You can sew a basic tablet case in an afternoon with fabric, batting, and a needle

A sewn tablet case takes about two to four hours to make, depending on whether you add pockets or closures. You need two pieces of outer fabric, one piece of batting (the padded middle layer), thread, a needle or sewing machine, and a measuring tape. The simplest version is a flat sleeve with a flap — no zippers, no elastic, just fabric folded and stitched. If you have never sewn before, this project teaches you straight seams and basic finishing without the complexity of a garment.

The case protects your tablet because the batting absorbs impact, and the fabric layers keep dust and scratches away. A homemade case also costs less than a store-bought one and fits your tablet's exact dimensions, which matters if you own an older model or an unusual size.

Key Takeaways

  • Measure your tablet's length, width, and thickness, then add half an inch on all sides for seam allowance before cutting fabric.
  • Batting (a thin padded fabric sold in craft stores) goes between your two outer fabric pieces and provides the protection.
  • A basic case is two rectangles sewn together on three sides, turned right-side out, and closed with a flap or button — no zipper needed.
  • Hand sewing takes longer but requires only a needle and thread; a sewing machine finishes the job in half the time.
  • Prewash your fabric before cutting if you plan to wash the case later, so it does not shrink unevenly.

Measuring and cutting the fabric pieces

Start by measuring your tablet in three directions: length (top to bottom), width (side to side), and thickness (how fat it is when closed). Write these numbers down. Add one inch to the length and width (half an inch on each side for seam allowance), and add one inch to the thickness as well. This gives you the dimensions for each piece of fabric you will cut.

You need four pieces total: two outer fabric pieces (the ones people see), and two batting pieces (the padding inside). Cut them all to the same size. If your tablet is 10 inches long and 7 inches wide and half an inch thick, your pieces should be 11 inches by 8 inches. The thickness measurement becomes part of the length or width depending on how you orient the case — if you want the case to wrap around the tablet's edge, add that thickness to the length instead.

Use a rotary cutter and ruler if you have them; they cut straighter lines than scissors. If you use scissors, cut slowly and keep the blade perpendicular to the fabric so the edges stay even.

Assembling the layers and basting

Lay one piece of outer fabric flat, right-side down (the pretty side facing the table). Place one piece of batting on top of it. Then place the second piece of outer fabric on top, right-side up (the pretty side facing you). You now have a sandwich: fabric, batting, fabric.

Before you sew, hold these layers together temporarily with basting — long, loose stitches that you remove later. Use a needle and thread in a contrasting color so you can see them. Make stitches about half an inch long, spaced an inch apart, around the edges and through the middle. This keeps the batting from shifting while you sew the real seams. If you have a sewing machine with a basting stitch setting, use that instead — it is faster and the stitches come out more easily.

Alternatively, use fabric glue or spray adhesive made for quilting. These hold the layers in place without stitches and wash out later. Follow the product instructions for how much to use.

Sewing the main seams

Sew three sides of the rectangle with a straight seam, leaving one short end open. This opening is where you will turn the case right-side out and insert your tablet. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance (the distance between the edge of the fabric and your stitching line) — this is standard and leaves enough room to fold and finish the edges.

If you are hand sewing, use a running stitch: push the needle through all three layers, pull it out a quarter inch away, and repeat. Keep your stitches even and tight. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch with medium length (about 2.5 on most machines) and sew slowly so the needle stays perpendicular to the fabric.

After sewing the three sides, remove the basting stitches with a seam ripper or small scissors. Trim the corners diagonally, cutting away the excess fabric at each corner without cutting into the seam itself. This reduces bulk when you turn the case right-side out.

Turning and closing the case

Reach through the open end and pull the fabric inside-out, so the pretty sides of the outer fabric now face outward and the batting is hidden between them. Use a blunt tool like a wooden spoon handle to push the corners out fully so they are sharp and square. Press the case flat with an iron on low heat, folding the raw edges of the opening inward by a quarter inch on both sides.

Close the opening with a ladder stitch (also called an invisible stitch), which hides the seam inside the fold. Thread a needle and knot the end. Slide the needle through the fold on one side, come out, then go straight across into the fold on the other side. Come out and go back into the first side, moving forward slightly each time. The thread runs inside the fold and is invisible from the outside. Sew the entire opening closed this way, then knot the thread and trim it.

If you prefer a visible closure, sew a button to the front flap and make a buttonhole in the back, or use a snap fastener (sold in fabric stores with instructions). These take five minutes and give the case a finished look.

Adding a flap or closure

A flap keeps your tablet from sliding out and protects the screen. Cut a rectangle of outer fabric and batting, each about 6 inches long and as wide as your case. Sandwich the batting between the two fabric pieces, baste them, and sew three sides. Turn it right-side out, press it, and close the opening with a ladder stitch as you did for the main case.

Sew the flap to the back edge of the case (the edge opposite the opening) by hand or machine. Use a whip stitch if sewing by hand — small stitches that go through the flap and into the back layer of the case without showing on the front. The flap should fold down over the opening when the tablet is inside.

If you do not want a flap, a single button sewn to the front and a buttonhole in the back work just as well. Mark where the button should go, sew it on with thread wrapped around the shank (the space under the button), and make a buttonhole by hand or machine in the corresponding spot on the back.

Finishing touches and care

Once the case is complete, try your tablet inside to make sure it fits snugly without forcing. If it is too tight, you cut the fabric too small — next time, add more to your seam allowance. If it is too loose, the tablet will slide around; you can add a thin elastic strap inside to hold it in place, or sew a pocket on the back for a stylus or charging cable.

If you used natural fabric like cotton, you can wash the case by hand in cool water with mild soap. Do not machine wash or dry it, as this can shrink the batting unevenly. Lay it flat to dry. If you used synthetic fabric or are unsure, spot-clean with a damp cloth instead.

Store the case in a dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric over time. A well-made sewn case lasts for years and protects your tablet through daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of fabric works best for a tablet case?

Cotton, linen, and canvas are durable and straightforward to sew by hand. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits unless you have sewing experience, as they are harder to keep straight. Thicker fabrics like denim or upholstery fabric reduce the need for batting but are harder to hand-sew. Prewash cotton and linen before cutting so they do not shrink after the case is finished.

Do I need a sewing machine, or can I sew the case by hand?

You can sew entirely by hand with a needle and thread. It takes longer — usually three to four hours instead of one to two — but the result is just as strong if your stitches are even and tight. A sewing machine is faster and produces more uniform seams, but it is not required for a basic case.

What if I do not have batting?

Batting is the easiest padding, but you can use two or three layers of flannel, fleece, or even old towels instead. Stack them between your outer fabric pieces and baste them together before sewing. The protection will be similar, though the case may be thicker.

Can I add pockets for a stylus or charger?

Yes. Cut a small rectangle of fabric (about 3 inches by 4 inches), fold it in half, and sew it to the inside of the back panel before you assemble the case. Make sure the opening faces up so you can slide items in. You can add multiple pockets in different sizes along the back or sides.

How do I make a buttonhole by hand?

Mark where the buttonhole should go with a pencil, then cut a slit slightly smaller than your button. Use a needle and thread to make small stitches around the slit, going through both layers of fabric. This reinforces the edges so they do not fray. Sew a button on the opposite side to match, and the closure is complete.