PROJECT: iPad Sleeve

My most recent project to share with y'all is a padded sleeve for my iPad. Let me start by saying I am only lucky enough to have one of these because my mother was given two by her research group and since I am also employed by this group, she has let me adopt one as my own. I have come to enjoy my little toy and wanted to make (as opposed to buy of course) some kind of padded sleeve to keep it protected when in my purse or bag. Here is my finished product; keep reading to see the oh-so-easy tutorial to make your own.


All I used for this project was 4 pieces of fabric (I cut each one 10" x 12" to have room for seam allowances but still fit my iPad nice and snug), some craft batting for padding, and your normal sewing tools (machine, matching thread, etc). For my design I wanted a pocket type structure with no top that was snug enough that it wouldn't slip out. I also wanted to try and do a french seam so I wouldn't have any exposed seams but I am not sure it was worth it. Below are my fabric pieces. For the outside I used a hand painted batik fabric that I got in Tanzania a few years ago and it is really wonderful.

Next I made my two sides by layering the outer and inner fabrics right side facing and sewing each pair separately along one 0f the short sides. Then I turned it right side out and tucked the batting (I used two pieces of all purpose craft batting) within the inside.

Now you are left with two fabric sandwiches (with batting centers) that still have 3 open edges. Next put insides facing (outsides facing outside) and sew around the edges.



Trim the edges down and turn inside out. Repeat sewing around the edge and once you do this you can flip right side out again. You will have a clean inner seam with no raw edges (known as a french seam). However since the sides are so thick (because of the batting) this makes the french seam a little bulky so I am not sure I would do it this way again. Either way I am happy with my results. I now have a cushiony handmade iPad cover with beautiful fabric that has special meaning to me. Much better than a store bought one in my opinion. Here are some more photos of the final product.







So what do you guys think? Will any of you be making a padded sleeve or cover for your iPad, kindle, or other techie device?

Please let me know what you think in comments below because I would love to hear from you!

*Bonnybee