I've loved the design of this "Ruffled Kindle Case" ever since I made
the first one a month ago! I've been promising a tutorial for weeks now, and today I finally took the time to put one together. This case has a beautiful little ruffled front with an etched mother-of-pearl button and cord closure. If you're looking for an easy sewing project, this one's for you. It doesn't get much simpler than this! {Update: Check out my
"Imported Lace Kindle Case" for an even easier variation for this Kindle pouch!}
For those of you with no desire to make one of your own, check out
my Etsy Shop where you can purchase one of these cases!
My "Ruffled Kindle Case" will fit any Kindle that is 7.5 inches x 4.8 inches x .45"
or smaller! In other words the case will hold a Kindle, Kindle Touch, Kindle Touch 3G, Kindle Keyboard 3G or Kindle Fire. {The case, however, is too small for a Kindle DX.}
Materials Needed:
2 - 6 3/4" x 9" front and back (muslin, linen, or cotton)
2 - 6 3/4" x 9" lining (contrasting cotton)
2 - 6 3/4" x 9" fusible fleece
1 - 5" x 14" contrasting cotton fabric for ruffle
6 1/2" length of
cording
9 1/2" length of
1/2" twill tape
One 3/4" button
Note: 3/8" seam allowance unless otherwise stated.
Finished measurements of bag approximately 5.5" x 8".
Tutorial:
1.)
Prep Work: Cut out all pieces of fabric and apply fusible fleece to wrong side of case front and back...
2.)
Making the Ruffle: (see photos below)
a.) Fold ruffle in half lengthwise -- right sides together -- and sew 1/8" from the unfinished edge. {Just sew the long side -- not the ends.}
b.) Press seam open.
c.) Turn the fabric right side out and press so that the seam is down the middle on one of the sides. This "seamed" side will become the underside of the ruffle.
d.) Sew a basting stitch 3/8" from the middle seam -- along both sides of the seam. Don't trim threads ends. These basting stitches will be used to gather your ruffle. Turn your fabric right side up. Gently pull the two threads on the front of the ruffle -- leaving the threads on the back of the ruffle alone. Gather the fabric as you pull. When your gathers reach the middle of the ruffle, shift to the two front threads on the right side of the ruffle and repeat. Keep gathering the fabric toward the center point until your gathered fabric is the length you want it to be. {For a YouTube video on how to gather fabric using this technique, go
here.}
3.)
Attaching the Ruffle: Once the ruffle is gathered attach it to the case front -- making sure it is centered properly on the front.
Sew ruffle to case front using a regular stitch right down the middle of the basting stitches. Remove the basting stitches.
4.)
Twill Tape: Pin the twill tape down the center of the ruffle and sew close to the edge of the tape.
5.)
Cording: Cut cording and attach the loop to the back of the case in the middle at the top. I tape the ends of the cording with a little masking tape so the cording is less likely to pull through the seam.
6.)
Lining: Pin together lining pieces -- right sides together. Stitch sides together, pivoting at the corners and leaving a 3" opening on the bottom seam. Back-stitch at the opening to ensure your stitches are secure. Trim seams and set aside.
7.)
Case Front & Back: Pin case front to case back -- right sides together -- at side and bottom seams. Stitch seams together - trim seams -- turn right side out and press.
8.)
Sewing Lining to Ruffled Case: Slip case into lining -- right sides together. Match seams and pin. Sew around top of case and zig-zag the edges. {Pay special attention to the area where the cording is -- make sure it is very secure.}
9.)
Finishing Touches: Turn case right side out by pulling the bag through the opening in the bottom
of the lining. When case is right side out sew seam together at the bottom of the lining 1/8" from edge. Tuck lining into case and press the front and back of your Kindle case.
Top-stitch 3/8" around the top of the case, then sew button 1" from the top edge. Press once again and you're done!
You've now completed your "Ruffled Kindle Case"!
I remember when Kindles first came out I wasn't sure I'd ever want one. I'd always loved turning the pages of a book and the feel of a book in my hands.
I got over that nostalgic-ness real quick-like when my son gave me a Kindle for Christmas a couple of years ago. I've had a love affair with my Kindle ever since. Serious. Love. Affair. I couldn't live without it -- at least I'd never want to try.
Because my creative juices are fueled by your wonderful comments, please leave one if you appreciate this tutorial! Thank you!
Linked to:
Hookin' Up w/House of Hepworths
Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies and Jellybeans
Link Party @ Somewhat Simple
Handmade Tuesday @ Ladybug Blessings
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
