DIY: Kindle Sleeve

Over the holiday break I finally broke down and got a kindle. I really like bringing it to work since it is so light and I can just toss it into my purse and go. I have read a few books on it and I think I will really enjoy it when I am traveling or don't feel like bringing a book or more than one really. I typically just leave my kindle in my purse and toss everything else in the bag. After the first few days I realized that my new kindle had sunk to the bottom of the bag and was in danger of getting lost in there or scratched so I started looking for a sleeve.

As I looked into getting a kindle sleeve I found lots of options online: things that look like a book, something made out of neoprene, and then hard cases. What I really wanted was a fabric bag that can be compacted when not in use and just something simple. I really like to have cases for things that are easily broken, I mean I have an otter box for my iPhone (I will also admit this is the second one as I broke the first). But I think that kindles are relatively durable and the main goal is to keep it from being scratched. I never did find what I was looking for but in the end I realized that I could just make what I wanted.

Ready for travel!

Directions
1- Cut out a pattern from tissue paper, I used 7.5 inches x 16.5 with a two inch flap (add a 2 inch tall triangle to the top of the rectangle)

I will admit that I had to cut out a few pieces and tape them together...

2- Cut out two pieces of fabric using the pattern (I used one printed fabric and one of muslin for the lining)

3- Pin the right sides together, make sure to leave a 3 inch space between some of the pins. Sew two pieces together leaving hole open.

This is where I left a hole and it could have been just a bit bigger

4- Turn the bag rightside out, you should be able to reach into the hole and pull out the fabric. Gently push the corners into points (some people like to use a knife or closed scissors, I just used my fingers). Iron the fabric and make sure the points are not curved.

5- Fold the rightsides of the fabric together and pin the sides up. Remember to leave space for the flap. Sew sides.

6- Turn inside out and sew up the hole by sewing right next to the edge of the fabric

7- Sew a hairtie (or whatever you have laying around) to the point of the flap, I will be honest I don't love how this turned out but I think it will work.

8- Fold the flap over and see where you should sew a button on so that the loop will fit over the button.

The kindle looks super snug in the new case!

Now you have a kindle sleeve. This took me about 45 minutes and I was watching a movie. This got rave reviews at work today and I expect that you are a little jealous that you don't have one. However, I will have a little mercy on you and offer to make you one if you ask. I am super thrilled about this and there are a few slight modifications that I might make if I need to make more.

I am super thrilled that this looks as good as I had hoped, what do you think? Let me know if you want one.