Want to join the Make It and Love It CREATIVE TEAM?? Find out how you can share your project ideas right here, with readers from all over the world. More info HERE. -Ashley
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As much as I’d like to do away with checks and never use them……there are still times that I need to write a check. There’s always some random bill that I need to mail off, someone I need to pay and I don’t have enough cash, a store that won’t take one of my debit/credit cards, etc.
So, I still pack around my checkbook. (Anyone else?)
However, for the past few years, it has always bugged me that the little checkbook covers that the bank gives you are plastic. And eventually crack and break apart. (Ooooh, makes me so mad.) But I never even considered making my own…because I always use duplicate checks and so I need that little plastic flap that slides under the current check you’re writing, so it doesn’t copy onto other checks down below.
But hello……why not make my own cover and add my own flap from vinyl??
Oh yeah, I guess I could do that. ;)
The cover is thin and sleek, so it still fits nicely in my wallet…….AND is much cuter than that old plastic one!
Yep, I carry a full sized wallet and carry my checkbook everywhere with me because I can never predict when I might need a check, so I like having it handy. And this new cover is much more pleasant on the eyes when I unzip this section of my wallet. But you can always toss it into your desk, your purse, or wherever else you store your checkbook.
There are two pockets inside the cover, one for a checkbook to slide into and the other for the register. The vinyl flap is so handy to place between each duplicate check…..but can easily be left off if you aren’t the duplicate-check-type!
The best part, is that it doesn’t take long to make…..so you can whip up one for you, a few for your friends, and a few more to keep handy for gifts. Checks are still going strong and until I can get rid of them completely, I might as well keep them in a cover that I actually like carrying around!
How about you…..do you still use checks?
If so, do you want to get rid of your old cover too?
Of course you do.
SUPPLIES:
***Check out my Sewing Terms 101 post, for additional help.
Cut 1 piece of the outer fabric and 1 piece of the lining fabric — both 7 3/4 inches long and 7 inches wide. Cut 2 pieces of the lining fabric 6 1/2 inches long and 7 inches wide. (If your outer or lining fabric isn’t quite stiff/thick enough, iron some fusible interfacing to the WRONG side of these pieces.
Fold both of the smaller lining pieces in half width-wise, with WRONG sides together, and iron flat. Sew an edge-stitch, right along the very top edge, about 1/16 of an inch from the fold. They should now measure 3 1/4 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
Lay your larger piece of lining fabric down in front of you with the longer length going right to left, and the RIGHT side facing up. Place the folded lining pieces down on top, matching up the raw edges up at each end.
Sew a basting stitch around all 4 edges (1/4 inch seam allowance), attaching the top fabric pieces in place…..which will become your pockets.
Next, place the outer fabric piece RIGHT side face down, right on top of those two little pockets you just attached.
Sew around all four edges, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a 4 inch opening along one of the 7 inch ends.
Trim off all 4 corners (click on the sewing tips link above, right under the supply list, for more info about clipping corners).
Turn the entire thing right side out, through the 4 inch opening. Poke out each of the corners and tuck the edges of the opening towards the inside 1/4 inch. Iron the entire thing flat.
Now, cut a piece of clear vinyl that is 3 x 5 1/2 inches.
Round off the upper two corners of the piece of vinyl.
Use a seam ripper to widen the opening of the fabric, so that it’s just wide enough for the vinyl to slide inside.
Slide the straight edge of the vinyl (not the edge with the curved corners) into the opening 1/2 inch. Be sure and center it right and left from the fabric corners.
Sew the vinyl in place, using a top-stitch that is 1/8 of an inch from the edge.
Fold the vinyl toward the lining side of the checkbook cover…and press firmly to help it stay in place. (Remember, if you iron from here on out, you need to be sure to avoid ironing where the vinyl is. Even if there is a piece of fabric between the vinyl and the iron, it will probably melt a bit and possibly change shape. Trust me….I know! ;) )
Turn the check book cover over (keeping the vinyl folded firmly in place) and place on top of a piece of tissue paper. Side under your needle (ad check again to be sure the vinyl is folded under evenly) and top-stitch around the entire checkbook cover from the outside fabric side, 1/8 inch from the edge. (The reason for the tissue paper is to help it slide across the the sewing machine…otherwise it will stick.)
Tear away the tissue paper (and pick off any bits that remain).
Then slide your checkbook into its pocket and your ledger into the other pocket……and then lift your vinyl flap and place it under your top check. Cool, right?? :)
Now toss is your purse, your wallet, or your desk drawer. And then make a few more for your friends. Because those plastic check covers have GOT TO GO!
Enjoy!
-Ashley
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Need a few more fabric DIY project ideas?
Check out this Fabric Tissue Box Cover…with a Grommet Opening.
Or how about turning a Purse into a Padded Camera Bag…
Or maybe you want to whip up a few Stuffed Fabric Turtles.
Hi, I’m Ashley—the DIY-enthusiast behind this crazy blog!
