How to Make a Leather Checkbook Cover

This plain suede checkbook cover can be easily cut out and sewn with standard sewing equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Flat Work Surfaces
• Suede Leathers
• All-purpose Threads
• Double-sided Tape
• Sewing Machine
• Wedge-point Sewing Machine Needles
• Scissors
• Pencils
• Rulers

Instructions

1. Choose any color garment suede (2-3 oz.) for the cover. For a standard checkbook, you will need a piece of suede that measures 6½ inches wide X 12¼ inches long.

2. Lay the suede out onto a flat work surface, right side down. Use a pencil, ruler and heavy-duty scissors or leather shears to measure, mark and cut out the suede to the dimensions given in Step 1.

3. Leave the suede piece with the right side down and position it in front of you so that the long edges are to your left and right.

4. Fold the top edge down 2¾ inches toward the center of the piece. Instead of pinning the folded down portion, use small pieces of double-sided tape to hold it into place. Pins will create permanent holes in the suede.

5. Repeat Step 4 for the bottom edge of the suede.

6. Insert a size 14 wedge-point needle into your sewing machine and stitch all around the edges of the cover. Keep your stitches 1/8 inch from the cover's edges.

7. Use all-purpose thread in a color that matches the suede. If you cannot find an exact match, choose a thread color that is a shade darker than the suede.

8. Secure the thread ends with knots rather than machine backstitching.

9. Remove the tape after your sewing is completed.

Tips & Warnings

• Go slowly when sewing so close to the edge and make sure that the free edges are evenly lined up. Practice on some scrap suede before you sew your first cover.