Easy DIY Kindle Cover Tutorial
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Materials Needed
- Sewing the Corners
- Assembling the Pieces
- Adding the Elastic
- Sewing the Cover
- Trimming and Turning
- Pressing and Finishing
- Closing Remarks
Introduction:
The Kindle has revolutionized the way we read books, and as a result, the need for stylish and functional Kindle covers has increased. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of creating your own Kindle cover that is not only practical but also reflects your personal style. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or a beginner, you can follow along with this video tutorial to make your very own custom Kindle cover.
Materials Needed:
Before we dive into the tutorial, let's gather all the materials you will need for this project. You'll need an outer fabric, a lining fabric, batting, interfacing, four three by three squares, elastic, pins, thread, a sewing machine, scissors, and an iron. Make sure you have all these materials ready before we begin.
Sewing the Corners:
To start the Kindle cover sewing process, we will first focus on sewing the corners that will hold the e-reader in place. Take the three by three squares and fold them in half on a diagonal to create a triangle shape. Sew along the folded edge, about a quarter or an eighth of an inch away from the fold, using a chain stitch technique. Cut the triangles apart and leave them untrimmed as they will line up against the edge of our fabric pieces.
Assembling the Pieces:
Now that we have the corners ready, it's time to assemble the main pieces of the Kindle cover. Take the smaller piece of the main fabric and place two folded and stitched triangles on the left-hand side. Pin them in place with the raw edges aligned. Then, take the smaller piece of the lining fabric and sew it along the edge, trapping the triangles between them. This creates the first set of triangles that will hold your e-reader in place. Press the fabric to ensure a crisp finish.
Adding the Elastic:
The next step is to add the elastic that will keep the cover closed when the Kindle is inside. Cut a piece of elastic slightly longer than the cover. Lay the elastic flat on top of the lining fabric, ensuring there is no tension or stretching. Pin the elastic through all the layers to hold it in place. Keep in mind that the pin heads should be on the outside to avoid tangling with the inside of the cover.
Sewing the Cover:
Now it's time to sew the cover. Layer the main fabric over the lining fabric, with the elastic and triangles sandwiched in the middle. Place the batting on the wrong side of the main fabric, creating a complex sandwich. Starting at the short end with fewer layers, sew around all four sides using a half-inch seam allowance. Be sure to pivot at the corners. Trim any excess batting once you've sewn all four sides. Leave a small opening for turning.
Trimming and Turning:
Trim the corners and clip the seam allowances to reduce bulk. In order to achieve crisp and square corners, clip a 45-degree angle at the corner point and a steeper angle on each corner. Turn the cover right side out through the opening, ensuring that the corners lie on top of the pocket piece. Use a knitting needle to push out the corners gently, taking care not to go through the stitches. Neaten up the cover by pressing and rolling the seams, both on the interior and exterior.
Pressing and Finishing:
Steam and press the cover to remove any wrinkles and give it a polished look. Pay special attention to the pocket area and make sure the corners are pressed down. Close the small opening by sewing it shut, starting from the top and going all the way to the bottom. Once the opening is closed, your Kindle cover is complete and ready to use.
Closing Remarks:
I hope you enjoyed making your own Kindle cover using this tutorial. Now you can protect your Kindle in style while adding a personal touch. Feel free to explore the Whipstitch blog for more sewing tutorials, printables, and patterns to enhance your sewing skills. Happy sewing!
Highlights:
- Create a customized Kindle cover in just an hour
- Use a professional sewing technique to hold the e-reader securely
- Choose your preferred fabric and design to reflect your personal style
- Keep the cover closed with the added elastic
- Achieve crisp and square corners for a polished look
FAQ:
Q: Can I use different fabric for the outer and lining pieces?
A: Yes, you can mix and match different fabrics to create a unique look for your Kindle cover.
Q: Is the elastic adjustable?
A: No, the elastic is not adjustable. It is meant to hold the cover closed without being stretched.
Q: Can I add any embellishments to the cover?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add embellishments like buttons, embroidery, or appliques to personalize your Kindle cover.
Q: Can I make this cover for other e-readers?
A: While this tutorial is specifically for Kindle covers, you can adapt the measurements and design to fit other e-readers.
Q: Is it easy to clean the cover?
A: Yes, the cover can be cleaned by spot cleaning with a damp cloth. Avoid machine washing or submerging in water to preserve its shape and integrity.