Laptop Cover Pattern :
Pattern example is for 3 year old Apple Macbook. Specs for current model appear to be unchanged and you can see them here:
Technical Specifications
Height: 1.08 inches (2.75 cm)
Width:12.78 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth:8.92 inches (22.7 cm)
There are only 2 sewn corners on this cover, one on each side of the bottom opposite the closing flap. The corners are sewn in what looks like an upside down "T". I don't know the sewing terminology but she said they were "squared".
Height: 1.08 inches (2.75 cm)
Width:12.78 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth:8.92 inches (22.7 cm)
There are only 2 sewn corners on this cover, one on each side of the bottom opposite the closing flap. The corners are sewn in what looks like an upside down "T". I don't know the sewing terminology but she said they were "squared".
Pattern Size:
The overall size of the pattern will vary based on the dimensions of the laptop. The seams are sewn 1/2" in from the outside of the pattern. The width of the pattern is usually +1" on each side of the pattern, over the width of the laptop. For example, my Macbook is 12.78" wide so the pattern would be 12.78" + 1" + 1" = ~14.78"
The corner "T's" will be approximately the depth of the laptop.
The size of the closing flap is also variable and I find it best to leave the flap extra long and then cut & shape it to your liking and/or where you want/need the Velcro to fall.
The corner "T's" will be approximately the depth of the laptop.
The size of the closing flap is also variable and I find it best to leave the flap extra long and then cut & shape it to your liking and/or where you want/need the Velcro to fall.
Fit:
It's important to slip the laptop in the cover after the "T" corners and sides are sewn, before you size the flap. You want to ensure proper fit for your laptop.
The closing flap can be any shape. Mine is straight across but you can have "half-hexagon", triangular or whatever you like. I made 6 covers in one sitting and messed one up pretty bad, with the Velcro in the wrong place. I originally planned for a straight flap but I changed it to a half-hex so I could use the Velcro I already had in place on the main body. Changing the flap salvaged the cover and I played it cool, claiming I planned it to be like that.
The closing flap can be any shape. Mine is straight across but you can have "half-hexagon", triangular or whatever you like. I made 6 covers in one sitting and messed one up pretty bad, with the Velcro in the wrong place. I originally planned for a straight flap but I changed it to a half-hex so I could use the Velcro I already had in place on the main body. Changing the flap salvaged the cover and I played it cool, claiming I planned it to be like that.
Material:
I used a fleece or flannel backed vinyl fabric. An 18" by 24" piece is ample for most new laptops.
You can use anything that has a little bit of stretch. 4-way stretch preferred over 2-way if possible, so the laptop will fit snug inside the cover. The coated Polar Fleece type fabric is perfect if you can find it.
You can use anything that has a little bit of stretch. 4-way stretch preferred over 2-way if possible, so the laptop will fit snug inside the cover. The coated Polar Fleece type fabric is perfect if you can find it.
Options:
Denim is fine too and you could sew pockets on that and it would look pretty cool. To use denim you will need to allow for a hem or bind the edges in double fold bias tape to prevent fraying.
I've experimented with pockets a little myself but you have to be careful because laptop screens and bodies are fragile. You don't want anything pointy in the pocket that could create a pressure point and break something on the laptop.
I've experimented with pockets a little myself but you have to be careful because laptop screens and bodies are fragile. You don't want anything pointy in the pocket that could create a pressure point and break something on the laptop.
