Chevron Checkbook Cover Tutorial

Tuesday, August 07, 2012



Always feels better writing a check when you've got a pretty checkbook cover right? Well, I used to offer these in my shop & though they were super popular, I began focusing more on bags and custom wedding sets.  But since I've received gobs of requests for them, I thought I'd share at least how I make them.....
courtesy the small things


{{AND! I've teamed up with Kate from The Small Things blog to offer her readers 15 vouchers for purchase of these limited edition chevron covers! Have you visited The Small Things yet? Kate is wonderfully gorgeous & genuine, like a dear friend you'd meet for coffee.  Head over, check out her site and sign up to win a voucher :)  Ends August 10th.}} 

tutorial:

Materials: 
Two fabric pieces: 7"(w) x 8"(l)  - for exterior & interior, these could be the same or different prints
Two square fabric pieces: 7" x 7" - for pockets
One piece fusible interfacing cut slightly smaller than 7" x 8"
Two pieces fusible interfacing 3.5" x 7"  



Step 1:
Press large interfacing piece onto wrong side of exterior fabric piece (following manufacturers directions of course, but I always use medium heat, no steam).

Fold both square pocket pieces in half, making a fold rectangle. Slide the 3.5" x 7" interfacing pieces inside each of the rectangles & press to fuse. 


Step 2:
Top stitch along folded edge of each rectangle *(this is optional, but seems more finished to me, I've also added my garment label at this point).

Pin each rectangle along the top & bottom of the interior piece of fabric, being careful to keep everything nice & straight & even. 



 Step 3:
Baste stitch (long stitch) down both sides of the rectangle + interior piece, creating the pockets. 


Step 4:
Make a sandwich with your exterior piece (fused with interfacing) + interior piece (basted with pockets), right sides facing together. Pin in place. 

Stitch around edge with a 1/4" seam allowance, being sure to leave a 3-4" opening (back stitching at beginning & end). 

Tip: create your opening at the side along only one pocket to allow for easier readjusting later.

Trim corners diagonally, making it for sharper corners later. 


Step 5:
Now, this is where it gets a wee bit tricky, or at least easy to mangle it a bit. 

From your little stitched sandwich, flip it right side out through the opening. This takes a bit of coaxing and careful maneuvering so as not to rip seams, pull fabric, or otherwise destroy your creation. 
no, it's not your eyes- I also made a cover in gray!




















Step 6:
Now that it's all turned right side out, press baby, press.  This is crucial for this beauty to really work. You may want to use a corner pointer thingy to create sharp corners and straight seams. Carefully tuck in the opening, ensuring you've created a straight edge.

Step 7:
Once you've got it all pressed & smooth, top stitch around the enter case. This will both close the opening and make for a finished look. (If you'd prefer to not top stitch around, you could always do a blind stitch by hand). 

Fold over the cover and press, creating a crisp fold.

courtesy: the small things
Step 8:
Stash your checkbook inside & look good spending money :) 


About my tutorials: I love folks sharing my ideas, please just link back to this post. Also, these are just for personal use :)  And, if you find any mistakes or need clarification, I'm always happy to answer!