Etch-a-Sketch iPad Cover

I had a lot of fun making my first iPad cover so I decided to make another one! :) As much as I love my iPad I think I probably got more enjoyment from toys I had as a kid, like my Etch-a-Sketch. So why not combine the two! I did a little searching and found this great iPad cover at Smashed Peas and Carrots and decided to have a go myself. She has a super tutorial so if this doesn't make sense then check it out! I think hers is for an original iPad though, this was made for my new iPad. I was a little generous with the dimensions cos I wanted it to fit in with a thin rubber cover on it too so just test yours as you go!

                              It's a lot of fun to make! Want to make one? Well keep reading!

Here's what you'll need: 

- 2 pieces red felt for the inside @ 10" x 12"

- 2 pieces red felt for the outisde @ 10.5" x 12"

- 1 piece grey felt approx 8" x 10"

- 2 pieces wadding @ 10.5" x 12"

- red and grey thread, white embroidery thread

- velcro (preferably red)

- 2 large white buttons

Once you've cut out all your pieces, pin the velcro to the top of two pieces of red felt. 

Sew them in place, making sure they will line up properly. Use at least two or three rows of stitches to keep it nice and secure. We don't want your little iPad falling out! :)

Once that's done, pin the two pieces of felt rights sides together. You velcro should be closed and hidden, like the picture. Sew down the sides and across the bottom but leave a gap of about 3 or 4 inches at the bottom for turning later. Make sure you don't sew across the top!

This will be the inside of your cover so if you're not sure how much seam allowance to leave, test to see if your iPad fits in snugly!

Now we can get to work on the outside of your cover. First you need to cut a rectangle out of one piece of red felt. You'll be putting the grey felt behind it as your Etch-a-Sketch screen. I wish I'd made my "screen" a little smaller but I'll give you the dimensions I used and let you make up your own minds! It's 6" x 8¾".

This is the really fun part! You could do any design you liked on this. I went for simple, figured sewing it with my sewing machine might be almost as tricky as drawing it on an Etch-a-Sketch! First I drew my design on the felt using a vanishing ink fabric pen and my trusty ruler. Then I sewed over the lines with grey thread, easy. :)

Next you place the grey felt behind the red frame and pin it in place. Sew around the edge to secure it in place.

Sew your two large white buttons in place. Now you have the knobs for your Etch-a-Sketch. 

Use your embroidery thread to add some text at the top. Make sure to leave enough space at the top to allow for your seam when you sew it all together! (This is why I wish I'd made my "screen" a bit smaller).

Sew your wadding onto each piece of red felt. This will keep it in place for the next step. Make sure you sew it to the wrong side of your front piece!

Pin your two pieces of felt/wadding together, right sides facing. Sew around the two sides and the bottom. Leave the top open.

Clip the corners, trim the excess and press your seams. Then turn your cover the right way out.

Now take the inside piece that you made earlier. Place the cover inside it so it looks like the picture above. 

Pin the pieces together and sew carefully along the top. 

Using the gap at the bottom of your inside piece turn your cover the right way out. The two pieces should be joined as they are in the picture. Sew across the bottom of the inside piece to close the gap and push it inside the cover.

Test drive it with your iPad! :)

Things I've Learnt:
- Leave a little extra felt on the top/open end as when you sew it up at the end you'll lose a little space.
- Press the seams, I'm lazy so I didn't and regret it. :(
- Sew the buttons on after you sew in the grey felt, much easier than trying to navigate around buttons with your sewing machine!
- If you don't have a vanishing ink fabric marker then print or draw your design and pin the paper to your felt. I did it this way when I made my felt marbles maze and it worked out great!
- I'm thinking this would make a cute phone or kindle cover too.
- You could always buy a hard cover one if you're not a sewer. :)

                                                                   

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