12/17/97

Binder Cover Ideas and Tents As Gifts

Barbara Cox Wrote:

I just happened upon your site for the first time tonight. It's great. I saw your binder cover instructions and I thought I'd write and give you an idea for improvements.

When I was in high school over 25 years ago I made binder covers out of old jeans. I decorated them with pockets, leather brand patches... all sorts of "groovy" details.

When I read your instructions I was confused about the need for a zipper. You don't need to go to all that trouble.

I always made my covers as follows:

Adding seam allowances, open a binder flat on your fabric and trace the entire binder. Then make two inner flaps. These will form a pocket in which to insert the binder cover. Make the pattern for these flaps by tracing the front cover only to the bend at the spine (add seam allowance all around). Flip this pattern for the back flap. Hem the inside vertical edge of the two inner flaps (the edge that will be nearest the spine) then (right sides together) sew each to the outer section at the top, bottom and outer edges. The edges nearest the ring mechanism is left open. There will be an unfinshed edge at the top and bottom of the spine. Simply make a topstitched hem.

hint: If you are going to add details like pockets, patches, embroidery, etc, do that before sewing the inner covers to the outer cover. Contrasting piping would be a nice detail that can be added as you sew the inner and out covers together

To insert the binder, bend the binder covers completely backward and insert them into the front and back "pockets". They will fit snugly like a wellmade slip cover. This method is much easier than using a zipper, requiring only straight sewing and no zippers. I made a lot of these during the "hippy" days. I think I even still have one in the attic somewhere.

Trei wrote in:

I made tents for my nephews and niece for CHristmas using the pattern and instructions in the Singer Quick & Easy Sewing book. They turned out sooo cute that my friend made one for her son for Christmas also. They are quite large (54 inches on each side), easy, fast and require fabric and PVC pipe which is very inexpensive. My friend used camoflage(sp) for her son's and it was adorable. Just thought I would share as several of my friend's friends are also making them after seeing hers. Thank you for a great site and a great newsletter.
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