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When they finally appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, impractical and even scandalous
This week, we’re bringing you daily quick-stitch gift ideas that you can sew up in an evening – just in time for Christmas! And best of all, they all need just one or two fat quarters of fabric, so you should be able to raid your stash and start sewing instantly.
Read on to find our free tutorial by Jennie Jones for how to make a DIY tablet holder for the techie in your life.
Designer Jennie says: “This fabric bag is a nice grown-up way to wrap up your gifts (and it will be reusable afterwards) so put down the wrapping paper and pick up your sewing machine – Christmas is coming!“
How to make a tablet holder
You will need
- 1 x fat quarter of fabric
- Bean bag filling
- Wadding scraps
- Basic sewing kit
Notes
- We’ve used: Tropical Spring, Pineapple fabric by Rico, from Sew Crafty
- Use a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance.
Cutting out
Step 1
From the fat quarter, cut out a 45x40cm (18×15¾in) piece of fabric for the for the beanbag and a 8x5cm (31⁄8x2in) piece of fabric for the cable loop.
Make the cable loop
Step 1
Fold both pieces of fabric in half lengthways with right sides (RS) together and press them.
Step 2
Sew the folded loop piece RS together along the long edge, then turn RS out and press.
Step 3
Fold this in half widthways to make a loop and pin to the top of one short edge of the bean bag piece so that raw edges are matching and the loop lies inside the folded fabric.Position the edge of the loop 5cm (2in) away from the pressed fold line.
Step 4
Sew together along the top, sewing the loop into place as you go, then sew down the side of the bean bag piece, leaving the bottom open to make a bag.
Make the bag
Step 1
Open the fabric out so that the seam is running down the centre of the bag. This will make a box shape at the base.
Step 2
Lay this down flat and with the seam on top, then fold in the bottom corner to the centre and press. Unfold and mark this crease with pins.
Step 3
Sew just this corner together across the pinned line then trim off the excess fabric. This makes a flat surface at the bottom of the bag, adding stability.
Fill the bag
Step 1
Turn the bag RS out and measure 8cm (31⁄8in) down from the open raw edge and pin together horizontally across the bag through both the front and back.
Step 2
Stitch the bag together along your pinned line, but leave a 5cm (2in) gap at one end for filling.
Step 3
Fill the bag firmly with bean bag filling then stitch the bag closed.
Make the resting section
Step 1
Turn the raw edges under by 1cm (3⁄8in) to the wrong side (WS).
Step 2
Stitch the end together, leaving a 5cm (2in) gap at one end for stuffing.
Step 3
Stuff this section firmly with wadding then stitch the opening closed.
Step 4
Prop your device up on the bag with the end on the resting section, then you can thread the cable through the loop to keep it out of the way when charging.
Watch hands-free in comfort
Making your own fabric tablet holder is a simple, satisfying project that lets you enjoy videos, recipes, or calls hands-free. Once finished, you’ll have a practical, stylish accessory perfect for home or travel.
Treat a sewing enthusiast
Explore our list of seven unique gifts for sewing lovers – thoughtful, practical, and fun ideas they’ll adore.
