A Padded IPad Mini Cover

by Laura Mae in Craft > Sewing

9512 Views, 122 Favorites, 0 Comments

A Padded IPad Mini Cover

pad.24.JPG
1.JPG
pad.11.JPG
It’s always the little projects that throw me for a loop.  A dress pattern with twenty separate pieces and minimal directions does not phase me.  But a simple cover for an iPad throws me for a loop – go figure! 

My mom recently requested a protective cover for her iPad mini.  I do not have my own, so I made a tracing of the device on a piece of paper for reference.

pad.09.JPG
I spend a day racking my brain for ideas.  I was dealing with a looming deadline with no time to purchase any new materials.

And then it came to me . . . an envelope clutch would be the perfect solution, or at least a good place to start.  And I certainly have enough fabric in my sewing room to choose from!

An envelope clutch is exactly what it sounds like.  A purse or clutch folded up like a paper envelope.  This means the holder can be made from a single pattern piece that is folded and stitched.  Quick and easy!

pad.02.JPG
pad.05.JPG
pad.11.JPG
pad.07.JPG
I gathered some quilting cotton from the stash.

I measured off the length of the iPad and added ½”  for my seam allowance and an extra ½” for ease of use.  Next the width was measured and doubled adding 1” for the seam allowance and ease of use.  For the top flap, I added a few inches to the doubled width measurement, marked the center point, and rounded that end off (the shape of the flap could obviously be changed according to taste).

A layer of fleece was added to the outside fabric for padding.  This will probably not prevent damage from any drop from a significant height, but it will prevent scratching.

A duplicate layer of fabric was cut out as the lining.  With the right sides together, I stitched the edges, leaving a couple of inches free to turn the fabric right side out.  But before turning, I trimmed down the corners, and clipped small triangles out of the curved flap – this eliminates bulk from interior seems.

The opening was stitched closed, and the entire piece was given a good press with an iron.

The bottom portion of the fabric was folded up, and the side seam stitched in place.

Copy of 2.JPG
There are so many options for closures. 

I avoid Velcro like the plague because it collects dirt and debris.  I have even managed to snag my clothes on Velcro while reaching inside things, so that was out.  Pushing down on a metal snap in the middle of a delicate electronic gadget seemed like a bad idea . . .  so a loop and button were added as a closure.


pad.23.JPG
pad.07.JPG
So there you have it – a quick project that was completely out of my comfort zone, but I am very pleased with the end result!  After all, it serves its purpose very well, and mom was happy!