How to Make an iPad Case from Clover's Tablet Keeper by Nancy Zieman

My iPad travels with me to work, to meetings, and back home each day. Introduced four years ago, the slim and smart electronic tablet has replaced my bulky daily planner/calendar, laptop, and so much more. Because my tablet is my daily commuter companion, I like to protect it with one of several different designer Tablet Keepers I’ve made with the Trace ‘n Create Templates—E-Tablet and Paper Tablet Keepers. Nancy Zieman Tablet Keepers

It’s a treat for me to demonstrate the easy steps of sewing a Tablet Keeper and feature the opportunities for creativity, such as adding embroidery or embellishments. Warning: You may find yourself stitching up a new Tablet Keeper for each season or to coordinate with your favorite handbags. Nancy Zieman Tablet Keepers and Hobo Tote Handbag

As the designer of the template set, I’d like to show you first hand how easy they are to create. Perhaps you’ll make one for yourself or give as gifts! First let’s look at the options.

E-Tablet Keepers

Make in three sizes to fit the Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kindle Fire, and other Slates/Tablets.

Paper Tablet Keepers

A $2.95 paper tablet can look just as smart as a $499.00 electronic tablet!

  • Choose Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Tablet Keeper Template or Trace ‘n Create Tablet Keeper Template 2.0. Depending on your electronic device make and model, you’ll select the template that fits your electronic tablet. For the iPad, select  Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Tablet Keeper Template. 
  • Click here to view the original Tablet Keeper Template device listing.

Trace 'n Create Tablet Keepers Nancy Zieman

Click here to view the Tablet Keeper 2.0 device listing. If you don’t see your tablet listed, email us at [email protected] and we’ll add your electronic device to the listings.

Trace 'n Create Tablet Keeper Nancy Zieman

Here are the steps to create an E-Tablet Keeper

Trace, Cut, and Interface—50 Minutes

  • Find a great fabric selection. A Fat Quarter Bundle of coordinating prints make an ideal palette.
  • Fold the outer fabric, align the template along the fold, and trace through the die-cut areas of the size on the template that you’d like to create.

  • Cut out one for the outer tablet keeper and a second for the inner layer.
  • Add fusible Shirtailor interfacing to the wrong side of each. Also cut one layer of Pellon’s Peltex.

Note from Nancy: If you haven’t noticed, you’ll see various fabrics in the photos. We took the step-by-step photos of a variety of Tablet Keepers—not all the same fabric. You know what they say about variety!

Create and Add the Strap—40 Minutes

  • In the instructions, I’ll give you guidelines on the length of the straps. You’ll find that you can quickly and easily make them with 1″ Create-a-Strap.

  • You’ll also be instructed where to add hook and loop tape and one O-Ring, D-Ring, or Rectangular Hardware.

  • There’s no guess-work where the strap should be placed, align the template on top of the outer fabric. Draw the lower strap placement through the die-cut areas.

  • Align the strap along the marking.
  • Stitch three sides, ending the stitch 1″ from the right edge. The outer E-Tablet Keeper is almost finished!

Create the Interior of the E-Tablet Keeper—30 Minutes

  • Place the template on the fabric. Mark the placement for the elastic at all four corners.

  • Cut the elastic the noted length and stitch to the interior fabric.

Note from Nancy: Are you wondering where we purchased bright blue elastic? It’s a cut up stretchy headband! Never having enough hair to wear a headband, I didn’t know that they existed. Staff members gave the suggestion—what a great idea. Not to worry, regular white or black elastic works too!

Create an Inner Spine—30 Minutes

  • Using the smallest 5/8″ Create-a-Strap, make an inner spine.

  • Layer the outer and inner fabrics wrong sides together with the Peltex sandwiched in the middle.
  • Stitch along each side of the spine. There’s a die-cut area on the template to mark the spine placement—you’ll have no worries about centering this important piece!

  • Stitch along three edges; each side and the lower edge.
  • Insert the appropriate size Precut Tablet Keeper Shapers. The Shapers are very firm, thick plastic.

Note from Nancy: The shapers are the key to creating a safe, firm, and  professional keeper for your tablet. Don’t skimp on this step. Someone thought they would substitute poster board. Hmm, just think about a $500 electronic tablet protected by poster board! Not such a good idea.

Add Binding—60 Minutes

Use your favorite binding technique to finish off your E-Tablet Keeper.

Ta Da!

  • Insert your Electronic Tablet. Enjoy!

Note from Nancy: These times are estimates. Some of you will stitch faster, others, well you know! Regardless, this is a project that you can accomplish in just a few hours with lasting results!

Personalize your Tablet Keeper, Watch Sewing With Nancy Online!

Watch Sewing With Nancy online, how to sew a tablet keeper

For a chance to win a Tablet Keeper Template, leave a comment below sharing if you have a tablet, and what kind? An iPad, Kindle, or ?

Bye for now,

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