Like many of you out there, Jo and I love the portable function and all-around awesomeness of our iPads. They are just so versatile that we often wonder how we ever got along without them! Like any expensive device, though, we want to protect them with a cover. Rather than pay big bucks for one of the many available (and boring) iPad covers on the market, I decided to make my own custom iPad cover. I started the design process by looking at our custom Kindle cover, which just needed a few adaptations to work for the iPad. The most important feature (besides looking cute, of course!) is that the iPad case needs to also serve as a stand for when I want to watch videos. You might be surprised at just how easy this cover is to make!
The first thing you’ll need is some heavy chipboard for the inside of the case. Don’t use regular corrugated cardboard from a box, because it will bend too easily. Use something solid and sturdy. A great upcycled source for chipboard is the back of a heavy-duty notebook or the inside of a binder cover.
You need to cut five pieces of chipboard using the following measurements. Go ahead and mark each piece with its number so that you don’t get them mixed up later.
- Piece #1: 10″ x 7 1/2″
- Piece #2: 10″ x 1/2″
- Piece #3: 10″ x 7 3/4″
- Piece #4: 10″ x 1/2″
- Piece #5: 10″ x 3 3/4″
You’ll also need about a half a yard of fabric, cut in three pieces using the following measurements. This is where you get to have a lot of fun and choose something that really matches your personality!
- Piece #1: 10 1/2″ x 23″
- Piece #2: 10 1/2″ x 15 1/2″
- Piece #3: 10 1/2″ x 8″
Finally, you’ll need some 1″ wide elastic. This is the trickiest supply to find, because it’s so hard to find colored elastic. If your fabric looks good with white or black, then you’re in luck, because white and black elastic are readily available. I was actually very lucky (and amazed) to find a gorgeous teal elastic within a selection of new knit elastics by Dritz in our local Jo-Ann Fabric store. I don’t see it for sale online yet, but keep an eye out. I’ve also seen quite a selection of colored Babyville fold over elastic online and in Hobby Lobby stores, and that’s a good option. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to use 1″ wide elastic, and can use something thinner if you find it in a color you like. I like the security of the wider elastic, though.
Cut four pieces of elastic 4″ long and one piece 11″ long.
Okay, now that the supplies are straight, let’s get started! Take the four shorter pieces of elastic and lay them on the corners of your smallest piece of fabric and pin them in place. Make sure that the ends of the elastic completely reach the sides of the fabric. Then use your sewing machine to run a quick row of stitches on each end of the elastic, as close as possible to the edge of the fabric.
This will add extra security to the elastic straps and also keep them in place during the rest of the construction.
Use your scissors to trim off the excess corners of the elastic, taking care not to trim too closely.
Lay the smallest piece of fabric on top of the middle piece of fabric, right sides together, and line the edges up all the way on the right side. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew the pieces together on the right side, then open them up and lay them flat.
Place the largest piece of fabric face down on top of what you’ve got so far, and line it up on the right side again. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew the pieces together on the right side.
Use a ruler to measure 2 inches from the row of stitches and make a mark with a pen. Do this at both ends of the row of stitches.
Slip the long piece of elastic in between the pieces of fabric, so that it sticks out the top and bottom. Line it up so that the elastic is centered on the marks you made, and pin in place.
Now use your sewing machine to sew along the two long sides of the fabric. You should now have a rectangular “bag” that’s only open on the left, and sewn on the other three sides. The diagram below shows in yellow where the sewing should be, and also where the elastic should be.
Flip the bag inside out and you should have a set of corner braces on one side and an elastic band on the other.
Take piece #1 of your chipboard and slip it inside the fabric, all the way down to the end.
With the chipboard shoved down into the fabric as far as possible, and the fabric pulled taught, use your sewing machine to run a row of stitches along the edge of the chipboard, as close as you can get it without sewing through the chipboard (that’s a good way to break a needle!)
Put chipboard piece #2 into the fabric next, and after shoving it all the way down in place, run another row of stitches as close to it as you can.
Continue with chipboard pieces #3 and #4, adding a row of stitches after each one.
Finally, put chipboard piece #5 in place, and you should have a couple inches of fabric left on the end.
To close the end up, start by folding one side of the fabric down over the chipboard. Then tuck the other side in on itself, to create a smooth and even fold.
Use a slip-stitch to close up the seam. If you need help with a slip-stitch, check out Lesson 10 in our Sewing 101 video series to learn the technique.
And just like that, you’re done! Just slip your iPad under the elastic corners and you’re good to go.
To close the case up, just pull the cover over top of the iPad, wrap it around, flip it over, and stick the flap under the elastic band on the back.
The cover is so snug and secure and makes it so easy to carry the iPad around in style.
And if you want to hold the iPad in your hands, the flaps fold up to create a slim and sleek case that is easy to hold.
The best part, though, is that the stand lets you prop the iPad up for watching movies. Just open the case back up and fold the cover back on itself, and form a triangle with the flaps. I just love it!
AUTHORIZED SELLERS
Do you like this cover but are hesitant about your sewing skills? Would you rather just buy one rather than sew your own? Well, here’s a list of our Authorized Sellers who we have approved to make and sell covers using our design. Each seller has a different style, so check them all out, and feel free to contact them to see if they can make just the right cover for you!
- Pascoes Petals (located in the UK)
Are you interested in making and selling iPad covers using our design and pattern? Send us an e-mail at chicaandjo@chicaandjo.com to learn about becoming an Authorized Seller.
79 comments so far:
What a grand idea! I really want an iPad, and being able to create my own, unique cover for it just adds to the fun. One question, from someone who does not/cannot sew: Can I make this with just the super Stitch Witchery? That’s what I use for all my “sewing” (hemming mostly).
Thanks for any tips!
Jeanne, I don’t think you would be able to do this with just Stitch Witchery, because you need to sew rows of stitches up close to each piece of cardboard as you fit them in place. I don’t think you’d be able to mimic that with Stitch Witchery.
OMG! Just my luck! I printed the Kindle cover pattern last week, used your handy little formula to do the math and figured out all the measurements for the iPad. Then I thought I was a genius by switching the width and lenth of everything to make it stand up the other way. I finished my project about 5 minutes ago. Then came to check out your site…and you have the pattern up and all figured out. HAHAHA! I should have just waited.
Hilarious.
Anyway, it turned out great. Thanks!
Alicia, I told you I’d have an iPad formula for ya soon
Sorry I was a day too late!
I just finished the iPad cover. Your directions were spot on. I used laminated fabric which made it a bit tricky but I’m fairly satisfied. The next one will be even better. Making another one for a friend. If I get real good, I’d like to discuss selling them!
The front: http://i.imgur.com/PsgDu.jpg
The back: http://i.imgur.com/DYco1.jpg
Inside: http://i.imgur.com/ozomh.jpg
Thanks for the fun rainy day project!
Great job, Deanna! I love the fabric you used. It’s so unusual! Thanks for sharing your photos with us.
I love it! What do you use to cut the chipboard?
Sheri, I use a metal ruler and an craft knife to cut my chipboard, making sure to work on a surface that can handle scratches and cuts.
Now I would love this style for my nook tablet. I’m not a sewing wiz, any chance on a tutorial for this style for the nook tablet?
C4G, please check out our original Kindle cover tutorial for instructions on how to make a case like this for a Nook.
I made this tonight. Took very little time thanks to my rockin husband cutting out the board. I used mat board….the stuff they use to frame pictures. It works but I wish I could have found something a bit stiffer but no one around here knew what chipboard was. Any other suggestions? Anyhow. This came out really pretty and was very easy to make. Didn’t take long and I’m pretty new to sewing. So not much experience required. Great tutorial. Thank you soooo much!!!
Mary, I’m so happy to hear that you had such success with this project! You can often find chipboard at an artist’s supply store or a scrapbook store. When I first made the Kindle cover this this tutorial was based on, I used the board from the inside of an old binder, which worked perfectly. Take a look at the Kindle tutorial for instructions on how to get the board out.
I couldn’t get any not in use binders. I’m in college so they’re kinda in demand in my house. I did however find a pack of 25 chipboard sheets on Walmart.com. They’re pretty good quality and I think they’ll work nicely.
I purchased the corrugated plastic sign material at a home improvement store for use in my covers. It works very well! It is lightweight and it also has the benefit of making the covers washable (spot clean or wash by hand in a sink) without falling apart like chipboard inserts! You will want to cut your fabric pieces slightly larger to allow for the small thickness increase. Another good idea is to spray the finished cover with scotchguard stain protector before using.
The plastic signs are a great idea, Summer. Thanks for sharing!
Last night I was buying an iPad for my boyfriend and I. But as I was perusing through the dull and limited covers I thought to myself, “didn’t Chica and Jo do a tutorial on this?” Lo and behold came home and looked ur site up with my new iPad and indeed!!!!!thanku!!!!!! Now I got to go pick out a fabric
. My bf thinks I’m a dork for doing this stuff but hey. He is going to be impressed when I make my own cover 
I should make it pink so that he won’t use the iPad as much hahaha
Oh I almost forgot. U guys r awesome
Jezzi, we’re so glad you thought of us and we had the tutorial you needed. Enjoy your fun custom case, and I say you should go for the pink!
This is an amazing tutorial. I don’t have an ipad yet, but if I make a case for it maybe the man will get the hint. LOL. I’ve seen quite a few of these on Etsy and was looking out for a free tutorial, and this one has really clear pictures and instructions. I’ve linked you over on my blog here (http://mel-allwrappedup.blogspot.com.au/p/link-love-to-amazing-free-craft.html).
Mel@allwrappedup
Mel, I’m glad you like this case and thanks for the link!
Hello,
I’m french and want to buy a 7” tablet.
When I will do the cover I ‘ll post dimensions for those who are interested by.
Your cover id beautyfull
Wow! Thank you. This is just what I need to make a cover for my friends son. He has a pandigital so I will do some measuring and tweaking. You can use a zipper foot to sew close to the chipboard. Might save a needle or two
Great idea to use the zipper foot, LaPriel. Thanks for sharing!
Ok, I made two different I pad patterns today. I really like this pattern!
I had to cut my chip board a bit smaller to fit it.
Use an old blade on your rotary cutter to cut the chip board. It is so much faster!
It isn’t necessary, but I think I might interface all my fabric pieces next time. I used quilting cotton. A bit heavier fabric will wear longer.
Thanks for the great pattern.
Oh and the zipper foot worked great.
I have an acer200 and would like to make a stand up cover for it. How much do I add for seam allowance for each piece of fabric so that I can customize any size tablet?
cwilliams, take a look at the custom formula in our Kindle cover tutorial. You should be able to adapt that technique to any tablet.
Thank you so much for the tut!! Clear directions and easy to follow
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/misskatie/2A22C630-A004-42D2-96F6-097BC1DB5091-3094-000002E94479847F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/misskatie/EB9E0742-0718-461D-9911-087960E6F86E-3094-000002E92D09E7AE.jpg
Glad you enjoyed the tutorial, Katie. Thanks for sharing your photos — love how your case came out!
Thanks for offering this for free! I’m going to make this very soon. I have a thin plastic shell type case on my iPad. Do you think I need to make the cover a little bigger or is there enough room because of the elastic.
Crystal, if you want to make the case big enough to go over the plastic cover, you will probably need to adjust the measurements a little, depending on how big your case is. Measure the iPad with and without the case and if the difference is more than 1/4″, add that difference to your piece measurements to be sure the finished case is big enough.
Thanks for this so much! I finished my altered version yesterday. I have a Samsung tablet that’s smaller than an ipad and a little smaller than a kindle and it turned out GREAT! I’ll have to look up the kindle tutorial next.
Hey. I’d love to make this style of case for my kindle, i prefer this style to the other kindle ones. Do you have the measurements for this cover for the kindle?
Kathryn, check out our separate Kindle cover tutorial.
Doing a craft show in two weeks, would love to be able to show off my new iPad case. However, the material I’m working with is not big enough to get all 3 pieces, could someone explain out of the 3 pieces which would be the “inside” and what would be the “outside” covers. Thanks!
Megan, the largest piece of fabric will end up being on the outside of the case. The two smaller pieces will make up the inside.
Hi-cover looks great! I am wondering if the measurements are for the ipad 1 or 2? I have the ipad 1-I think I have heard the 2 is a bit thinner and possibly a tiny bit smaller, so wondered if the measurements would fit mine! Thanks for the help!
Joyce, I just did some Googling and learned that the iPad 1 measures 9.56″ x 7.47″ x .5″ and the iPad 2 measures 9.5″ x 7.3″ x .34″. Those dimensions are similar enough that I believe this case design will work just fine for either model.
I just had to say thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!! I’m so excited I’ve been searching the internet for a week or so to find the ipad cover I want and I found it in yours. Thank you I’m going to make tomorrow. Many thanks again from Australia!
So glad we could help, Trish! Hope you enjoy this project and let us know how it goes.
Thank you so much for posting this! I am going to do this with some super special woven wrap scrap material I just purchased and can’t wait! Quick question… Have you ever tried adding a thin batting to the chipboard to make it a little more padded for the device? And if so, do you know how that changes the demensions of the fabric you need to cut?
Sarah, we have not tried this, but several of our readers have mentioned adding padding to this and to our Kindle cover. It seems like thin padding should fit fine with these measurements, but it wouldn’t hurt to add an extra quarter inch or so to be sure. Enjoy!
i love the design. i need to make i pad covers for my new project and i am trying to use it.
Hello and Happy Holidays. I was wondering how this would work with a new tech I have noticed on line by using plastic bags melted ontop of each other.
Hi Virginia. I think you’re referring to “fused plastic” which is a fun way to recycle old plastic bags into sheets that can be used for many craft projects. Theoretically you could use fused plastic for this project as well, but I have a feeling it would be too delicate for the inside-out seams and tight fit of the measurements we use. If you’re an experienced sewer, you may be able to adjust as you go, but if you’re a beginner, I would recommend sticking with regular fabric. Hope that helps!
If you want the chip board to be more water resistant, you could coat it with spray sealer or polyurethane before you insert it into the fabric. And some Scotchguard(tm) could be used to protect the fabric before you install your device. Just a thought…
Great tutorial! Thanks for figuring out all the math for me! I just wanted to make a suggestion for those wanting to use the colored elastic, but not finding the best selection at their craft/fabric store. I went to Wal-mart and bought an 8-pack of elastic headbands for $3. They come in a ton of colors and are plenty long for this project! Hope this helps some of you! — Lindsey
I have made multiple Kindle, Nexus 7, IPad covers similar to this but different. End result same
However, I prefe 1/4″ styrofoam board in place of the heavier board. I embroider names on the fronts, sports logos, anything requested. Just made one out of Spider Man material. Just wanted to add the bit regarding the use of a lighter weight product. It doesnt bend once fit tightly into the material.
This tutorial is awesome!! I was looking for ages for a tutorial like yours that not only protects the iPad but has a stand and opens up aswell. I love your clear instructions and I love how easily it all came together! The only changes I made were adding interfacing to all pieces and batting to the piece behind the iPad
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b575/mishmashkids/531802_10151208207266365_1124327431_n_zps44723826.jpg
Just finished about 10 minutes ago! I think it is so stinkin’ cute! Used a pretty purple/green batik and for the sturdiness I cut out the inside of an old binder which did work great. The only thing I changed was I used 1/2 inch black elastic instead of 1 inch and also cut a scant 1/4 inch off the length of each of the binder boards. They were too thick to get in when cut to dimensions given. I love it and thank you for a great tutorial!
Sandra, your fabric sounds so pretty! So glad you were able to use our tutorial.
Michelle, I showed Little Jo your cover, and she loves the pattern! It looks great!
I just finished my ipad cover what a great pattern thank you so much. I quilted the outside fabric so had to cut the boards a little smaller but am so greatful for the pattern.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’ve made two and am working on a third. I’m thinking that I’d like the device in the middle instead of at the end. It seems it might be easier to open that way. I plan on trying that next. I love the idea of embroidering the owner’s name on the cover. Very clever and creative.
I LOVE THIS!! away to go attempt it for my husbands ipad. thanks for the tutorial!! xx
Hi there, I just found this tutorial and whipped up a new cover for my iPad in under 2 hours! I cut up one of my old rotary cutting mats that had seen better days and used that instead of chipboard. I also used basting spray to attach some wadding off cuts to one side of the mat to add some extra padding!
Thanks for sharing this awesome tutorial!
Pollyanna, we love hearing about such resourcefulness. Great job!
Cn yuou use hot glue if there’s no sewing machine available?
Technically, you could use hot glue but I would imagine it would lack durability.
HELP-HELP+more HELP. I have a mini ipad and these measurements are massive for my ipad and now I’m totally lost … please can anyone help me?
Marion, we haven’t had a chance to play with an iPad mini yet, so I don’t have adjusted measurements for you. However, take a look at our Kindle cover tutorial, where we show you how to create the same case but with a vertical hinge. Search for the link to our “custom Kindle case formula” on that page to find a formula that will let you determine measurements for any device.
I will be using the basic iPad instructions to make a case for my Kindle Fire because I prefer the case to open like a book if I am holding the device. I am planning to use some old floor linoleum that I have around the house as the stiffener, and as Thea mentioned, I want the device in the middle instead of on the end. I am also going to use 1″ thick heavy duty foam to pad the case. My daughter has also asked me to make a case for her Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) so I will be using the same materials for her case.
Well, I did it! Took time & adjustments but finally finished the mini ipad. I used flannel for the middle piece (to prevent scratching) and then at the end had lots of fabric left over, so, I left the side open (w/velco)to store my earpiece and battery for when I’m traveling… now am ready to head to Taso,NM while my hsbd goes skiing.
That’s great news, Marion! Glad you worked it out and have a nice case to protect your iPad mini
Hey there Chica!
This is such a cool project…I have two ipads (one’s my husband’s) that need this. It’ll make it so much easier to use in bed–I look up stuff as I’m reading (maps, words, cultural practices, etc.).
I’ve got a question though: have you ever heard of any of these types of pads overheating in a holder such as this? May sound dumb, but maybe they’re making items like these better these days so that will not be a problem.
Thanks a BUNCH for this tutorial.
A new fan, KatieLynne
Hi KatieLynne, and weldome to the site! I have not heard of any instances of e-readers overheating in cases like this, and considering that the device manufacturers themselves sell cases that cover a similar amount of the device, my thought is that overheating is not a potential problem.
Thanks for the tutorial, I made my cover yesterday and I love it! I like that it can be fully customized to my taste. I used jeans fabric and added a bowtie and some appliques.
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/tablet-cover
I had some trouble sewing everything, but that’s because I don’t use the sewing machine much. But the skewness here and there adds to the charm
Thanks for sharing your photo, Sanne. Your case looks great! Denim is extra hard to sew with because of it’s thickness, so if you’re an inexperienced sewer, you did great!
Hi,
I made 2 of these for my kids tablets. Thanks for the pattern and for the formula for working out the sizes as we don’t have ipads.
I am planning to make a cover for my iphone, but was wanted to have a magnet rather than elastic. I’m very new to crafty things (these were my first) and I have no idea about what to use as a magnet and metal for it to stick to. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Thanks
So glad you liked our formula, Cara, and kudos for venturing out into new crafts! Before you make a phone case with a magnet in it, you might want to research whether or not having the magnet that close can cause damage or not. I did some quick Googling and can’t find a definitive answer either way. If you do decide to go the magnet route, though, try asking at your local fabric store. The staff there may be able to point you to a nice magnet clasp that would work well.
If I add some soft batting to this project will I have to changed the dimensions and if so , by how much
Jackie, it’s hard for me to answer that without trying it myself or knowing how thick your batting is, but my guess is that just making the fabric 1/4″ to 1/2″ wider would be enough. If you try it out, we’d love to hear about your results.
Can you replace the outside elastic with fabic?? or another type of material Thanks!!
Jackie, if you replace the outside elastic with fabric or something else non-stretchy, then you won’t be able to stretch it over the flap to secure the case shut.
Thank you for taking the time to make this “great tutorial”. I’m going to add a fleece piece of fabric to cover the screen so it doesn’t get scratch.
This seems like a pretty basic question, but what size needle did you use for sewing this, given all the layers, elastic, etc.?
Avery, I used the default needle that happens to be in my sewing machine, nothing fancy. I didn’t have any trouble sewing through the elastic, but if you are using a particularly thick fabric (denim, leather, etc) you might want to choose a different needle style. I’d ask the experts at your local fabric store for help choosing the right one.
Hi. These are really cute ! Did you already answer the question of camera openings on the back ? Thanks
Hi. Thank you for the tutorial. I’ve adapted it to make a cover for a Nook Simple Touch. I used modal and added padding.
http://i.imgur.com/4VV9O9X.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/snrV0km.jpg
Nice job, Mariana. Thanks for sharing!