Sunday, March 6, 2011

Weekend Sewing Project - Checkbook Cover

It's raining at my house which makes for a gloomy Sunday afternoon.  I have 2 things I want to do...sew and read.  I thought I would do a little sewing first, because chances are if I start reading I will end up dozing off.  I have been needing a new checkbook cover and since spring is on the way I decided to make something bright and colorful.  I love making checkbook covers because they are quick and easy and can be changed out with the seasons or, color coordinate one with your purse!  Here are the easy steps.  I hope I've made them clear but if you have any questions please email me at sweetteaandpearlsblog@gmail.com.  Have fun sewing!

First of all cut a pattern that measures 7 1/2" wide by 14 1/2" long.


Cut 2 pieces of fabric from your pattern.  They can be alike or different.  One will be your face fabric and the other will be the lining of your checkbook.


With right sides together pin the 2 pieces of fabric around all edges marking with your pins the area you will leave open to turn the fabric once it's sewn.


Using a 1/4" seam allowance sew around all sides of your fabric remembering to leave an opening to turn the fabric.  Backstitch at beginning and ending of sewing to secure your stitches.  Trim corners being careful not to get too close to stitching.


Turn fabric inside out making sure corners are sharp and pulled out.  Roll fabric between your fingers to get stitching line up and press all sides.  What I mean by this is it shouldn't look like a ditch when it's pressed.  Measure 3 1/4" from the end on each end of cover and mark with a pin.  This will be your fold line.


Make sure the right side of your cover is down and the lining side is up.  If you are using the same fabric for both it really won't matter.  Fold the bottom part of the cover up at the pin markings.  Remember I said this would be your fold line.  Pin fabric in place. Do the same thing for the top folding it down on the fold line and pin fabric in place.


Remove the pins that were used to mark your fold lines but leave the pins holding your fabric in place.


Stitch a 1/4" seam allowance around all sides of the cover.  Remove pins.


Insert that nasty old plastic thing they give you at the bank.  They are good for something...they give your checkbook cover stabiity.....


But now doesn't this look so much better?!  You can make one for winter, spring, summer, fall, 4th of July, Christmas, Halloween....and it's so easy!!

Hope you all have fun with this little sewing project...sorry I didn't get it posted earlier in the weekend...I was busy spring cleaning.  Hoping you all have a wonderful week......until later......                       
                                                                           ~Becky

5 comments:

  1. Love your fabric choice; I can't wait for Spring!

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  2. I just printed off the directions, I can't wait to get started, another fun sewing project!
    I can just see it now....matching tissue holders and checkbook covers!!!
    Thanks for the sewing ideas, this is GREAT!

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  3. Thank you! It came out beautifully.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your checkbook cover sewing steps, Becky! You have great sewing skills. I wish I’d be able to make the same lovely work as you do.

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  5. I've been searching for sewing instructions for a checkbook cover, and this is my favorite so far. Great idea to cut only two pieces of fabric and fold them over to make the pockets instead of making separate pieces. The only thing missing is an elastic loop to hold your pen. I was thinking of a strip of elastic across the top also to hold back the used register pages.

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