I'VE had some leather hidden away in my fabric stash for a while and thought now is the time to do something with it, so this week I made a cover for a tablet computer.
You don't have to go crazy with calculating measurements with these easy-to-follow instructions. If you don't have any leather, you can make this with any fabric that does not fray, and it will look just as beautiful.
Difficulty: Medium
Materials and equipment: Leather (or other fabric); embroidery thread; paper; pen; ruler; paper scissors; fabric scissors; leather needle; thimble and awl (optional)
Step one
Make the pattern for your cover. I did this by getting a large sheet of paper and wrapping it around the tablet. Basically you are making an envelope, and then make adjustments where you want the leather to fold over the front. Mark where the sides are then take the tablet away; add a 1cm seam allowance down each side - this will make for a snug fit. You can then add curved edges for the envelope opening. Once satisfied with the shape, draw around your pattern onto the wrong side of the leather and cut out. You will also need to cut a piece of leather for the front strap. This should be about 3cm deep and the same width of the envelope shape.
Step two
Now it's time to sew your envelope shape together. Fold into place and put your front strap into position. To make my stitches equal I marked them out on the front with my ruler and awl, then used the awl to pierce the leather ready for stitching through all layers, the front strap, front and back. You don't have to do it this way, it would also look great if the stitching was freehand. The leather needle will pierce the fabric: this is where a thimble comes in handy.
Step three
Sew it up using the embroidery thread. To make the thread more durable you can also apply tailor's wax to it. I went with a contrasting thread but this is your craft so you can do the same or use a colour that tones in with the leather you have. Tada!
For a full, detailed tutorial with step-by-step photos, follow me at www.threadpaperscissors.com
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