checkbook cover tutorial

A checkbook cover makes a cute little gift! There are a few tutorials around, but I thought I'd share with you how I make mine.

You will need:

Fabric

• 1 front - 7 x 7 1/2 (grey floral)
• 1 lining - 7 x 1/2 (grey and black)
• 2 pockets - 7 x 6 1/2 (yellow)

Iron-on interfacing

• 1 - 6 1/4 x 7 1/4
• 2 - 6 1/4 x 2 1/4

I like to cut my interfacing a quarter of an inch, or so, smaller than the pieces it will go on to reduce bulky seams. It doesn't have to be perfect either.

Fold the pocket pieces in half, wrong sides together along the 6 1/2 side. You will end up with a piece that is 7 x 3 1/4. Press.

If you are going to add an applique, now is the time to do that. Just be sure that whatever you add it at least 1/2" from the edge so it still shows nicely when you are done.

Iron interfacing onto the two pocket pieces (on the inside) and the front. Be sure to press it well and get out all of the wrinkles. And by all means, make sure the sticky side is next to the fabric, not your iron. Not that I did that or anything.

Line up the raw edge of the pocket to the 7" edge of the lining, right sides together. Stitch close to the edge making sure your seam is less than 1/4" from the edge. Line up the other pocket on the other 7" edge and stitch.

When I want a seam that is less than 1/4" I use this groove on my presser foot. On mine there are three, with the middle one indicating where the needle follows. I also use this groove when topstitching close to the edge of my finished work.

Make a sandwich of the lining/pockets and the front, right sides together. Stitch all the way around, leaving an opening for turning. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and ending of your seam. I like to leave the opening on the 7" side that will be the back of the checkbook.

Leave as much room as you need for comfortable turning. I always make mine a little smaller than I should, then swear a little while turning.

Clip the corners to reduce bulk. Turn it inside out. Use a turning stick or chopstick to push the corners out as crisply as you can. I also like to run my turning stick along each seam to open the seam and reduce folding while pressing.

Press. While pressing, fold under the opening as neatly as you can. You will close this up when you top stitch. Pin closed for now.

Top stitch all the way around. Press again. Fold in half & press again.

I'd love to see the one you make!

This is the part of the tutorial where there is sometimes a disclaimer about only using this tutorial for personal use. Blah, blah, blah. Um, I don't care if you use this tutorial to make checkbook covers for your own personal financial gain. You can make them for craft shows, sell online, or whatever! Make stuff and be happy! When I don't want you to know how I made stuff, I won't show you how I do it. How's that?

Of course, if you don't want to make your own, you can get one from my Etsy shop. I'll be adding more options soon.