finger mount case (convenient to hold)
  • A bumper with shock-absorbing inserts

⚠️ Important. TPU:

If you print with flexible plastic (TPU), Reduce the speed to 20-30 mm/s and turn off the cooling fan.

πŸ’‘

For a perfect fit before printing, measure your Redmi 4X stangentirculum - even in one batch, phones can differ by 0.1-0.3 mm.

6. Patterns and templates for Xiaomi Redmi 4X

In order not to waste time on calculations, we have prepared ready-made patterns in three versions:

  1. Silicone/plastic case (minimalistic, with holes for connectors).
  2. Leather book (with a pocket for cards and a magnetic lock).
  3. Fabric cover-envelope (with valve and decor).

πŸ“₯ Download the patterns (PDF, scale 1:1):

  • πŸ“„ Silicone case
  • πŸ“„ Leatherbook
  • πŸ“„ Fabric envelope

πŸ“ How to transfer the pattern to the material?

  1. Print the template on the printer (make sure the scale is 100%).
  2. Cut the parts and attach them to the material.
  3. Circle the contour with a thin marker or chalk (for the skin - from the back).
  4. If the material is thick (leather, felt), fasten the pattern with pins or tape so that it does not move.

πŸ” Pre-cutting check:

Fold the pattern in half, and the two halves should match perfectly, and if there are discrepancies, print it back with a scale adjustment.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the patterns ready, beginners often make mistakes that spoil the case. TOP-5 problems and solutions:

πŸ”΄ Problem 1: The cover is too tight or hanging around

Reason: Inaccurate measurements or incorrect seam tolerances.

Solution: For the first case, make a paper test version and check the fit. If it's tight, increase the size by 1-2 mm, if it hangs, reduce it.

πŸ”΄ Problem 2: The edges of the cover crumble or stratify

Cause: Untreated slices (especially in skin and felt).

Solution: Walk around the edges:

  • πŸ”₯ For silicone, melt with a lighter.
  • 🧴 For skin – use paint for ends or wax.
  • 🧡 For fabric - wrap a thread or treat with flieselin.

πŸ”΄ Problem 3: The case is blocking the signal or NFC

Reason: Metal elements (strands, buttons, foil) next to antennas.

Solution: Remove all metal parts or replace them with plastic.Redmi antennas 4X located on the sides of the body - there should be no conductive materials.

πŸ”΄ Problem 4: Phone buttons are not pressed well

Reason: Too thick material over buttons or wrong cutouts.

Solution: In the pattern, provide recesses for buttons (depth 1-1.5 mm). For silicone cases, make cutouts 0.5 mm larger than the button itself.

πŸ”΄ Problem 5: The cover gets dirty or molts quickly

Reason: Low-quality materials (especially leather substitute or cheap fabric).

Solution: Before buying, check the material:

  • πŸ’§ Drain water – if absorbed in 10 seconds, the material is not water resistant.
  • 🧴 Rub with white cloth - if there are traces of paint, the cover will shed.

πŸ’‘

If the case is too rigid, put it under a press (for example, a heavy book) for 12-24 hours, the material will "take" the shape of the phone and become more comfortable.

8 Additional accessories: what can be added to the case

The case made by yourself can be improved with useful options that are rarely found in store accessories:

πŸ”§ 1. Finger fastening

It's convenient for large hands, or if you often hold your phone with one hand.

  • 🧢 Wrapped cord (sewed to the back panel).
  • 🩹 Hair gums (glue with silicone glue).
  • πŸ–‡οΈ Metal ring (only if it does not block the signal!).

πŸ’³ 2. Card pocket

In a leather or fabric case, it is easy to make a compartment for bank cards or business cards.

  • πŸ“ Width: 55 mm
  • πŸ“ Height: 85 mm
  • πŸ“ Depth: 2-3 mm (so that the card does not fall out)

πŸ”‹ 3. Video stand

You can put a folding stand in a case of a heavy plastic or a metal plate, and the angle is 45 to 60.Β° comfortable-looking.

πŸ“Ά Signal amplification

If you have a weak signal in your area, you can sew thin copper foil (0.1 mm thick) into the back of the case in the form of an antenna, which will increase reception by 10-15%. Do not cover the foil camera or speaker!

πŸ”¦ 5. Backlighting

For originality, add a battery-powered LED tape to your case, like on the camera circuit or on the sides. Use flexible tape on the back. 3V (two-pill CR2032).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install batteries in the case without insulation. If they are short-circuited, they can heat up and damage the phone. All electrical components must be in a shrink tube.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the manufacture of covers

πŸ“ How to accurately measure the phone for patterning?
Use a caliper or a ruler with millimeter divisions. Measure: length and width of the body (excluding the camera); height of the camera (from the body to the top of the lens); distance from the edges to the connectors. 4X critically measure the protrusion of the camera – if the case is thinner than 1.2 mm, the lens will rest on the table when laying the phone screen up.
🧡 What is the best glue for silicone and skin?
Different materials are suitable for different adhesives: Material Recommended glueSycone Cyanoacrylate gel (Moment Gel)10-15 minutes Skin / leather UHU Plus Endfest 300 or Contact 24 hours Fabric (fetre, denim)Textile glue or PVA2–3 hours Plastic (3D-Printing) Dichloroethane or Acrifix5–10 min ❌ Do not use superglue in liquid form – it spreads and leaves white marks.
πŸ–¨οΈ Can I print a cover on 3D-printer?
Yes, but keep in mind the nuances: Start with PLA-Plastics – it’s easier to print than TPU. Use a substrate (e.g. BuildTak) to keep the case from being peeled off. Print with support for protruding elements (e.g., sideboards). After printing, treat the cover with sandpaper (granularity 400-600) for smoothness. If you don’t have your own printer, order the print from your local makerspace or services like this. 3DHubs.
πŸ›‘οΈ How to check if the cover protects from falling?
Do the test: Put the phone in the case on a flat surface. Lift to a height of 1 meter and let go (don't throw!). Check: Is there any scratches on the case. Is the back cover (relevant to Redmi) gone off. 4X If the case fails, reinforce it: Add the cushioning inserts from the foam. Increase the thickness of the sides to 1.5-2 cm. Use a double-layer material (e.g. leather). + felt).
🧼 How to Care for a Homemade Cover?
Life of the case depends on care: Silicone: Wash with warm water and soap, dry in the air. Once a month, treat with silicone spray. Skin: Rub with a wet cloth, apply shoe cream every six months. Avoid direct sun - the skin burns out. Fabric: Wash by hand in cold water, do not use bleach.Dry in straightened form. 3D-seal: