Looking for a quick project to use up some of those favorite fabric scraps? I found myself surrounded by little pieces of my Gulf Breeze fabrics (because when you design fabric, the scraps seem to multiply overnight!), and this quilted laptop case turned out to be the perfect way to put them to good use.
This is a fun afternoon sewing project and creates a beautiful padded layer to help protect your laptop or tablet. I also added a pocket, because honestly, who doesn’t love a good pocket? It’s perfect for tucking away your charger, notebook, pens, or a few sewing essentials on the go.
Gulf Breeze is my third line with Art Gallery Fabrics (see the blog post here and the Art Gallery Fabrics line here) and I love getting to share it with you!
It’s filled with breezy coastal prints inspired by warm sunshine, ocean air, and those carefree summer days along the Gulf. If you're a shop owner, now's the time to order! And If you're a quilter, now's the time to ask your local shop to carry it!
It is currently shipping, perfect for planning out and making quilting and sewing projects all summer long.
The best part? You can easily customize this tutorial to fit whatever size device you have. Simple, practical, and a great excuse to play with your favorite fabrics.
Now let's get sewing! Make sure you read through ALL of the directions before beginning.
Finished Dimensions
- Length: 14"
-
Width: 12"
-
Seam Allowances:
-
¼" for patchwork
- ¼" for sewing and attaching binding
-
¼" for patchwork
Fabric Requirements:
- 99 fabric squares – 2½" × 2½" each (for patchwork Back panel 6 squares x 11 squares, for patchwork pocket panel 6 squares x 6 squares)
- 1 FQ of coordinating fabric for the front panel. 12” x 13½”
-
1 FQ of coordinating fabric for the lining. A 14" MacBook Pro, requires enough fabric to create 3 sections: 12" x 20", 12” x 13½”, & 12" x 10 ½"
- Binding
- Bias tape scrap
What you need:
- Curved Corners Template
- Rulers
- Cutting mat
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Lightweight iron on interfacing for ironing patchwork to (I used this)
-
3 pieces batting
- Front Panel: 12” x 13½”
- Back Panel: 12" x 20"
- Optional Pocket Panel: 12” x 10 ½”
- Adhesive spray
- Wonder clips — These are my newest obsession, they will make your sewing experience so much better!
-
Hera marker
- Aurifil Thread
- Snaps
- Iron
Notes: I used my Accuquilt 2½" die to cut all of my squares out! It was super easy to use and perfect for scraps.
**Use a ¼” seam allowance when piecing patchwork squares
Create the Patchwork Panels
Lay your iron-on interfacing with the adhesive dots facing up. Using the edge of the interfacing as a guide, carefully arrange your squares into a panel measuring 6 squares x 11 squares for the back panel and 6 squares x 6 squares for the pocket panel.
Place the squares so they are just barely touching—no overlapping and no large gaps.
Once your layout is complete, press the squares onto the interfacing using your iron. Make sure each square is securely adhered with no shifting or peeling.
Sew the Rows
Now head on over to your sewing machine and fold over the first row (or column—whichever direction you prefer) so the squares align edge to edge. Sew using a scant ¼” seam allowance.
Note: A scant ¼” seam allowance helps maintain the finished square size. A full ¼” seam allowance is perfectly fine as well, just note that your finished panel may end up slightly smaller.
Continue folding and sewing each row or column until the entire panel is pieced together.
Using small scissors, carefully clip the seams open and press flat. This allows the panel to lay flat when sewing in the opposite direction.
Sew the Opposite Direction
Carefully fold down the first column and align the seams.
Stitch using the edge of the squares as your guide and continue sewing each column just as before.
Once complete, carefully clip the seams open and press the panel flat for a smooth finish.
Quilting the Panels
Create a "quilt sandwich" with the patchwork panel, batting and lining fabric. Baste using adhesive spray.
Do not trim the panels yet. Quilted pieces tend to shift slightly during quilting, so it’s best to trim them down after you have finished quilting the panels.
Quilt the panels using your preferred quilting design. I used my quarter inch foot as a guide and quilted along the seams. For this bag, I combined horizontal, and vertical quilting lines for added texture and structure.
To create even more visual interest, I quilted with the 12 wt threads from my Gulf Breeze Aurifil Thread Collection, which added beautiful texture and helped highlight the quilting throughout the finished project.
My stitch length for this project was set to 3.5mm.
Cutting & Constructing the Laptop Case
After quilting your patchwork panels, it’s time to cut the sections for your laptop case.
Because laptop sizes can vary slightly by brand and model, I recommend measuring your device first and adding approximately 1” of ease to both the width and height for a comfortable fit. For my 14” MacBook Pro laptop, these measurements created a snug but functional case with enough room for quilting and seam allowances.
- Front Panel: 12” x 13½”
- Back Panel: 12" x 20½"
- Optional Pocket Panel: 12” x 10 ½”
Bind the Top Edges
Before assembling the case, bind the top edges of:
- The front panel
- The optional pocket panel
Trust me, doing this now is so much easier than trying to bind them after assembly.
Once the binding is attached, lay out your panels and place your laptop on top to visualize the finished fit. I highly recommend checking the overlap before sewing everything together.
For my preferred fit, I like about ½” of extra space around the laptop. This keeps the case snug and secure without feeling bulky.
Shape the Flap
To create rounded corners:
- Place the curved corner template on one of the top corners. (download the curved corner template here if you haven't done so already).
- Trace the curve onto the fabric.
- Trim along the marked line through all three layers.
- Repeat for the other top corner to create symmetrical rounded corners and press flat.
Rounding the corners gives the laptop case a softer shape and helps the binding wrap smoothly around the curved edges for a clean, professional finish.
Assemble the Case
Layer the sections together with the wrong sides facing each other:
- Back panel
- Front panel
- Pocket panel
Clip everything securely in place and sew around the sides and bottom edge of the front panel to hold the layers together.
Note: Before sewing all of the layers together, I placed the pocket over the front panel and sewed 2 vertical lines down the side of the pocket panel to create a pen holder. This is entirely optional, however it makes a great addition to the bag.
Attach the final binding around the outer edge of the case and give the bag a good pressing.
Add Your Closure
For my laptop case, I chose a Kam snap closure for a secure and streamlined finish. You may also customize your case with a button and loop, Velcro, or a sew-in snap depending on your preferred style and function.
To add a Kam snap:
Find the center of the top flap and mark a point 1¼” up from the raw edge.
Find the center of the front pocket and mark a point 1½” down from the top edge.
- Install the corresponding snap pieces at the marked locations following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Double-check that the flap aligns properly and the snap closes securely and then you are finished!!
If you make one, I’d absolutely love to see it! Be sure to tag me at @becca.plymale.creative so I can cheer you on and see your version come to life. Leave a comment below and tell me what you love most about this project. I’d love to hear how you’d personalize yours!