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February 22, 2011

Fabric Check Book Cover

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I have seen this idea floating around - and decided that I wanted to make a pretty check book cover for myself!
I couldn't find a tutorial anywhere though, so I figured it out by trial and error, looking at my old boring cover, and here is how I did it!

Cut 2 pieces of fabric 8" x 16" and 1 piece of interfacing 8" x 16".
I used 2 different fabrics, in complementing colors. 
Iron the interfacing to 1 of the pieces of fabric.



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Place your 2 pieces of fabric right sides together and sew along the outside edge with 1/4" seam allowance.  Leave a 2" opening along the LONG side for turning.



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Turn right side out through the opening and iron flat. 

Top stitch 1/8" from the edge along the 2 short edges. 
Then, place pins 3.5" from the short edges to judge where to put the ruffle, and where to fold the fabric. 



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If you want to add a ruffle, cut a piece of fabric 1.5" wide by 20" long. Sew a long stitch down the middle, and pull one of the threads to gather.
Pin the ruffle on the outside fabric, about 1" in from one set of pins (or in other words, about 5" from one edge).
Sew down the middle of the ruffle to secure.



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Next, fold the short edges toward the center along the line that the pins make. See picture below. The outside fabric should be primarily showing, and the ruffle should be on the outside. These folds should be 3.5" inches from each short edge. Pin the folds in place.  Make sure the 2" opening used to turn right side out is nicely tucked in. 



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Top stitch along all 4 edges with 1/8" seam allowance:



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As you can see in the picture above, I also tore out the plastic divider from my old check book cover and sewed it right onto this fabric one.  I use carbon copy checks, so I really need the plastic thing :)
That's it!  Very simple!
You can fit a check book and register easily inside - and your check book now has a beautiful cover that stands out, is easy to find in your purse, and makes life more colorful!



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14 comments:

  1. I love this project! I'd like to share it on my Examiner page. I post articles about fun DIY projects on the National Arts & Crafts page for the Examiner online. If you are interested please let me know. I'd just need your permission to use a photo (credited to you) and link to your tutorial. Thanks!

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  2. LOVE the added ruffle touch down the middle. :)

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  3. Wonderful project and great tute!!!

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  4. Yay! It turned out great! Love the spring-timey punch of color!
    ~Amanda

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  5. So cute, great color choices. I made a similar project a while back for my sister in law and she loved it!

    Also, I have a great Dove chocolate giveaway going on right now and would love if stopped by and entered: http://eyespydiy.blogspot.com/2011/02/dove-chocolate-discoveries-giveaway.html

    ~Katie @ Eye Spy DIY

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  6. This is really cute! I like that mix of colors.

    PS- I'm doing my first giveaway ever on my blog, I'd love if you would stop by and enter! http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-first-giveaway-and-introducing-your.html

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  7. great tutorial!

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

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  8. Great idea. I hate the ugly, utilitarian checkbook covers the bank hands out.

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  9. Gosh I need one of these and this is too easy not to make! Very cute!

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  10. Sweet! I didn't know there were still check-writers out there! lol Great job!
    Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie last week! I can't wait to see what you have for this week!
    AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

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  11. I am always ruining the check book covers that come in the box with the checks. This is so cute that I would definitely have to take care of it!

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