How to Sew a Padded Computer Sleeve

Padded computer sleeves protect laptops from harm.

Laptop computers are popular because of their portability. However, laptops can sometimes be damaged in transit, whether jostled around in a backpack or dropped on the ground. A padded computer sleeve is the perfect solution for this problem. Padded laptop sleeves can be found in any office supply store, but they can be pricey. Fortunately, a homemade padded laptop sleeve is easy and inexpensive to make.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Quilt batting
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Velcro

Instructions

1. Cut out two pieces of fabric that are each as long as the laptop, plus 4 inches, and twice as wide, plus 4 inches.

2. Cut out a piece of quilt batting that is the same size and shape as the two pieces of fabric.

3. Lay the two fabric pieces directly on top of each other, right sides of the fabric together. Place the quilt batting piece directly on top of the fabric pieces.

4. Sew together the fabric and the quilt batting all the way around the edges, leaving a 2-inch opening in the seam in the middle of one of the shorter edges.

5. Turn the fabric right-side-out, using the 2-inch opening. Sew the opening closed. Fold this padded piece of fabric in half, bringing the shorter edges together.

6. Sew the sides perpendicular to the fold closed, leaving the side opposite the fold open. Turn the sleeve right-side-out to hide the seams.

7. Cut out a piece of fabric that is 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Fold under the edges of this fabric piece 1/2 an inch and sew the folds down, tucking the raw edges of the fabric under the seam.

8. Sew a small square piece of Velcro to one of the shorter edges of the small fabric piece on the wrong side of the fabric.

9. Sew the other end of the small fabric piece to the middle of one of the open edges of the laptop sleeve. Sew another piece of Velcro to the other open edge of the laptop sleeve, corresponding to the Velcro end of the small fabric strap.

References

• Threadbanger: How to Make a Laptop Sleeve from a Leather Jacket
• ARS Technica: How to Sew Your Own Laptop Sleeve
• Care2: DIY Felted Laptop Sleeve