How to Make a Fabric or Patchwork Checkbook Cover

This easy-to-make checkbook cover will organize your top-bound checks, check register, and hold a pen. The zippered pocket on the back provides a convenient place to hold your shopping list, credit card, etc. A Velcro™ closure is optional.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/4 yd (1/4 m) outer fabric (Suggested Fabrics: upholstery or tapestry fabrics, quilted fabrics, cotton or cotton/polyester fabrics, patchwork-pieced fabric)
• 1/4 yd (1/4 m) lining fabric (Suggested Fabrics: cotton or cotton/polyester)
• matching thread
• 7" (17.8 cm) zipper
• ribbon and Velcro™ or snap for closure (optional)

1. Cut one piece of outer fabric 7 1/4” x 3 1/2” (18.4 x 8.9 cm) and one piece 7 1/4" x 4 3/4" (18.4 x 12.1 cm) for the checkbook outer cover. Cut one piece of lining fabric 7 1/4” x 7 3/4” (18.4 x 19.7 cm). Cut two pieces of outer 7 1/4” x 3 1/4” (18.4 x 8.3 cm) for the inside flap pieces OR if the lining fabric is used for the flap pieces, cut two 7 1/4” x 6 1/2” (18.4 x 16.5 cm) pieces of lining. Cut one piece of lining 3" x 1 3/4" (7.6 x 4.5 cm) for the penholder.

2. On the 7 1/4” x 3 1/2” (18.4 x 8.9 cm) and 7 1/4" x 4 3/4" (18.4 x 12.1 cm) outer fabric pieces, turn down a 1/4" (.6 cm) seam allowance on each piece along the 7 1/4" (18.4 cm) edge.

3. 

   Align the zipper 3/8" (1 cm) from the edge of each piece.

4. 

   Stitch the zipper in place along the 1/4" (.6 cm) seam allowance on the 7 1/4” x 3 1/2” (18.4 x 8.9 cm) and 7 1/4” x 4 3/4” (18.4 x 12.1 cm) outer fabric pieces. Zigzag over the cut edges if required. Whip stitch a few stitches above the zipper head to hold the zipper tape together. The outer cover piece is completed.

5. Make the inside flaps as follows. If the outer fabric is used, turn down and sew a 1/4" (.6 cm) seam allowance along the 7 1/4" (18.4 cm) side of each piece. If the lining fabric is used, fold each in half along the 6 1/2" (16.5 cm) side and press. If you use carbon-type check, cut the plastic flap out of your old checkbook and sew the plastic flap at the bottom edge (about 3/8" or 1 cm from edge) on one of the flaps along the 7 1/4" (18.4 cm) edge.

6. 

   With the outer cover piece right side up, place the inside flap pieces at the top and bottom along the 7 1/4" (18.4 cm) sides, right sides together. Place the 7 1/4” x 7 3/4” (18.4 x 19.7 cm) lining piece on top, right side toward the outer cover. Open the zipper. Sew 1/4" (.6 cm) seam allowance around. Trim corners. Zigzag around edge if desired.

7. Turn the piece inside out through the zipper opening. Press.

8. 

   Make the penholder by turning down both ends along the 1 3/4" (4.5 cm) sides and sew on the 3" x 1 3/4" (7.6 x 4.5 cm) piece. Fold the piece lengthwise along the 3" (7.6 cm) length, right sides together. Stitch along the 3" (7.6 cm) length 1/8" (.4 cm) from edge. Turn piece inside out and press seam line. With the lining side of the checkbook cover facing up, mark off the center between the two flap pieces. Align and center the penholder piece seam on this line. Stitch the centerline, catching the penholder edge.

9. Top stitch around the entire checkbook cover, 1/16" (.2 cm) from the edge.

10. Optional: Attach a ribbon and Velcro™ or snap for strap type closure.

11. Place your check register under one flap and your top-bound checks under the other flap.

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