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!
21 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