Laptop Cosy

1. From Tilda Folklore cotton, cut two 30cm x 38cm rectangles. Arrange for a line of motifs to sit centrally within the shape. This will help the bag to look more symmetrical when it’s time to fit the straps and snaps. To make a different size bag, cut the rectangles 9cm wider and 4cm deeper than the dimensions of your laptop.

2. Place the rectangles right sides together, lining up the central column of motifs and ensuring the print is the same way up on both pieces. Machine stitch down both sides and along the bottom edge. Cut two pieces of lightweight wadding the same size as the fabric layers. Tack these to either side of the layers, following the line of existing stitches so that the wadding is held in place.

3. Flatten the bottom corners. With right sides facing, fold the stitched bag so that one side seam lays over the bottom seam and creates a point where they join. Sew across this point approximately 3cm up from the edge to shape the bottom corner of the bag. Repeat for the opposite side. Do not trim away the excess fabric; this is useful as extra padding.

4. Cut a piece of wool felt to the same width as your original rectangle, making it twice as deep, plus an extra 20cm to accommodate the flap of the bag – this will be the lining. Use the template on this website to shape the flap edge of the lining, making sure the flap is 1.5cm shorter than the lining on each side. If adapting the bag to fit a narrower laptop, adjust the template, decreasing the gap between the two straps.

5. Use the template on this website to cut a shape from gingham fabric. Pin this to the top of the lining, right sides together, and machine stitch around all sides and the shaped edge with a 5mm seam allowance. Clip the curves and turn out the flap. There is no need to add wadding to this part of the bag.

6. Fold the remainder of the felt lining rectangle in half, right sides together, and machine stitch down both sides using a 5mm seam allowance. Do not turn out. Turn the padded, printed fabric pouch right sides out and place this inside the lining. Match up the side seams and stitch from the edge of the flap across the top front of the bag to the other edge of the flap.

7. Turn out the pouch and liner through the gap at the base of the flap. Fit the lining inside the pouch. There should be a wide open seam at the back of the bag – using this open seam for access, fit half of a magnetic snap fastener to the inside of the end of each strap.

Affix the Clasps

1. Place your laptop inside the bag and fold over the flap so that the lining fits comfortably around the machine. Mark the position of the clasps on the front of the bag with pins. If you have used fabric with a regular pattern, ensure that the marks fall symmetrically on the motifs. Remove the laptop and fit the other halves of the clasps, accessing the inside of the bag through the back seam.

2. Refit the laptop into the bag and snap shut the clasps. Cut a piece of spotted fabric 6cm x the width of the bag plus 2cm. Press under 1cm all round the rectangle and pin over the open seam. Line up the edges of the spotted panel with the design on the other fabric to create a straight band of contrast at the top of the flap. Slip stitch this in place all the way round.

Add a Strap

1. Make strap fasteners. Cut a 6cm wide strip the full width of the spotted cotton. Fold right sides together along the length and stitch. Turn out to create a tube and press so the seam sits in the middle of the strap. Cut two 10cm lengths from the strap.

2. Thread each strap through a D ring, fold over by 3cm and stitch across to secure the D ring. Fold up the opposite end of the short strap piece to neaten. Pin and stitch to the top of one side seam on the bag, using a double length of thread and small stitches for added strength. Repeat for the other side.

3. Fit the swivel clasps onto the remaining D rings before threading the long length of strap through them, folding under the raw ends and hand stitching securely in place. Clip the lobster clasps onto the D rings that are sewn to the bag.

Add an Appliqué Decoration

1. Iron a sheet of fusible webbing to the back of a scrap of spotted fabric. Using a Sizzix Big Shot and dies, cut two hinge shapes and two keyhole shapes from the backed material. Remove the backing paper from the keyholes and fuse to a leftover piece of gingham. Cut an oval shape from the gingham fabric, to surround and frame the keyhole.

2. Secure the motif to the gingham by working small running stitches around the keyhole using a coordinating embroidery thread. Pin the ovals to the front of the bag below the magnetic clasps and hand stitch into place. Remove the backing paper from the two hinges and position on the bag flap, centrally above the strap. Iron to hold in place before hand stitching with coordinating thread to finish.

Create a Pocket

1. Cut a 20cm x 25cm rectangle of gingham fabric. Turn under 1cm on three sides and press, leaving one long edge raw. Open out the fold and double hem the raw edge, slip stitching it to create a narrow channel.

2. Thread a 20cm piece of narrow elastic through the hem and secure at either end so that it makes a slight gather. Refold the pressed edges and pin to the back of the bag, adding small pleats along the bottom edge to match the width of the top of the pocket. Slip stitch into place to finish.