I am really excited to share with you this DIY Tablet Case tutorial! I’m sure most of you own a tablet or laptop or know someone that does. This would make a great homemade Christmas gift or fun stocking stuffer. This is a perfect project to use up some left over scraps, and it comes together pretty quickly!
So let’s get started!
First, you will need to do a little math. I know this sounds scary, but I promise this is really simple math!!
You need to measure how big your tablet or laptop is.
In this tutorial I am using a MacBook Pro. Which measures 9″ x 13″
Here is a little diagram I made to help with doing your measurements:
So this means my top piece needs to be at LEAST 20.5 ” x 15.5″
Your top will be different depending on how larger your tablet is or laptop is.
Supplies:
Scrap strips of fabric. I used all different widths for this tutorial, but you could use all the same size if you’d like. Just make sure they are long enough. I had to make sure mine were at least 15.5″ long, but you can always make them longer and cut off the excess later. (Which is what I did)
Lining piece – this will need to be cut a few inches longer than you top on all sides
Batting piece – I used polyester batting for this case. This will need to be cut the same size as your lining piece
1 Button
Tools:
Sewing Machine
Thread
Needle (to sew button on)
Rotary matt and Rotary cutter (this is very helpful, but you can just use scissors if you don’t have these items.)
Now that we have all of the hard stuff out of the way let’s get to the fun part!
You are going to sew your strips of fabric together using a 1/4″ seam all the way down.
You will place your first two strips right sides together and sew your seam:
Press open and now add your next strip by sewing a 1/4″ seam all the way down. You will continue to do this until you enough strips sewn together that is big enough for your top. I made mine a little bigger than my measurements.
After they are all sewn together this is what it should look like:
Now, you are going to make put all of your layers together: Your top, your batting, and your backing (or lining).
Here is a diagram to show you how you need to layer your fabrics. Your backing or lining fabric will need to be right side down (or the right side of the fabric facing the table)
Once you have your layers all laid out and smooth, place a few safety pins in to keep the fabric from shifting when you quilt it.
Here is a picture of my layers all put together:
Now here is where you can use your imagination! For my quilting I did a pre-set stitch on my sewing machine that is a wavy line. I didn’t measure the lengths between where I stitched, I just did what I thought looked good. You could do a decorative stitch, or you could keep it super simple and just do straight stitching lines! Whatever you decide, it’s going to look great. 🙂
Now that you have your quilting done, you need to trim off your excess batting and backing.
Fold your fabric in half right sides together and place your computer or tablet on top to be sure it fits nicely. Stitch the side and bottom closed using a 1/4″ seam. I stitched my side closed first and used a really large stitch setting and then I put slid my computer inside to make sure it was really snug. I did this incase I didn’t like the fit, I could easily unpick those stitches and make a new seam. After I made sure it was just the right fit, I did another stitch line with small stitches to secure.
I also added a zig-zag stitch to my edges to prevent fraying:
I had a bunch of excess on my side to cut off because I used longer strips- so I needed to figure out how much to cut off.
I cut off the excess, but left enough on to have a good sized hem:
Now flip it inside out again and fold over your top. You can make your hem as large or as small as you want.
Put your device in to see if this is exactly where you want your hem to be.
Remove your device and pin or press your hem line and then stitch a 1/2″ hem line all the way around. It can get a little tricky, so be careful not to stitch your top shut!
You could definitely be done here if you’d like. Mine was super snug and it felt pretty secure, but I wanted some extra security! So I added a small strap with a button closure.
You will need a strip about 3 1/2″ wide and 6″ long (or longer depending on how long you want your strap) and you will fold it in half right sides together and sew a 1/4″ seam down. You will then turn it right side out and press. Then, you need to add a buttonhole. (refer to your sewing machine’s user manual for instructions) I added a small hem on either side of the strap as well.
Now sew your strap onto the inside of your case. You will sew it on the back side like this:
Now figure out where you need to place your button and hand sew your button in place.
You’re done! Now your tablet or laptop will be protected and look cute at the same time. 🙂
If you are thinking you want to make one of these, but you want to make one for the man in your life then I have posted a very “manly” tablet case tutorial here.