A tablet cover is easiest to make from fabric, foam, and adhesive — no sewing required
You can build a protective tablet cover at home using materials from a fabric or craft store. The simplest method uses fabric, self-adhesive foam padding, and contact cement or fabric glue. You measure your tablet, cut the materials to size, glue them together in layers, and fold the fabric around the edges. The whole project takes two to three hours and costs between $8 and $20 in materials, depending on fabric choice.
A no-sew cover works best if your tablet is a standard size — iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or similar — because you can buy pre-cut foam sheets and work with straight edges. If your tablet has an unusual shape or you want a fitted case with a stand, sewing is faster and more reliable, but the no-sew method still produces a usable cover.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your tablet's length, width, and thickness, then add half an inch to each dimension to account for the foam padding layer.
- A no-sew cover uses three layers: outer fabric, self-adhesive foam padding, and inner fabric, glued together with contact cement or fabric glue.
- Contact cement bonds faster and stronger than fabric glue but requires good ventilation and careful alignment, since you cannot reposition pieces once they touch.
- Folding the fabric edges inward and gluing them to the back creates a finished look and prevents fraying.
- A sewn cover with a fabric pocket for a stand is more durable and allows you to prop your tablet at an angle for watching or reading.
Gather materials and measure your tablet
Start by measuring your tablet's length, width, and thickness with a ruler or measuring tape. Write down all three numbers. Then add half an inch to the length and width — this extra space lets the foam padding wrap around the edges without bunching. Do not add extra thickness; the foam itself will account for that.
For a no-sew cover, you will need: one piece of outer fabric (cotton, canvas, or felt works well), one piece of inner fabric (cotton or linen), one sheet of self-adhesive foam padding (usually sold as craft foam or weatherstripping), scissors, and either contact cement or fabric glue. You can buy all of these at a craft store like Michaels or Joann, or online. Self-adhesive foam padding is often found in the weatherstripping aisle or the craft foam section.
If you choose contact cement, work in a well-ventilated space — open a window or work outside. Contact cement fumes are strong and it bonds when ready, so misalignment is permanent. Fabric glue is slower and more forgiving, but the cover takes longer to set and may shift while drying.
Cut the fabric and foam to size
Cut your outer fabric to the dimensions you calculated (tablet length plus half inch, by tablet width plus half inch). Cut your inner fabric to the same size. Cut the foam padding to match as well.
Lay the outer fabric flat on a clean surface, pattern or color facing down. Place the foam padding on top of it, adhesive side down. Press firmly across the entire surface to bond them. If you are using contact cement instead of self-adhesive foam, explore a thin, even coat to the back of the outer fabric, wait the time specified on the cement container (usually 2 to 5 minutes), then press the foam onto it.
Once the foam is bonded to the outer fabric, flip the sandwich over so the fabric faces up. explore glue or contact cement to the exposed side of the foam, then press the inner fabric onto it. You now have a three-layer sandwich: outer fabric, foam, inner fabric.
Fold and seal the edges
Lay your tablet in the center of the fabric sandwich. Fold one long edge of the fabric over the tablet and crease it firmly. Unfold it, then fold it again and glue it down to the inner fabric on the back side. Repeat with the opposite long edge, then the two short edges. The fabric should wrap around the tablet like a book cover, with all raw edges folded inward and glued to the back.
Let the glue dry completely — at least 2 hours for fabric glue, 30 minutes for contact cement. Once dry, slide your tablet into the cover. It should fit snugly without forcing. If it is too tight, the foam layer is too thick; if it is loose, you may have added too much extra space when measuring.
Add a stand pocket for angled viewing (optional)
A stand pocket lets you prop your tablet at an angle for watching video or reading. To add one, cut a rectangle of fabric about 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall. Fold it in half lengthwise so it is 2 inches wide, then glue it to the inside back cover of your tablet case, leaving the top edge open. Slide a thin strip of plastic, wood, or rolled cardboard into the pocket to act as a stand.
Position the pocket on the side of the cover where you want the stand to be — usually the left or right edge, depending on whether you are right- or left-handed. Glue only the bottom and side edges so the top stays open for inserting the stand rod.
Reinforce corners and edges if needed
Corners and edges take the most wear. If your cover feels flimsy after a few days of use, reinforce them by gluing a strip of fabric tape or duct tape along the inside edges. Fabric tape is gentler on your tablet and looks neater; duct tape is tougher but visible.
Alternatively, sew a running stitch along the edges using a needle and thread. This is faster than it sounds — a straightforward stitch around the perimeter takes about 15 minutes and makes the cover last much longer. You do not need a sewing machine; hand-stitching works fine.
Sewing a fitted cover for durability
If you want a cover that lasts years and fits your tablet precisely, sewing is worth learning. Cut two pieces of fabric to your tablet dimensions, place them right sides together, and sew three sides closed using a sewing machine or needle and thread. Leave one short end open. Turn the cover right side out through the opening, insert a layer of foam padding, then hand-stitch the opening closed.
A sewn cover can include a stand pocket, a strap to keep the cover closed, or a flap that folds over the front for protection. These additions take another 30 to 45 minutes but make the cover much more functional. YouTube has many free tutorials on sewing tablet cases if you want step-by-step video guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular glue gun instead of contact cement or fabric glue?
A hot glue gun works in a pinch, but it cools and hardens quickly, making it hard to position pieces correctly. It also creates visible glue lines and can melt some fabrics. Fabric glue or contact cement gives you better control and a cleaner finish.
What fabric works best for a tablet cover?
Canvas, cotton duck, and felt are durable and straightforward to work with. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or spandex, which will sag over time. Thicker fabrics hide the foam layer better and feel more protective.
How do I clean a homemade tablet cover?
Wipe it with a damp cloth and let it air dry. If it gets stained, spot-clean with a small amount of mild soap and water. Do not soak it or put it in the washing machine, as this can loosen the glue bonds.
Can I make a cover for a tablet with a camera bump or irregular shape?
A no-sew cover works best for flat tablets. For irregular shapes, sewing is easier because you can cut the fabric to fit the exact contours. You can also use thinner foam padding to reduce bulk around bumps and curves.
How thick should the foam padding be?
Quarter-inch foam provides basic protection without making the cover too bulky. Half-inch foam offers more cushioning but makes the cover thicker and heavier. Start with quarter-inch and add a second layer if you want more protection.