By craft contributor Caitlin
A couple of years ago I bought a huge stash of unstretched, unframed canvas prints at an auction and my mind was filled with all the fantastic DIY possibilities they held.
Somehow they got stored away and I hadn’t used them for anything until I stumbled across these amazing iPad cases at Anthropologie. Unfortunately they aren’t available anymore, but it reminded me that I had all of those stored away. So I dug them out and decided to experiment with making one of my own. Keep reading for instructions below.
Supplies:
-2 Canvas Prints not framed, not stretched (you can find them for under $5 on eBay- here, here and here are some options or you can print your own canvas here)
-Cotton fabric
-9″ piece of leather
-Sewing machine
-Scissors
-Measuring tape
Instructions:
-Measure and cut a rectangle (9″ W, 10.5″ H) out of each of your canvas prints and cut two rectangles of the same size out of your fabric.
-Measure and cut out a trapezoid shape out of your canvas for the flap (9″ across the top, 2.5″ across the bottom, 5″ from top to bottom) and cut the same size out of the fabric.
-If you want your flap to have both types of canvas on it, trace one corner of the flap onto another piece of canvas and cut it out and sew only the side of the triangle towards the center of the flap.
-Sew the fabric lining to the inside of the flap piece. Go around all four sides and then trim off excess fabric.
-Take the rectangular piece of canvas that you want for the front and one of the pieces of fabric and sew the fabric to the inside of the canvas only along the top and bottom (the 9″ sides.) Trim off excess fabric. Repeat for the piece of canvas that you want for the back.
-Take the flap and the back side of your case (which should both have their lining attached) and stitch them together along the top.
-Now you will want to attach the front of your case to the back. Make sure the sides are all lined up, the linings are faced inward, and the flap is up. Sew along both of the sides and the bottom – do not sew along the top!
– Now fold the flap down and see where the leather strap will need to be to hold it in place. (Mine was about 3″ down from the top.) Sew the leather along the seam on each side.
*Optional: To make the flap a little more sturdy, cut a 9″ x 3/4″ piece of canvas and place it over the seam for the flap. Sew a line securing it to the front of the flap and then sew a line across the bottom of the piece that will secure it to the back – be sure not to sew your case closed! Trim the corners and you’re good to go!
It’s gorgeous!
Where did you find leather by the yard?
Caitlin said the leather she used was from an old jacket, but you can find it by the sheet and your local craft store (Michael’s or Joann’s).
These are really great. What a wonderful gift they would make!
This is really cute. I wonder if it would work as well with an original painted canvas? Maybe the paint would brush off on things..
this is beautiful! puts my plain black ipad case to shame.
This is such a beautiful idea!
This is so genius, and I had no idea those canvas prints existed- and so cheap!
I don’t have an ipad, but I LOVE this idea, and I’m sure it could work great for making a smaller version clutch or something:)
I agree! Would be a cute clutch or even a laptop bag. I love all the possibilities on this one
Yesss! I don’t own an iPad too but I so want this case! Clutch is a great idea!