Made by Becky: Pad for my Pad

As an Anniversary present back in October, Neil bought me an iPad. I love it!

I wanted to make a protective(and more importantly, cute) pouch for it, and what better fabric to use than Echino. Panther print? Heck to the yes.

Essentially, I wanted a simple padded zipper pouch that was large enough to hold the iPad. Simple but functional.

Here is a little tutorial on how to do it.

I measured my iPad in the apple case, which was approx 8"x10". I added 1" ease to all sides, and 4/8" seam allowances, which gave me 10"x12". In retrospect, I should have made the zipper side an inch bigger so that the pad could get in easily. So really, go for 10"x13".

I used a 14" all purpose nylon zipper, squares of fabric cut to size for the lining and exterior, and ironed fusible fleece to the lining fabric. Fusible fleece is fine stuff since it has puff and does not wrinkle the fabric like decor bond can.

Here are my supplies all cut and fused:

The first step is to attach the zipper to both lining and exterior fabrics. Make a 'sandwich' with your zipper (right side facing right side of exterior fabric), exterior fabric, and lining fabric.

I used a low-shank vertical zipper foot to stitch close to the zipper teeth along seam. I think 4/8" seam allowance was just about the right distance.

Next, iron fabric out against zipper, and pin flat. If your stitch was wobbly, now is the time to correct it by ironing the edge straight against the zipper teeth.

Topstitch.

Repeat all steps for the second side of the zipper.

Now it's time to join your sides into one. Lift exterior pieces and lining pieces out and flat. They will be facing each other, right sides together, with the zipper in the center. Pin around all edges and mark an opening on the bottom of the lining fabric.

Starting at one mark and back stitching, stitch around all sides. Sewing over the zipper can be bulky, but it is possible. Trim and 'grade' seams by cutting off one layer of your seam allowances. This just reduces bulk.