Book Sleeve (or iPad Sleeve) Tutorial

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Are you looking for a way to protect your books or devices with a bit of homemade charm? This tutorial will guide you through creating a padded fabric cover for your favorite book or iPad, using fabric, wadding, and a few easy sewing techniques. With clear measurements and straightforward steps, you’ll have a practical and beautiful cover in no time.

What You'll Need:

• Outer Fabric (main fabric)
• Lining Fabric (coordinating print or solid color)
• Pocket Fabric (optional for additional storage)
• Button (for closure)
• Elastic or Cord (to wrap around the button)
• Wadding/Batting (for padding and structure)
• Matching Thread
• Basic Sewing Supplies (scissors, pins, sewing machine)

How to Make It:

1. Cut Your Fabric Pieces:

Cut the following pieces for your cover:

• 2 rectangles of outer fabric (approx 30cm x 25cm for each rectangle
• 2 rectangles of lining fabric
• 2 rectangles of wadding/batting
• Optional: 1 rectangle of pocket fabric (for extra storage)

2. Quilt the Wadding to the Outer Pieces:

• Take each of your outer fabric pieces and layer them with a wadding piece underneath.
• Use a simple quilting pattern (like diagonal lines or squares) to secure the wadding to the fabric. This helps keep the padding in place and adds texture to your cover.

3. Assemble the Outer Fabric:

• With Right Sides Together (RST), sew three sides of the outer fabric pieces together, leaving one of the shorter sides open. This will form the main body of the cover.
• If you’re using a fabric label, sew it into one of the seams at this step.

4. Sew the Lining:

• Place the lining pieces RST and sew around three sides, just as you did with the outer pieces. Leave the top open and an additional small hole at the bottom for turning later.

5. Join the Outer and Lining:

• With RST, feed the lining piece into the outer cover, aligning the seams and edges.
• Pin the top edges together
• If you’re adding an elastic or cord for closure, insert it between the layers at the opening before sewing the top seam. This loop will wrap around your button once the cover is complete.
• Sew together

6. Turn the Cover Right-Side Out:

• Pull the lining out of the outer cover and gently turn the entire piece right-side out through the hole left in the lining.
• Press the cover flat, making sure all seams are smooth.

7. Stitch the Turning Hole:

• Sew the small turning hole in the lining closed.

8. Topstitch Around the Cover:

• Topstitch around the entire cover for a finished look and to keep the layers in place.

9. Add the Button:

• Sew a button onto the front of your cover, positioned to align with the elastic or cord loop.
• Make sure it’s securely attached, as it will bear the tension of the closure.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Add a small pocket on the outside lining for pens or snacks

And there you have it! A custom-made fabric book or iPad cover that’s not only functional but also a beautiful piece to show off your sewing skills. These covers make great gifts and can be easily adjusted for different book sizes or devices.