Quilted Laptop Computer Sleeve Tutorial

 

So you decided to make a laptop computer sleeve. It’s really pretty easy with just a little bit of math involved. It seems that each and every laptop is a slightly different size. In order to have a snug (not tight) fit we’ll start by measuring “your” laptop.

Width (side to side)

______” (all the way around) divided by 2 = ______” + 4” = _________” width of fabric needed. (The 4” is to allow 2” on each side to make it easier to get a snug fit. I’ll show you later what I mean.)

Depth (front to back)

______” (all the way around) + 8” (flap) = _________” length of fabric needed.

My example:

Width: 33” divided by 2 = 16.5” + 4” = 20.5” width of fabric needed

Depth: 23” + 8” = 31” length of fabric needed.

So in my case, I needed my fabric to be at least 20.5” x 31” but in reality I used charm squares so I started out a little bigger, approximately 23” x 33”.

Once you’ve got you fabric (pieced or solid) you need to add batting and a lining fabric and then quilt it. I chose to do a simple wavy cross hatch, simple but effective. Do what works for you.

You will also need fabric for binding. I used 2 – 2 ½” strips cut across the width of fabric.

Finally we’re ready to make your laptop sleeve.

The bottom edge of your fabric (the part that will be folded up to the top edge) needs to be finished.

Using the binding you made earlier, fold it in half length wise and attach it straight across the end. Fold it over the seam and sew it in place so that you have a nice finish.

Lay your quilted fabric out on a flat surface, lining side up.

Now fold the bottom up so that it just reaches the top edge of the laptop.

Pinch each side and pin so that you have a snug fit.

First the right:

Then the left:

After removing the laptop, I used a ruler and drew a line where the pins were and then sewed a seam on top of the line, on each side.

Trim each side, leaving a ¼” seam.

Next was probably the hardest part for me, drawing and then cutting the curve for the flap. I’m not a lot of help here; you’ll need to find a very large bowl or something round to draw your line. As Tim Gunn would say, “Make it Work”, even if you have to change the shape of the flap.

Once you get your line drawn (no matter what the shape) sew a seam right on top of the line. Then trim outside the line leaving a ¼” seam.

Now it’s time to sew your binding on. Because my curve is very gently I didn’t find it necessary to use bias binging. My binding was cut across the width of fabric, folded in half. Sew the folded binding (using a ¼” seam up one side around the curve and down the other side. I folded each end in so that I’d have a nicely finished start and stop.

Finish the binding by folding it over the seam and hand sewing it in place.

Last but not least, add some Velcro. I use the iron on Velcro that has been greatly improved in the last few years. It works really well for me.

That’s it, you’re finished and it’s now time to slide your laptop inside.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tutorial, if you have any questions, please email me at Robin@robinquiltsetc.com. I’d love for you to send me pictures of your Laptop Sleeve.

Enjoy,

For a printable PDF you can go to my website and click on tutorials www.robinquiltsetc.com.