We have invested a lot of money into DVD players, IPods, gameboys, video game systems, digital cameras, camcorders and more. Protecting these electronics is imperative.
Today's project is a quilted laptop tote. The design can be altered in any number of ways to accomodate other devices or multiple pieces in the same bag.
The sample we will use will make a laptop tote with a shoulder strap as well as a pocket that will keep a digital camera safe and secure. If you don't carry a digital camera you can use the pocket for your laptop battery or cords. Once you add the pocket you can add other pockets in different sizes for any other items you travel with.
The directions will allow for experienced sewing and beginners. Either one will still develop a quality laptop case that will keep it safer for travel.
Materials Needed:
- 1.5 yards of quilted fabric (45")
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
- Measure Tape
- Thread
- Velcro
- Marking pen
- Pins
Preparation
- Fold the fabric in half so that it measures 45" X 27".
- With the fold up and the salvage edge down, measure in 3.5" in on one side and mark the 3.5" measure from fold to salvage.
- Cut along mark. This will give you a piece measuring 54" X 3.5" and a piece 41.5" X 27"
- Set aside the long strip.
Measuring for the Laptop
- Measure your laptop height, length and width. For the example we will use a 17" laptop. The actual dimensions are 14.2" X 1.5" X 10.1".
- For the length of the fabric, take the laptop length 14.2" and round up to-15" for no other reason than to simplify things.
- To the 15" add half of the depth. In this case that is one half of 1.5". Half of 1.5 is .75. Once again, round up to 1. This makes our measurements so far 15 + 1= 16".
- Next you will add a seam allowance of .25". Do not round this up.
- You now have the length of your fabric is 16.25".
- For the width (10.1"), use the same method. 10.1"=11" +1"=12" to that add the .25" allowancefor a total of 12.25".
Measuring for your Pocket
- This is done in a similar manner as measuring for the laptop. The difference is that it needs a larger seam allowance.
- If you are experienced with sewing you can measure for a gusset or bottom dart corners.
- If you are a beginner, ignore step two.
- Measure your camera's height, width and depth.
- To the height add 4.5". To the width add the depth + 2".
- If your camera measures 7" X 4" X 2" the fabric measurements will be 11.5" (height + 4.5") x 8" ( width + depth + 2")
Cutting Your Fabric
- For the laptop fabric leave the material folded in half. You will cut one piece with the 16 1/4" measure on the fold. The sample measured 16.25" X 12.25". After you cut this piece out your fabric will measure 16.25" X 24.5".
- For the camera pocket lay the fabric out in a single layer and cut a rectangle measuring 11.5" X 8"
Sewing The Tote
- Take the long strip you cut off in the beginning and pin it in half the long way folding in the seams approx. .5". Stitch up the length of the fabric to secure the seam.
- Flip the fabric over and stitch the same seam allowance to the fold side. This is the shoulder strap for your tote.
- Open the body of your laptop fabric and measure from the top (when folded in half, the fold is the bottom) 3" in and mark. Measure from the side 3" and mark.
- Sew your pocket on the two long sides and one short side by folding back .5" and sewing around the edge. Sew the top edge (unsewn short edge) by folding the edge back 1.5" and tacking down.
- Pin your pocket to the laptop fabric at the marks you made.
- On the sewing machine follow the seams around the sides and bottom to tack it in place.
- If you are experienced you can add a flap for the pocket. If you are a beginner, tack a piece of velcro to hold the pocket closed at the top.
- Fold the laptop fabric in half with right sides facing and sew up the two sides.
- If you are experienced you can add a zipper. If you are a beginner stitch down the edges and add a strip of velcro to the opening on each side.
- Tuen the fabric right side out. Pin the ends of the shoulder strap to the side of the bag. The straps will be stronger if you place them at least three inches below the top.
- Sew straps to the bag.
Try making a bag for your child's game system or a diaper bag for a friend. There are hundreds of uses and they make great gifts.
