Quick and Easy Kindle Case Tutorial

I love my Kindle. Seriously, love it. (Don't worry, this is not an Amazon paid ad- just my true feelings!) 

I've read so many books since I got it and LOVE that I can have any book I want instantly. Oh the rush of instant gratification!

What have I been reading? Well... a little bit of this and that... Flat Out Love, On the Island, The Boonsboro Trilogy: The Next Always, Divergent and Insurgent and yes, even those other books.  I can hardly wait until Shadow of Night (the Discovery of Witches sequel) comes out in July.

I've been squeezing in reading time here and there and everywhere because it's just so easy with a Kindle to pop it in my bag and go. Plus, I admit, I read really fast which is a blessing and a curse. I am always finished with a book way before I want to be. I love it when I am digging a story and look down to discover that I'm only 23% of the way through a book. Love it when I have so much further to go! 

When I bought my Kindle, the clerk tried to sell me a cover of course (no thanks) 'cause I knew it was only a matter of time until I made my own. And yes, it had to be cute. A-ha, the perfect opportunity to use some coveted fabric indeed! 

So, I present to you- the Quick and Easy Kindle Case! 

Let's begin. (Please read through all instructions before starting. You can also download the pdf of this tutorial.) 

My measurements fit a Kindle touch which is 6.75" x 4.75" but you can adjust the case to fit any size eReader. Simply add 1.5" to the length and width of the fabric and batting measurements if your eReader is larger. 

1/4" seam allowance used throughout. 

Supplies: 

Outer fabric: 2 pieces 6" x 8.5" or 1 piece 6" x 16"

Lining fabric: 1 piece 6" x 16" 

Batting: 1 piece 7" x 17" 

Tab fabric: 2 pieces 2.5" x 3.5" 

Interfacing: 1 piece 2.5" x 3.5" 

1" x 1" velcro

iron

coordinating thread

sewing machine

fabric glue stick (optional)

1. If using two pieces for the outside of the case as I did, sew them together  right sides facing, along the bottom. Take note of their placement, if directional. 

Make sure your pieces face correctly when folded up. 

2. Place the outer fabric on the batting and quilt as desired. Trim the excess batting so the quilted outer fabric piece is 6" x 16." 

The lining is on top of the quilted outer fabric, right sides together.

3. Place the lining fabric, right sides together on top of the quilted outer fabric, pin, and stitch all the way around using a quarter inch seam allowance. Start and stop at the top of the case on what will be the BACK side, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end of your stitches. Leave a 2.5" opening. 

Make sure you start and stop on the end that will be the back side!

4. Clip the corners but don't clip your stitches. 

5. Turn the case right side out using a blunt object (like a knitting needle) to gently push out the corners. Press both sides. Set aside. 

6.  Pick up your tab fabric pieces. (2.5" x 3.5" pieces)  Iron on the interfacing on the wrong side of one piece of the tab fabric. On the other piece of tab fabric, measure 1/2" from the top of the tab fabric and sew on the male side of the velcro. (That's the bumpy piece.)

7. With right sides together, sew around the edges of the tab fabrics, starting and stopping on the sides, backstitching to secure each time. Leave a 1.5" opening to turn the fabric right side out. 

8. Turn the tab fabric right side out, using a blunt object to push out the corners. Use a dab of glue stick to close the opening and press the fabric. Topstitch along the entire edge of the tab, backstitching at the beginning and end. 

9. Slip the tab 1/2" inside the opening of the case, center it and dab a little glue stick on both sides to hold it in place. 

10. Topstitch only along the top of each end of the case. Backstitch when starting and stopping. 

11. Place your reader in the case, fold up the outer top fabric then fold over the tab to figure out where to position the female part of the velcro. Dab a bit of glue stick on the velcro to keep it in position, then sew it in place on the outer fabric. I placed mine 1/2" from the top of the case.  (Obviously remove your eReader first!) 

12. To finish, line up your front and back sides carefully and sew them together forming a pocket. Sew 1/8" from the edge. You might want to pin your front and back to make sure your fabric doesn't move.  Be sure to backstitch securely, especially at the top. 

13. That's it! Slide your eReader inside your new case and admire your handywork! Well done! 

I'm thinking this would be a good gift for grads or dads. There are tons of ways to make it personal too. Add some embroidery, a favorite quote, a special fabric...the possibilities are endless! 

If you make one of these, I would love to see it. Please add it to the Inspired by Ellison Lane Quilts Flickr group! 

Don't forget the Summer Sewing Contest entries are due the week of June 10th! You can link up your entry from your blog, a Flickr account or Threadbias! 

Have a great day! 

xo, 

Jennifer